While it may be common knowledge that every home needs insulation, not everyone knows exactly what insulation does and why it’s important. Whether you’re a new contractor or a homeowner, you should know what’s going on inside your walls. Below, Stayton Builders Mart of Marion County, OR, shares some helpful information about insulation and what building materials you will need.

Purpose

Most people understand that insulation—when properly installed—will help keep their homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer. But how does it do this? Insulation has tiny pockets that capture heat before it passes through a wall or roof. In this way, insulation slows, but doesn’t prevent, heat flow between the indoors and outdoors.

Types

There are numerous types of insulation, which vary by affordability, ease of installation, and effectiveness. Some of the more common types are rigid Styrofoam boards, spray foam, and fiberglass batting. Each variety fulfills a different purpose, and several types may be utilized in a single home. Attics, for example, usually have loose-fill, blown fiberglass wool.

R-Value

All building materials have a particular rating based on how well they slow heat transfer. For insulation that is installed in attics, the R-value needs to be higher because that’s where the majority of heat either enters or escapes, depending on the time of year. Attic insulation usually has an R-value between 30 and 50, while insulation installed in exterior walls are around 15.

Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC)

Along with slowing heat transfer, insulation actually fulfills another purpose. It can slow the transfer of noise. That’s why it’s important to install insulation even in the interior walls of a home. Insulation is rated for its noise reduction coefficient, which tells contractors how well the material cancels out noise.

Installation

Of course, with every kind of insulation, there are different installation methods. But no matter what building material you choose, you must do a thorough job. Ensure there are no gaps because they allow for easy heat flow, which makes the insulation less effective. Insulation must be carefully inserted around windows and doors as well. 

No matter what building materials you need, you can find them at Stayton Builders Mart. They carry everything you need to build a home, from lumber to roofing and everything in between. They even provide the tools you’ll need. Contact them today at (503) 769-7118, or visit their website to learn more about their inventory.