3 Benefits Of Installing Fiberglass Insulation
Insulating your home is a significant step toward making your home more energy efficient. There are several different types of insulation materials you can use.
The most common insulation materials you can use include:
- Foam insulation
- Cellulose insulation
- Mineral wool insulation
- Natural Fiber Insulation
- Fiberglass insulation
Though all the above are ideal insulation options, about 71% of new single-family homes have fiberglass insulation. Fiberglass insulation is so popular because it provides several benefits you don't get from other types of insulation.
Hence, if you plan to insulate your home, here are three benefits of fiberglass insulation installation.
1. Affordability
When choosing the ideal insulation for your home, the cost per square foot is always a significant factor. Besides, different insulation materials vary in cost per square foot.
Compared to insulation materials such as wood fiber and mineral wool, fiberglass insulation is more affordable. On average, wood fiber insulation costs between $4.25 and $6.75 per square foot, while mineral wool insulation costs between $1.40 and $4 per square foot. But, fiberglass insulation costs between $0.40 and $1.50 per square foot.
Hence, opting for fiberglass insulation can help you save money on material and installation costs.
2. No Moisture Retention
Moisture retention can affect the R-value of your insulation. For instance, when insulation absorbs moisture, the moisture displaces the air in the insulation. As a result, the moisture facilitates the conduction of warmth through the insulation.
Furthermore, when an insulation material absorbs and retains moisture, it creates an ideal habitat for mold. Hence, when choosing insulation materials, consider moisture retention.
Unlike cellulose, mineral wool and open cell foam insulations, fiberglass insulation is impervious to water. Hence, fiberglass insulation doesn't absorb or retain any moisture. So, fiberglass insulation doesn't facilitate the development of molds or thermal conductivity.
Thus, fiberglass insulation is the best option for you if you live in a high humidity region.
3. Fire Resistance
Insulation materials line all your walls, floors, and attic. Hence, in the event of a fire, your insulation can either act as a barrier or an accelerant.
If you have flammable insulation, it will act as an accelerant if your house catches on fire. For instance, when exposed to enough heat, cellulose and spray foam insulation can ignite. As a result, such insulation materials could be ignited and cause a house fire.
Fiberglass insulation is non-flammable. Hence, the fiberglass insulation would not accelerate the fire even if your home were to catch on fire. Thus, fiberglass insulation is a better option in terms of safety.