Loft Insulation Materials

Insulating a loft is not a hard decision to make. With the rising cost of energy these days, it is almost a necessity for every home or building. However, with the overwhelming range of loft insulation materials to choose from, insulating a loft might not be easy at all. In this regard, we will examine here the different materials commonly used by homeowners and loft insulation companies.

The most common material used in loft insulation these days is fibre glass. This is a soft, wool-like material that has a pink or yellow colour. Besides being used in insulation, it is also used in weatherproofing and as a textile. Fibre glass is considered as a safer alternative to asbestos in terms of its impact on health.

On the other hand, fibre glass as an insulation material is not risk-free. As a matter of fact, fibre glass liners inside ducts are a cause of some health problems because it can become a breeding ground for micro-organisms if it gets wet. This material can also cause skin allergies to people who are chemically sensitive. Hence, when choosing to use one, the chemicals and other raw materials used to produce it must also be considered to lessen the risk it poses to health.

Another common material use in loft insulation is cellulose fibre. This material comes in many forms, and is mainly made of recycled papers that are treated with a fire retardant. This is the second most popular material used in insulation these days because of its stability, cheaper price, and friendly impact on the environment.

Meanwhile, besides fibre glass and cellulose fibres, one insulation material that is also favoured by many is foam. The product is available in two forms: one in rigid foam insulation boards, and another in spray foam. The former is used by cutting it into the required sizes and fixing the cut pieces into place while the latter is used by spraying the liquid foam, which then expands gradually to fill the loft.

There are many other types of loft insulation materials available. Sheep wool, soya fibre, straw and hemp are just a few of the other materials that you might like to use. Always remember that when you are choosing an insulation material, always go for the one with a high thermal resistance or R-value.