Fiberglass insulation has been the most popular insulation material for both commercial and residential buildings. Its high R value and ease of use are the biggest reasons fiberglass is superior to the several available insulation technologies.
The term R value defines the capability of a material to prevent the transfer of heat; the insulation will work more effectively the greater its R rating. Insulation with a high R value will help to keep the heat inside and reduce your overall energy costs. Different climates will have different R rating requirements, and will surely need different solutions and products. You will not require a high R value insulation if you live in a warmer climate. You will see the most energy savings from high R value products in colder climates, as this is the most effective insulation at preventing heat loss.
Since it is a member of the “loose-fill” category, fiberglass is ”squashable” enough to fit into the smallest of spaces and also cover the larger areas of attics and walls. Fiberglass insulation is made using glass that has been melted and then spun into fibers. Using recycled glass for much of the raw materials makes fiberglass insulation a reliable and eco-friendly product. This fiberglass is then packaged as either rolls (glued to a backing paper) or loosely bagged “blow-in” insulation.
The most popular type of insulation used in residential applications is fiberglass rolls, which are usually sold in widths which fit snugly in the space between joists and between wall studs. The big, pink rolls of fiberglass insulation have become a common sight.
Blown in insulation is preferable for areas where accessibility is nearly impossible, like eaves and irregular crawl spaces. With this kind of insulation, small pieces of fiber are literally blown into the area using specialized equipment. To help prevent settling, which could lessen its effectiveness, many of the blow-in products are coated with a special adhesive that holds all of the fiber pieces in place.
Another possible difficulty with blow-in fiberglass is the mess. If you rile up the stuff, it will wind up in places you don’t want it, like on the carpet and in your hair and down your shirt. Therefore, if you plan on turning your attic into a storage space, it would be best to use the pink rolls and then cover the joists with plywood. This will have the added benefit of providing even more insulation for the house. You can also box in the blow-in fiberglass, but working with the rolls is just a lot easier, less time consuming, and cheaper.