Insulation: What's better?

Question

For houseing, What's better and why?

Styrofoam

Fiberglass

Other?

Answer 1

This depends on where you are using it. You want to use foam panels in the basement, garage, and other places that may get wet. Foam will dry out better.

Fiberglass with a vapor barrier is good for walls and ceilings to fill in between joists. Fiber glass works best in areas where it will not be compressed. When you stuff fiberglass insulation into a place, it loses a lot of it's r-value.

Spray foam (comes in a can) is good for cracks and crevices around pipes, doors, windows, etc. It can be messy though.

The blow in cellulose insulation is okay for attics and is cheap (and most home improvement stores rent/loan you a  blower for free when you buy a certain amount of insulation from them) but it will take two people to run (one to feed the hopper and one to blow the stuff in), and it settles 20 to 25% so you have to use more. Settling will reduce it r-value, like stuffing in fiberglass.

I forgot to mention that Fiberglass insulation will settle as well, but only around 10%. Foam panels or spray in does not settle, so it won't lose any of it's r-value.

Answer 2

Fiberglass...cheaper, better insulator, and less fire hazard.

Answer 3

OK so here is what I know:

Styrofoam-I do not recommend using for an entire home, I would use it for a garage, because it doesn't really insulate that well.

Fiberglass: Is cost effective and is a really good insulation. Also it's stock, in the stores so it's also readily available.

Jean insulation: It's make of recycled jeans, and it's pretty good if you are environmentally conscience

Spray foam: This is also recycled material in most cases and is reasonably priced, but you can't do this on your own you have to call in a special installer for this.

I would go with fiberglass, cause it's cost effective, found everywhere, and you can do it yourself! Hope that helps!

Answer 4

Fiberglass for walls , wood floors, and attics....styrofoam for under slabs and foundations and special area's like rafters if you need air space........but I would use fiberglass batts for almost anything......even in attic.......rather than the blown in. I can't give you a solid why..........I've used it all my life and it just wooks best..........plug wiring holes and plumbing holes that cuts down the drafts...........most you heat loss is up....the rest out thru the glass. So you know where it's needed the most. I caulk my plates (sills) windows , doors, and any openings........it's just better...........do it right while the house is open...........it does pay......