Types of Insulation

Still, there are several factors you should take into consideration when choosing the right insulation for your building. Look to Rankin Insulation for the professional guidance and installation services you need. Backed by more than 30 years of industry experience, we are your dedicated insulation experts.

Read through the information below for details about different types of insulation. Don't hesitate to contact us for additional information or to discuss your next project. We respond to all inquiries the same business day, and FREE estimates are available. Se habla Español.

Insulation is all about maximizing your R-value per dollar. While all insulators are equal with proper insulation and air sealing, you want to maximize your R-value per dollar you spend.

Many products claim to be "superior" insulators because they achieve higher R-values-per-inch of insulation. But, all products with the same R-value insulate equally well. You should aim to get the most R-value for your budget with your chosen insulation material.

According to the National Association of Home Builders Research Center and other independent tests, the pairing of fiberglass insulation and mineral wool insulation with standard air sealing practices reduce air infiltration levels to virtually zero.

Fiberglass and mineral wool batts don't settle. Loose-fill fiberglass and mineral wool only settle a negligible amount, which allows them to maintain thermal performance for the entire life of the building.

Fiberglass and mineral wool insulations are UV stable. They do not experience shrinkage or thermal performance loss with exposure to ultraviolet rays. Spray foam insulation is susceptible to UV exposure, which can potentially compromise its performance.

Insulation can help create acoustically sound environments. Whether your building is designed for people to live, work, relax, play, celebrate, or turn up the volume in, insulation can make their entire experience more comfortable, enjoyable, and productive.

Fiberglass and mineral wool insulations give your building an edge by offering high levels of sound control between interior rooms, ceilings and floors, and from outside sources. These types of insulation also make it easy to apply acoustical control to interior walls without altering your build practices.

Fiberglass and mineral wool insulations are naturally non-combustible. Spray foam insulation ignites at 700 degrees Fahrenheit.

Manufacturers of cellulose insulation must apply fire retardants to reduce flammability at a ratio of 20% by weight. This adds fire resistance, but the finished product is still not non-combustible or smolder-resistant. The Consumer Products Safety Commission requires these manufacturers to warn customers that their product can pose a fire hazard.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the US National Toxicity Program (NTP), and the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard and Assessment agree that fiberglass and mineral wool thermal and acoustic insulations are not to be classified as carcinogens.

Spray foam insulation contains isocyanates, which can cause skin, eye, and lung irritation, as well as asthma and sensitization. There is no recognized safe level of exposure to isocyanates for sensitized individuals.

Isocyanates have been reported to be the leading attributable chemical cause of work-related asthma. Physical contact and respiratory exposure both can trigger adverse health responses. During installation, all other tradespeople must evacuate the structure completely.

Fiberglass and mineral wool insulations: