Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass insulation is the most popular insulation used in the U.S.  It is made of tiny glass fibers that are intertwined to trap heat from passing through it.  Most commonly it is made in blanket like sheets that are cut and rolled into what are called batts.  Batts are then sold to be cut and installed into your home as insulation.  This barrier traps heat and moisture from entering or exiting your home.

Benefits of Fiberglass

• Fiberglass is fire resistant.  When fiberglass insulation is installed in your walls and attic, it can help slow a fire from spreading throughout your home.
• Easily insulated.  Whether fiberglass is rolled out in batts or blown using a special machine, its installation is relatively quick and easy.
• Money saver.  As with any insulation product, fiberglass insulation will save you money on your monthly utility bills.
• Pest control.  Pests like mice tend to avoid fiberglass insulation.  It is very difficult for them to move through it so they stay away from it.
• Affordable!  Fiberglass insulation – especially in the rolled form – is the most affordable insulation choice.
• Sound barrier.  Fiberglass insulation makes an excellent sound barrier between walls, floors, and ceilings.

The R value – or heat resistant rate – of fiberglass insulation depends on its thickness when applied in batts or rolls.  The thicker the roll of fiberglass insulation, the higher the R value.  Higher R valued fiberglass insulations are usually used in the attic while lower values are used between walls.

Before 1990, fiberglass insulation sometimes contained asbestos.  If you aren’t sure when your fiberglass insulation was installed, it is important to allow a professional to remove the old insulation in case it contains this toxic material.  Also, while it is easy to install new fiberglass insulation on your own, we recommend using a professional as inhaling any type of insulation can be harmful to your health.   A pro fiberglass insulation installer will also know how and where to apply the product.  A layman may not know that it should not be crushed or that it can cause a fire hazard if placed too closely to certain things like lighting or other electrical sources.