Home insulation, like your favorite Stanley drink cup, keeps heated and cooled air inside where it belongs!

It regulates indoor temperatures,

reduces your home’s energy usage,

carbon footprint and your bills,

contributes to your family’s comfortable living space by keeping the air a steady temperature, and

improves the resale value of your home.

Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, famous for the “man in mittens” meme, said,

“Everyday we are paying more for energy than we should due to poor insulation”.

With all these benefits, Jack reached out to insulation specialists. Here’s what we learned about both cold and warm climates and the four factors of insulation: R-value, soundproofing, flammability, and allergens.

The Four Factors of Insulation

1. R-VALUE

The number one thing to know about insulation is R-value, which measures the insulation material's thermal resistance, or the material’s heat resistance/ability to stop the transfer of heat (the R stands for “resistance”)—the only thing we ordinary folks need to remember about r-value is the higher the R-value, the better the insulation. Colder attics benefit from higher R-values, which are measured per square inch of material. Higher R-values signify greater insulating power. Here are some common r-values:

Fiberglass: R-value: 2.2 - 2.7 per inch
Cellulose: R-value: 3.1 - 3.8 per inch
Spray Foam: R-value: 6.0 - 7.0 per inch
Reflective Barrier: R-value: Varies based on installation method

2. SOUNDPROOFING

A calm, peaceful home is practically priceless. An easy way to reduce excess noise is with wall insulation! It acts as a noise reducer by stopping sound waves from passing through, since it’s soft and lets the sound waves settle in and land without bouncing around and through into the next room. Regular fiberglass insulation can be used cost effectively to reduce sound transfer but for extremely exacting tastes and loud, raucous environments (ever wanted to block out barking dogs during a work-from-home videoconferencing call? or sleep while teens play videogames??), there are special acoustic soundproofing insulation varieties specifically made to reduce noise transfer more efficiently. Acoustic insulation can also be installed underneath stair treads of a staircase to reduce the sound of heavy footsteps going up and down.

3. FLAMMABILITY

As if energy efficiency and  noise reduction wasn’t enough, firestopping insulation helps to prevent fire from spreading! The most fire resistant insulation is known by several names; rock wool, slag wool, stone wool or mineral wool, these names are the most common. This type is often only used around fire sources, such as your furnace, because it is expensive. But in high fire zones, homeowners are installing this firestopping insulation inside the exterior walls and attic of their homes for greater fire safety. Even in the most extreme temperatures, firestopping insulation resists heat and melting with a unique and valuable feature that it doesn’t produce smoke. With other insulative measures, such as insulating around pipes and sealing openings using fireproof rated caulking, the home is outfitted for greater firestopping measures.

4. ALLERGENS

There’s a new insulation certified “allergy friendly”, from Owens Corning called “Pure Safety”. For other types of allergen reducing insulation, look for mold and mildew-resistant insulation, since mold is a common source of allergens. Even dust can be reduced up to 65% in a home by using allergen reducing insulation according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

TYPES OF INSULATION

Fiberglass Insulation

Composed of tiny glass fibers, fiberglass insulation is a cost-effective and widely used option. It comes in rolls or batts and is pretty simple to install. If DIY, during installation it will make you so itchy, so Jack says wear protective gear including gloves and a face mask OR contact your local insulation installer thru your Jack app to do it for you.

Cellulose Insulation

Made mostly from recycled newspaper, cellulose insulation is an recycled, eco-friendly choice for hard to reach areas, and easily fits around in wall obstructions and down in between existing walls without having to remove the sheetrock first. It is blown or sprayed into the attic space or wall, creating a seamless layer of thermal protection. This type of insulation is known for its excellent soundproofing qualities too.

Spray Foam Insulation

A high-performance option, spray foam insulation expands to fill gaps and create an airtight seal. It provides superior insulation and is excellent for hard-to-reach spaces. Professional installation is typically required. There is even a type of spray foam insulation that can go OUTSIDE on top of the roof to insulate and waterproof the building, when attic access is difficult or non-existent. If firestopping is desired, you need to check the rating for fire suppression and ask for the specific type you want, there are several. All fire suppression spray foam products are not the color red, this is a misconception. Make sure to check the fire rating!

Reflective or Radiant Barrier Insulation

Reflective insulation is designed to reflect up to 95% of radiant heat away from the living space, preventing it from transferring to the inside of the panel. It consists of a reflective surface, often aluminum, and is ideal for hot climates. Installation involves placing the reflective material in the attic space, typically stapled to the rafters.

Wool Insulation

Derived from sheep, eco-friendly, renewable natural wool insulation comes in two main types—loose-fill and batting. There are types of insulation called “rock wool” that are not made from natural wool material, so if you want the natural wool from sheep, make sure to check the materials source.

Loose-fill: Consists of small wool fibers blown or poured into spaces, creating a seamless layer.

Batting: Comes in rolls or sheets and is ideal for standard spaces, offering flexibility in installation.

Polyurethane Foam Insulation

A versatile option that can be sprayed or injected. Known for its high R-value and ability to create a tight seal.

Whether it's changing out your worn out attic insulation, sound insulating a home office or media game room or exploring the possibilities of fire suppression and allergy relief, insulation has got you covered!

Needing local advice, installation, maintenance, and repairs for your home? Use your Jack of All Homes app to connect with local, professional insulation experts for a seamless, digital home management experience. And remember to put your insulation into your Jack app!

If you happen to be in the insulation business, join our JackPro app to reach local customers effortlessly.

A well-insulated home makes for a happy home life!

Scan this QR code to download the Jack of All Homes app, for all happy homes, yours included!

1) Open your cell phone’s camera.
2) Point the camera at the QR code as if you are going to take its picture.
3) A yellow link will pop up below the QR code,
4) Tap “Jack Homes” to be brought to the type, Apple or Android store, to download the Jack app. If you have already downloaded the Jack app, the link will bring you to your Jack Homes app itself.