Insulation - types, features, and flaws

Summary

This video introduces the different types of insulation and their proper installation to achieve optimal energy efficiency. It highlights the pros and cons of batt insulation, cotton, blown-in blanket systems, cellulose, spray-applied products, and spray foams. The importance of ensuring full contact with air barriers on all six sides of insulation is emphasized. It also covers radiant barriers and how different insulation types perform in varying climates, particularly in Louisiana. Special attention is given to moisture control, air sealing, and achieving the best R-value for energy savings.

Takeaways

• 🧱 Proper installation is key to insulation effectiveness, requiring smooth, full coverage on all six sides of a wall.
• 🛠 Batt insulation is common but often poorly installed. It should be friction fit to avoid voids and compression for optimal performance.
• 🌡 In North Louisiana, craft-faced batt insulation is suitable, but in South Louisiana, unfaced batt insulation is recommended to avoid moisture issues.
• 🔧 Blown-in blanket systems (BIBS) provide excellent coverage by using dense-packed loose-fill fiberglass, preventing voids and compression.
• 🌱 Cotton insulation made from recycled blue jeans is a green, safe-to-handle option with similar R-values to other batts.
• 🔥 Spray-applied cellulose, made from recycled newspaper, resists mold and pests, absorbs moisture, and needs time to dry before wall closure.
• 🛡 Open-cell spray foam provides both insulation and air sealing, creating a tight building envelope but at a higher cost than batts.
• 💧 Closed-cell spray foam is more expensive but offers a higher R-value, vapor resistance, and is flood-resistant, ideal for certain climates and flood-prone areas.
• ☀️ Radiant barriers, like foil-faced foam or reflective roof materials, reduce solar heat gain and improve energy efficiency in hot climates.
• 🔧 Installing radiant barriers under roof decks or in vented attics is an easy, cost-effective retrofit solution to keep attics cooler.

Q & A

What is the key factor for insulation to be effective in a wall system?

For insulation to be effective, it needs to be in full contact with the air barrier on all six sides of the wall system.

Why is unfaced batt insulation recommended in South Louisiana?

Unfaced batt insulation is recommended in South Louisiana because the region doesn't need a vapor retarder. Moisture moves from the outside to the inside, and unfaced batts allow for better moisture flow and drying.

What are the disadvantages of using craft-faced batt insulation?

Craft-faced batt insulation can be poorly installed when contractors side staple it, causing compression and air voids, which reduce its effectiveness.

What is one of the benefits of cotton insulation made from recycled blue jeans?

Cotton insulation is safe to handle without gloves and has a similar R-value to fiberglass batts, making it a more eco-friendly and user-friendly option.

What is the advantage of a blown-in blanket system (BIBS) over traditional batt insulation?

A BIBS system provides full coverage without voids or compression and works well around obstructions in walls, offering a more consistent R-value and better insulation performance.

How does spray-applied insulation improve energy performance?

Spray-applied insulation provides even coverage and fills gaps around obstructions, improving energy performance by creating an airtight seal and avoiding the gaps and voids that are common with other types of insulation.

What are the benefits of using cellulose insulation, particularly in Louisiana?

Cellulose insulation, made from recycled newspapers mixed with borates, is fire-resistant, mold-resistant, and repels bugs. It can also absorb and release moisture, making it an excellent choice for Louisiana’s humid climate.

What are the main differences between open-cell and closed-cell spray foam insulation?

Open-cell spray foam creates an air barrier and is vapor permeable, while closed-cell foam is denser, more expensive, has a higher R-value, and is flood-resistant, making it ideal for areas that require moisture protection or more insulation per inch.

Why is a radiant barrier useful in a hot climate like Louisiana?

A radiant barrier reduces solar heat gain, keeping attics cooler, lowering heat transfer to insulation, and protecting ductwork and air conditioning systems from excessive heat exposure.

What are some retrofitting options to improve insulation in a home?

Retrofitting options include adding radiant barriers under roof decks, which can be installed easily, even by homeowners, and help keep attic spaces cooler by reflecting radiant heat away from the house.

Outlines

00:00

🛠️ Proper Installation of Insulation Types

This paragraph discusses the importance of proper insulation installation for energy efficiency. It highlights various types of insulation, including batt insulation, cotton insulation, and blown-in blanket systems (BIBS). Emphasis is placed on ensuring full contact with all six sides of the wall to prevent voids and compression, which can reduce effectiveness. Unfaced batt insulation is recommended for regions like South Louisiana to allow moisture to flow and dry better. The text also mentions recycled products like cotton insulation and improvements in fiberglass insulation safety, explaining that proper installation can come with additional costs.

05:04

🔧 Spray Insulation Options and Performance

The second paragraph explains the characteristics of spray-applied insulation products such as cellulose, fiberglass, rock wool, and spray foams (both open-cell and closed-cell). Spray foams provide additional benefits, including creating an air barrier and better coverage around obstructions, which enhances energy performance. Open-cell foam is vapor permeable, while closed-cell foam is preferred for high-moisture areas and flood resistance. The paragraph contrasts the cost-effectiveness of spray insulation against batt products, and recommends specific foam types based on climate zone, use under floors, and situations requiring higher R-values.

10:06

🌞 Radiant Barriers and Their Effectiveness

This paragraph covers radiant barrier systems that can reduce solar heat gain in homes. These products, like foil-faced foam and radiant barriers under the roof deck, reflect radiant heat and help cool attics, reducing heat transfer to insulation, ductwork, and HVAC systems. Radiant barriers are inexpensive and can be retrofitted, making them an ideal solution for vented attics. Additional measures, such as low-E windows and reflective roofs, are suggested for improved energy efficiency in hot climates.

Keywords

💡Batt Insulation

Batt insulation refers to pre-cut, flat insulation panels, typically made of fiberglass or cotton. It is commonly used in walls, floors, and ceilings. In the video, it is emphasized that batt insulation should be installed without voids or compression to be effective. The video also explains the differences between faced (with vapor barrier) and unfaced batt insulation, depending on the climate.

💡Air Barrier

An air barrier is a material that prevents air from passing through a wall, floor, or ceiling. The video highlights that for insulation to work effectively, it must be in contact with the air barrier on all six sides. This ensures better energy performance and avoids air leaks that can reduce the effectiveness of insulation.

💡Blown-In Blanket System (BIBS)

The Blown-In Blanket System (BIBS) is a method of insulation where loose-fill fiberglass is densely packed behind a mesh screen. It provides full coverage without gaps or compression. The video mentions that BIBS ensures better insulation around obstructions like wires and plumbing, making it a more effective choice than traditional batt insulation.

💡Cellulose Insulation

Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper products, typically treated with borates for fire resistance and mold prevention. The video describes its green, eco-friendly nature and its ability to absorb and release moisture. It is commonly used in spray form, where it fills cavities thoroughly and can improve the energy efficiency of a home.

💡Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation is a product applied as a liquid, expanding to fill spaces and creating both an insulation layer and an air barrier. The video differentiates between open-cell and closed-cell spray foam, explaining that closed-cell foam provides a higher R-value, better moisture resistance, and flood resilience, making it ideal for areas like floors in flood-prone zones.

💡R-Value

R-Value is a measure of thermal resistance, indicating how well insulation resists heat flow. Higher R-values indicate better insulation performance. The video discusses different R-values for various insulation types, such as batt insulation (R-11 to R-15) and spray foam, emphasizing that the right R-value depends on the desired energy efficiency and climate zone.

💡Vapor Barrier

A vapor barrier is a material used to prevent moisture from passing through walls, floors, and ceilings. The video mentions that in southern climates like Louisiana, using unfaced batt insulation is preferred to avoid trapping moisture. It contrasts this with northern climates, where a vapor barrier might be more appropriate to handle winter conditions.

💡Radiant Barrier

A radiant barrier reflects heat rather than absorbing it, reducing solar heat gain in a building. The video describes how radiant barriers, such as foil-faced foam or reflective roof materials, can be used under roofs or walls to keep homes cooler, particularly in hot climates. It is often used alongside insulation for better overall thermal performance.

💡Flood-Resistant Insulation

Flood-resistant insulation, like closed-cell spray foam, is designed to withstand water exposure and prevent moisture damage. The video suggests this type of insulation for areas prone to flooding, especially under raised floors. It resists water absorption, maintains structural integrity, and helps reduce damage after flooding.

💡Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass insulation is made of fine glass fibers and is one of the most common types of insulation. The video highlights its widespread use and recent innovations that make it safer, such as formaldehyde-free products. It discusses the advantages of fiberglass insulation in various forms, including batts and blown-in systems.

Highlights

Proper installation of insulation ensures getting the full benefit of what you are paying for, with the material fully filling the space and contacting the sheathing on all sides.

Batt insulation is common, but often poorly installed. It should be smooth, without voids or compression, and in full contact with the surrounding materials to be effective.

In South Louisiana, unfaced batt insulation is recommended as there’s no need for a vapor retarder. Using unfaced batts also reduces the risk of compression and voids during installation.

Unfaced batts often provide a better installation because faced batts are commonly pressed and side-stapled, leading to compression and reduced effectiveness.

Cotton insulation, made from recycled blue jeans, is a safe and eco-friendly alternative, with comparable R-value to fiberglass batts.

New fiberglass insulation products are formaldehyde-free and safer to handle, improving their appeal for residential use.

Blown-in blanket systems (BIBS) provide excellent coverage without voids or compression, filling spaces around wires and plumbing with ease.

Spray-applied insulations offer full, even coverage, making them ideal for creating an effective air barrier and improving energy efficiency.

Cellulose insulation, made from recycled newspaper, is fire-resistant and mold-resistant due to its borate treatment, making it an environmentally friendly option.

Spray cellulose insulation, though damp when applied, stabilizes as it dries and provides full coverage, but proper drying before wall closure is essential.

Open-cell spray foam provides both insulation and an air barrier, making it a highly effective but more expensive option.

Closed-cell spray foam offers higher R-value per inch and is more resistant to vapor, making it ideal for flood-prone or high-moisture areas.

In flood-resistant buildings, closed-cell foam is recommended as it provides additional rigidity and water resistance, especially in vulnerable areas.

Foil-faced foam can offer insulation benefits as well as a radiant barrier, particularly when used in areas like knee walls and exterior walls.

Radiant barriers, such as foil stapled to the underside of rafters, can significantly reduce solar heat gain in attics, lowering temperatures and improving energy efficiency.

Transcripts

Here is our insulation exhibit wall at LaHouse showing a wide variety of types of insulation

Properly installed so that you'll actually get the benefit that you're paying for

We're accustomed to batt

insulation, but it is often very

poorly installed

This is the way it should look very smooth

Completely filling the space and in direct contact with the sheathing with the interior wall

on all six sides

For an insulation to be effective it needs to have that air barrier in

Contact with it all six sides in a wall system a craft faced

batt insulation

Is a good choice in North Louisiana where you have some winter, but here in South, Louisiana

We would recommend if you're going with a batt product to use the unphased batt

We don't want or need a vapor retarder of any type on the interior side

Moisture moves from out to end

Everything will flow and dry better if it is unfaced plus unfaced batts or friction fit

Generally you often get a better installation because with the craft paper what many

Contractors do is they press it in and they side staple that actually causes compression and creates a void

and an air current and it reduces the

effectiveness of that insulation so with batt products every penetration wires

Plumbing you need to split the insulation and put it around to avoid any compression and to avoid any voids

Yes, it takes added effort

Added workmanship you may need to pay extra to have it installed

Very proper to have it installed properly

according to good energy performance

Standards this type of bad insulation is another option. This is actually cotton

Insulation that is made from recycled blue jeans, so it's a recycled product, and it's very

Safe to handle into touch with bare hands whereas you do need to use gloves

But even the fiberglass industry has come out with types of fiberglass insulation

That don't off gas

Formaldehyde like previous ones did and that are easier and safer to handle with less personal protection

The cotton insulation has a very similar R-value to the batts the batts come in

various R-values and densities

At different price performance points so in a three and a half inch stud space

of a 2x4 wall you would

you can get anywhere from an R-11 to 13 - R-15 for a higher-end batt as well an

alternative to batts

That gives excellent coverage is

What's called a blown in blanket system or bibs There is a a mesh

That is just strung across the studs kind of hold it in and then loose fill

fiberglass is

dense packed

under dense pack to a certain density

To create an r-value up to 15 the advantage of this is it it's full coverage without

Voids and without compression and around all the little obstructions that may be in a wall

So when a home is being rated for an energy certification or some of the incentive programs that are out there

It's rated according to how well it meets

installation standards of being in full contact with the air barrier on all six sides

easier to achieve that

Achievable with any insulation, but the bibs is one good way to do it

Another way to do it is with the spray applied products so generally any of the spray applied

Installations will give full even coverage around all the obstructions that may be in a wall

So you may get better

performance for the same r-value than with the cut and fit you know relying on workmanship with some other

Installations, so it's a it's a good option

The cellulose type is what was utilized in most of the framed section of Lahouse

It's recycled newspapers

So it's a green recycled material mixed with borates the borates are the fire retardant, but they also

Give it some resistance to mold

Bugs don't like borate

So it has those advantages and it it can absorb a little bit of extra moisture in the system and release it later

Dissipate it so it's an excellent product for our area

the

Spray cellulose insulation has a an adhesive mixed in it when combined with with water

it becomes like a

spongy

Stabilized material, so it won't settle and it will fill that space

However it is damp so it is important to allow it to dry before closing up the wall

You know allow it to dry to a certain level before closing up the wall and to not over wet it so

Properly trained and experienced contractors should be used to install

damp spray cellulose insulation

the other spray

alternative they do have spray products now with fiberglass as well as with rock wall that

mix with an adhesive and have similar performance

The other option are the spray foams spray urethane foams. There are several types

And we show with different types of formulations

But two major categories are the open cell spray foams

And the two closed cell spray foams are shown here the open cell foam

Has a similar R-value to the other installations

But in addition to our value it air seals, so it creates an air barrier

And you don't need to do other measures to provide that air barrier

Wherever you do have the spray foam so it creates a very tight building envelope

It does cost more than the other installations

But that air barrier comes with it the cellulose might cost

maybe 20-25 percent more

But it may give you 30% better performance than a typically installed batt product

A spray foam will give a very tight construction the open cell foam is

Vapor permeable you fill the space with it there may be some waste

And it does tend to cost about double what what a batt

product might cost

in the installed cost and a professional who knows what they're doing

must do it the roof here was done with open cell we would recommend in our climate zone

open cell under the roof deck. I think is a lower risk

product just in case there's any vapor drive inward the walls can be either open cell or closed cell

But as we discussed before under a raised floor we would recommend closed cells

also

if you're wanting to build a or

insulate for that washing-n-wear concept a flood hearty flood resistant type of

Building system you would also need to use the clothes sell product closed cell foam

Costs about twice what the open cell it uses more product, but it has a higher r-value

So wherever you need those properties of more r-value per inch or you need it to be flood resistant

Or you need it to be vapor more vapor

impermeable, that's the place to

Spend the extra money on the closed cell foam

The knee walls and the walls of the 2x4 walls on the backside of the living room of the house have

Foil faced foam to provide

that rigidity and that extra insulation as well as the radiant barrier benefit as well

another type of

Insulation system which is not conventional insulation is the idea of a radiant barrier in our climate

just as we discussed behind the brick veneer

In addition to having

insulation having an airtight building envelope the other

important factor in our climate is to reduce that solar heat gain to reduce the

radiant heat that you feel from the Sun or from hot materials and in doing so

products that are effective our low-e windows the reflective roofs like we have with the cool color metal roof

the radiant the foil faced

foam on the walls behind brick veneer and here we show a radiant barrier under a roof deck

This is a foil material

that is just apply just staple to the underside of the rafters. This is an easy

retrofittable

material something people can even do themselves and

shiny side down

The shiny side down keeps it from getting dusty, and it still works. It's not reflecting

It's a low emissivity product, so it keeps that radiant heat from coming through

So it will keep a vented attic much cooler than it would be otherwise

reduce the heat gain to the insulation on the floor reduce the heat gain to any ductwork or

Air handling system or air conditioner that may be in the attic so it is something that is

can be done inexpensively can be retrofitted which is a good solution for vented attics