Insulation is rated in terms of thermal resistance, called R-value, which indicates the resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value of the insulation, the greater the insulating effectiveness. The R-value of thermal insulation depends on the type of material, its thickness and density.

Insulation works best when air is not moving through or around it. Therefore, it is very important that air leaks be sealed to ensure that you get the full performance out of any insulation that is installed.

The choices you make about insulating your home deserve some careful attention. Unfortunately, most homeowners assume that all insulations perform the same and are content to let the price serve as the determining factor in making their decision.

Cellulose Insulation

Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper, and is sprayed or blown into the wall cavities of your home, forming a seamless insulation system. It completely fills around obstructions, such as wiring and pipes, without voids or gaps.

Due to its recycled content and potentially higher energy and acoustic performance, cellulose is more environmentally preferred than fiberglass. At R-3.6 to R-3.8 per inch, cellulose insulation is considerably better than most mineral fiber blowing wools.

Other benefits of Applegate Cellulose Insulation are fire retardancy, the absence of airborne glass fiber particles and good sound control.

Existing Homes
Chances are good that your home could benefit from cellulose insulation being added to your attic and walls. Many homes have inadequate insulation—often none at all in older homes! Or your attic may be insulated with fiberglass that is doing a poor job. If needed, Applegate can be easily applied over existing insulation. Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratories found that capping loose-fill fiberglass insulation with Applegate not only adds R-value, it actually restores the effective R-value that fiberglass insulation loses during cold weather. Many homeowners of existing homes will benefit with insulation in their walls. A simple, quick inspection by an insulation professional is all that is needed to determine whether your home would benefit from additional wall insulation.

Polyurethane Foam

Liquid polyurethane is applied by pumping through pressurized spray nozzles onto the wall cavities of your home. When it lands on the wall cavities, it expands to a foam, conforming to the shape of the cavity and creating a continuous insulating barrier.

Its ability to fill even the smallest cavities give it twice the R-value per inch than traditional fiberglass batt insulation.

Polyurethane foam insulation also has excellent adhesion ability to metal surfaces that serves to eliminate condensation, leaks and provides thermal efficiency.

Liquid foam insulation products and installation usually cost more than other insulation options. However, liquid foam insulation also forms an air barrier. This can help eliminate some of the other costs and tasks associated with weatherizing a home, such as caulking, applying house-wrap and vapor barrier and taping joints. When building a new home, this type of insulation can also help reduce construction time and the number of specialized contractors, which saves money.

Fiberglass Batts

Fiberglass batt insulation has widespread use largely because it is generally the least expensive option available. The greener options of fiberglass insulation are well worth any incremental increase in cost because of their health benefits. "Green" fiberglass insulation is made with recycled content materials and may have better indoor air quality properties than conventional fiberglass.

The typical R-value of fiberglass batt insulation is approximately 3.2 per inch. It is cut and pieced together during installation which may leave gaps.

Fiberglass batt insulation can be used in a wide range of exterior wall and roof/ceiling applications. The product can be installed in wood or metal framing cavities, or can be installed between furring channels.