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Residential Insulation Types
While all homes should ideally be insulated, it is most important that homes in areas that see extreme heat or cold be well insulated. When the outside temperature drops or rises beyond what is comfortable you will be glad that your home is protected by quality insulation. Not only will you be more comfortable, you will save lots of money on your energy bills.
Insulation helps to keep you more comfortable by reducing the transfer of heat from inside your home to outside your home. Insulation works by not allowing the warm heat of your house to escape into the night air, much like a cozy jacket works on a cold winters night. It is necessary to trap warm air into your home, as it naturally seeks out cooler air.
Residential Insulation Types
There is a wide selection of insulation that could be used to protect your home. Fiberglass, which is constructed of real glass that is melted and spun, is the most common material used for residential insulation. The visibility of the spun glass is enhanced by the addition of either pink or yellow dye. Fiberglass has two main methods of installation, either cut pieces to size from a large roll, or use a pneumatic hose to blow in the loose form of the material.
Another form of insulation that is inexpensive and easy to install is a radiant barrier. This barrier works by preventing heat from traveling through the barrier by radiating it back towards its source. This type of barrier is a foil that is usually attached to cardboard or some other stiff surface. Radiant insulation is often placed in the attic where it can reflect heat back into the home, or back outside, depending on the weather conditions in that area.
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