Proper insulation is essential for residential buildings because it prevents free exchange of heat across the walls. If your house insulation is not ideal, your heating and cooling systems will experience undue strain. In simple terms, the interior space will be hot on sunny days and cold on winter days. As a result, your HVAC will have to work constantly to achieve optimal climate control. If your house has been experiencing significant energy losses, you should consider replacing your old insulation with new materials. Here are critical selection factors to consider for long-term performance.

Insulation R-Value

When choosing an insulation product for your home, you should always check the R-value of the material. The R-value is the measure which determines thermal resistance or the ability of the insulation product to prevent the flow of heat. This factor is an important indicator of the future performance of the new house insulation. If the R-value of your selected product is high, you will enjoy better protection against heat loss and gain. Consequently, your energy bills will be low.

Soundproofing Factors

You should inquire about the acoustic protection provided by insulation materials before purchase. Most products intended for protection against heat flow have some soundproofing properties. However, if you live in a busy area, you should consider choosing a thermal resistant material with exceptional sound protection elements. After all, it is not reasonable or economical to invest in both thermal and acoustic insulation products. Materials with high density will provide better soundproofing, so you should check the different specifications in the market before making a decision.

Allergic Reactions

Numerous types of insulation materials are fibrous in nature. If these particles enter the respiratory system, they will cause allergic reactions in some individuals. If someone in your household has a sensitive constitution which is vulnerable to allergens such as pollen, feathers and other similar items, you should avoid choosing particulate or fibrous insulation materials. For example, some people have a sensitive reaction to cellulose and fibreglass. If this is your case, you should look for rigid board or foam or concrete insulation blocks for your house.

Flame Resistance

You should consider the sensitivity of your selected insulation materials to fire. Some products in the market are highly flammable which can cause an unexpected escalation during a fire incident. Therefore, you should choose materials which either have a low level of flammability or make sure that the product is treated for resistance.