Types of Insulation

Appleblossom carries and will install a wide variety of insulation. We continually look for, and, to be trained on cutting-edge products. Here is a brief description of insulation types we currently use.

Natural

Stabilized Cellulose

Made from 85% post consumer products comprised, typically of, newsprint and corrugated. With cellulose, there is a difference between stabilized and not. We use the Stabilized Cellulose exclusively because it offers very little settling and superior density. As a loose fill material applied in attics, baffles are installed to keep the material away from soffit vents. The baffles will also prevent wind from entering the soffit vents and blowing through the insulation. Light fixtures should not be covered with cellulose unless they are rated to accept insulation. Stabilized Cellulose is very effective when it is wet-blown in wall cavities for its’ insulating properties as well as pest deterrence, sound deadening and fire retardation properties. Learn more about Cellulose Insulation here.

Cotton

One of the newest insulations available, is a natural fiber made from 85% post industrial recycled natural fibers (recycled blue jeans is part of the composition). Manufactured in Holland with no chemicals, Cotton Insulation is made mostly in batts. It provides superior sound and thermal control and is safe for the environment.

Mineral Fiber

There are two main types - Rock Wool and Fiberglass
Rock Wool is made from steel slag (over 75%) with some basalt rock (less than 25%) – in some manufacturing sites, the recycled slag makes up almost 100% of the content. This insulation is blown-in and will seal wall cavities similar to cellulose it is also blown-in to attics. At recommended densities, the R-value of Rock Wool is comparable to cellulose. Although Rock Wool weighs more than fiberglass it is less likely to become airborne than fiberglass. Rock Wool is the only insulation that could actually stop fire.

Fiberglass - installed typically as batts in walls and blown-in in attics, this widely used "pink" product is considered a carcinogen and Appleblossom Insulators only uses this when it is requested.

Chemical

Open Cell foam insulation such as Isocynene can be applied to walls and in attics - it offers a superior R-factor (2” x 4” cavity R-13 and 2” x 6” cavity R-19) - this foam is considered non-structural and is semi-rigid. Open Cell foam is not corrosive to steel, is anti fungal and anti-bacterial and can be used as a sound barrier. Additionally, open cell foams will absorb water and should not be installed in areas that have direct contact to liquid. The recommended thickness for exterior walls is 3.5 - 5.5 inches. Installers must be trained to use this product.

Closed Cell foam insulation offers R-values of over 7 per inch and is the highest R-Value available. It is applied the same as open cell foam. Closed Cell foam is fire proof, insect proof and non-toxic. The material contains a lot of water, which requires a drying period before a wall can be closed. The material is easily crumbled when dry. Watch Video >>

Air Seal foam - Appleblossom Insulators used a 6% expanding foam around all windows and doors as well as any small bypasses where it is appropriate - this is a very effective product to use as an air leak stopper.

Other

Fiberglass - this can be pink or yellow made in batts or blown in. Fiberglass is a spun glass insulation product that is widely used in home building. Relatively inexpensive to install, it is what everyone thinks of when the word ‘insulation’ is discussed. Fiberglass was originally used as a safe substitute to asbestos; however, because the product is made from, in some cases, up to 20% recycled glass; there is currently some debate on the overall safety of the product. Regardless, care should be taken if Fiberglass insulation gets wet; it will breed un-safe microorganisms.

Reflectives - this lightweight product is usually called bubble-foil or foil-bubble-foil and consists of a layer of polyethylene bubble that is sandwiched between layers of foil. A radiant barrier reflects radiant heat energy instead of trying to absorb it. This product can be used as a Radiant Barrier along pitch lines (reflecting up to 97% of all radiant energy) and as a Vapor Barrier in crawl spaces (it is 100% waterproof). It can provide Class A/Class 1 Fire Rating and reduces ice dam potential. See examples here...

Foam Board - this is used mainly in sealing crawl spaces, building attic damn, and seals. R-values range from R-4 to R-10