Insulation Materials
At Absolute Insulation Inc., we use a variety of different insulation materials, including batt insulation, blown-in fibreglass insulation, blown-in cellulose insulation, spray foam insulation, foam board insulation, and Rockwool/Roxul Insulation. Read on to learn more about all the different forms of insulation we use.
JM Batt Insulation
Properly insulating a structure using Johns Manville building insulation helps preserve our environment by reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling, reducing the pollution resulting from fuel burning, reducing the emission of hazardous air pollutants during manufacturing and reducing waste through the utilization of recycled materials. Lightweight, thermal and acoustical fibreglass insulation Best for use in 2 x 6 walls, crawlspaces and under floors 50% recyled content - JM fibreglass insulation carries the UL Ecologo certification for reduced environmental impact
JM Climate Pro Blow-in Fiberglass Insulation
Johns Manville Climate Pro® Formaldehyde-free™ blow-in fibreglass insulation offers thermal and sound control along with fire-resistance. Engineered for professional use with high-volume blowing machines, it's ideal for attics, nonconforming spaces and hard-to-reach areas making the job faster and easier. ADVANTAGES Easy Installation: Insulates attics or spaces of all shapes and sizes without cutting or fitting. Complete Coverage: Effective in tight spaces, areas with large amounts of cross-bridging or small gaps and voids. Thermally Efficient: Effective resistance to heat transfer. No settling; no loss of RSI/R-value following installation. Formaldehyde-free: Will not off-gas formaldehyde in the indoor environment. Sound Control: Reduces sound transmission through exterior and interior walls, floor and ceiling assemblies. Fire-Resistant: Flame Spread of 25 or less and Smoke Developed of 50 or less. Resilient Inorganic Glass: No rotting, mildew or deterioration. Also noncorrosive to pipes, wiring and metal studs. Superior Performance: Stable bonded glass fibres will not slump, settle or break down during normal applications.
Blown-In Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulation is a type of wood- or paper-based product. It is used to fill empty spaces in the structural part of a house to slow down the transmission of heat or cold. Cellulose insulation is thick, dense, and clumpy, with a consistency much like down feathers. The chief value of this shape and size is that the insulation can fit in enclosed areas (such as walls) and can conform around obstructions such as wires and ducts (found both in walls and in attics). Commercial cellulose insulations are generally derived from wood, and more specifically from paper: recycled newspapers, cardboard, office paper, and other common waste paper products. For this reason, cellulose insulation is considered an eco-friendly home product. Cellulose Insulation Advantages There are a number of advantages to using cellulose insulation over other types: Loose-fill cellulose insulation can settle around and conform to most of the obstructions found in walls and attics. Loose-fill cellulose is relatively inexpensive, yet still has an R-value of about 3.5 per inch of thickness, compared to fiberglass' R-value between R3 to R4 per inch. When walls are already finished, injecting loose-fill cellulose insulation is one of the few ways of adding insulation. One alternative is to pull down the drywall and use fiberglass batts. Cellulose insulation stands up reasonably well against insects and vermin because it is treated with borates. Cellulose Insulation Drawbacks There are also a few drawbacks to cellulose insulation: While settling is one of blown-in cellulose insulation's advantages, this can also be a problem, mostly with walls. Over time, the insulation can pack down and form pockets above the settled areas. These pockets become thermal bridges, which transmit heat or cold into the house. Settling in attics is less problematic for two reasons. First, attic spaces can be overfilled to account for settling. Second, when cellulose insulation in attics settles, no empty spaces are formed. When cellulose soaks up moisture in enclosed areas, it can take a long time to dry out. Moisture dramatically cuts R-value and may lead to the formation of mold and mildew. Rigid or sprayed-in foam stands up better against moisture.
Spray Foam Insulation
Product innovation over the years has seen the introduction of several different types of spray foam insulation. Primarily in residential and commercial construction, open-cell and closed-cell spray foam is used while high-density spray insulation is used as roofing foam in commercial or industrial construction. Open-cell sprayed-in foam insulation, a soft low-density material, is typically used for interior applications such as wall cavities, underside of roof decks, attics, basement walls and crawlspaces. The open cell structure of low density foamed insulation allows for moisture permeability to help contribute to moisture management and bi-directional drying of the wall assembly. Closed-cell spray insulation, a rigid medium-density material, can be used in exterior applications such as continuous insulation applications, as well as interior applications. This type of foam insulation has a higher R-value per inch making it also suitable for small areas that require the highest possible R-value to meet building code requirements. Closed-cell spray foam’s rigidity help reject bulk water making it a recognized flood-resistant material by FEMA.
Rigid Board/Foam Board Insulation
Foam Board insulation products are an efficient way to dramatically increase the overall thermal efficiency of your home. These boards are lightweight, noncorrosive, easy to cut and an excellent continuous insulation option. Because of its resistance to moisture, foam board insulation is a great choice whenever and wherever there is a chance it could get wet, such as: an exterior foundation, inside a basement against the foundation, and on the outside of a house beneath a house wrap. Foam board insulation is more expensive than traditional batt insulation, so use it only when moisture is a factor and it makes sense with your budget.
Rockwool/Roxul Insulation
Rockwool/Roxul insulation is a type of mineral wool insulation made from stone fibres. It provides a variety of benefits when properly installed, and is capable of making significant improvements to a home or commercial building. The benefits of Rockwool/Roxul insulation include: Fire Resistant: In the event of a fire, every second counts. Rockwool/Roxul insulation helps protect you and your family by delaying the spread of fire. Made from stone, ROCKWOOL products can withstand temperatures up to 2150F. Water Repellent: ROCKWOOL insulation repels water, so R-value is not affected. It is also completely resistant to rot, mildew, mold, and bacterial growth, contributing to a safer indoor environment in your home. Better Fit: The higher density of Safe'n'Sound provides superior sag resistance and fit. Once installed, Safe'n'Sound holds its shape without sagging or slumping in the wall cavity over time to provide continuous fire protection and sound control over time.
