Your home’s insulation plays an important role in regulating temperature in your home, ensuring that it is able to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature throughout the year. Properly designed and installed insulation can also reduce your home’s energy consumption, lowering your utility bills and helping you to save on upkeep costs. When it comes to insulation materials, fibreglass and foam are two of the most popular options among homeowners. In this post, we take a closer look at the applications and advantages of fibreglass and foam insulation to help you make a more well-informed decision when it comes to your own home.
Advantages and Applications of Fibreglass Insulation
Fibreglass insulation is made from fine strands of glass that are woven into a fibrous material, hence their name. It is one of the most affordable and versatile types of insulation available on the market, making it very popular and commonly used for insulating walls, attics, floors and ceilings. Some of the other advantages of fibreglass insulation include:
- Fire Resistance: Given that fibreglass is primarily made from glass, it is naturally non-combustible and highly resistant to fire. This makes it an important safety feature and enables it to slow the spread of fire within a building.
- Moisture Resistance: Fibreglass is also moisture resistant and does not absorb or retain moisture easily, reducing the risk of mould or mildew growth.
Advantages and Applications of Foam Insulation
On the other hand, foam insulation can take the form of either spray foam or rigid foam panels and often has superior insulating qualities compared to many other insulation materials. Spray foam is applied as a liquid that expands and hardens in place, whereas form panels are cut and fitted into walls, roofs and floors. Some of the other advantages of foam insulation include:
- Superior Insulating Qualities: Foam has a higher R-value per inch compared to fibreglass and other insulation materials. This means that it provides better thermal resistance and is a better insulating material.
- Air Sealing Capabilities: Because spray foam is able to expand to fill any gap that it is sprayed into, it has sealing capabilities and is more easily able to create an airtight seal that can prevent drafts and air leaks.
- Longevity: Unlike fibreglass and some other loose-fill materials, foam insulation retains its insulating properties over time and does not sag or settle.
Still in Doubt? Australian Heritage Homes Can Help
If you’re still unsure about whether fibreglass or foam insulation is the right option for you, Australian Heritage Homes can help. We are the leading custom builders in Melbourne, and our team has been building homes for the local community for generations. With extensive experience in all manner of home building, from heritage homes to sustainable homes, our team is uniquely suited to guide you at every stage of the home-building process. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to find out more about how we can help you with all of your home-building needs!