Should I Use Fiberglass Insulation in My Home?
Choosing the right insulation materials for your home is the best way to ensure you’re protected from unwanted thermal transfer and poor energy efficiency.
Fiberglass insulation is a great solution for New Jersey families that want to strengthen their home insulation. In fact, 85% of homeowners around the country are making the switch to fiberglass insulation, making it the top-selling insulator in the U.S.
Why should you consider using fiberglass insulation in your home? Read on to find out all the benefits you stand to gain from fiberglass insulation installation!
How Insulation Works
Insulation materials are designed to slow conductive and convective heat flow. To help maintain indoor comfort, insulation prevents heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer by resisting heat flow. Each insulation material works to reduce heat transfer differently. To determine an insulator’s resistance to thermal transfer, every material is given an “R-value.”
What Is R-Value?
R-value is the measurement used to determine an insulation material’s thermal resistance. The higher the R-value, the more effective the material is at reducing heat transfer. Several factors are used to determine a material’s R-value, including its type, thickness, and density.
R-values are usually given at a specific amount per inch. For instance, blown-in fiberglass insulation has an average R-value of 2.2-2.7 per inch. The amount of insulation needed for your home depends on the local climate, type of HVAC equipment you have installed, and part of the home you plan to have insulated.
In northern New Jersey, homeowners are located in Climate Zone 5, meaning winters are typically colder than for our South Jersey counterparts. For this reason, insulation rated at R49-R60 is recommended for these attics.
Taking into account that the average R-value of fiberglass insulation is around 2.5 per inch, that means you’d need 20 inches of blown-in fiberglass insulation to reach an R-value of R50.
Benefits of Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass insulation comes in blown-in and batt form, with fiberglass batts having a higher average R-value up to 4.3 per inch. In addition to high heat transfer resistance, fiberglass insulation offers the following key benefits:
- Moisture- & fire-resistant: In case of flood and fire, fiberglass insulation offers excellent resistance.
- Easy insulation installation: While some insulation materials are a headache to install, fiberglass insulation is a breeze.
- Extremely effective insulation: From its soundproofing capabilities to its durability and eco-friendliness, fiberglass insulation is the superior choice.
- Inexpensive installation cost: Even at its most expensive, fiberglass insulation costs about $1.30 per square foot, making it exceptionally affordable.
Where Can Fiberglass Be Installed?
Many areas of the home can benefit from fiberglass insulation installation, including:
- Attics
- Crawl spaces
- Rim joists
- Open walls
Importance of Trusting a Pro With Fiberglass Insulation Installation
When installed properly, fiberglass insulation can form a resistant barrier that protects your home and personal property from moisture, heat transfer, and airborne contaminants. Unfortunately, many homeowners attempt to DIY their insulation installation or trust sub-par contractors with the work they should have left to the professionals.
At Eastern Contractor Services, our team is continuously trained in the latest insulation installation tools and techniques, ensuring your materials are installed properly the first time, every time.
Don’t leave your fiberglass insulation installation needs in the wrong hands: Trust Eastern Contractor Services by calling 866-446-7858 to schedule fiberglass insulation services in Flanders, NJ, today!
