FIBERGLASS

What Is Fiberglass Insulation?

   Fiberglass insulation (also known as Batt insulation) is made from recycled glass materials that are melted at high temperatures and then spun into long fibres. The fibers are joined together with a binder and baked in an oven before being sliced into the right size and packaged up.

The glass fibers hold millions of tiny air-pockets in between them, which is what gives fiberglass insulation its excellent insulating properties. Fiberglass is one of the most popular insulating materials for residential and commercial applications because of its effectiveness and affordability.

How Does Fibreglass Insulation Work?

   Fiberglass batt insulation contains thousands of tiny air pockets inside its structure. These pockets trap the air and disrupt the flow of heat, making the insulation a poor conductor of thermal energy.

In other words, fiberglass insulation helps keep heat out of your house during summer and helps you keep the warmth in during winter. It also makes heating and cooling more energy efficient, saving you money on your power bill.

To be effective, it’s important that fiberglass batts are not compressed during installation or afterwards. It’s also important that there are no gaps left between the batts as anywhere that air can get through, so can heat.

​

Is Fiberglass Good for Insulation?

  Fiberglass is an excellent thermal insulator. It also performs well as acoustic insulation. Specialised acoustic glasswool batts are ideal for soundproofing your home while also improving energy efficiency.

How effective a fiberglass product is at resisting heat flow depends on its thickness and R-Value. A high R-Value indicates higher thermal resistance – and greater potential savings on your energy bills.

Depending on where you live and what areas in your home that you are insulating, there are different recommended R-Values. You may even have to meet local building regulations when it comes to R-Values.

Check out our guide “What is R-Value?” to find out what R-Value you need.

​

Which Is Better Insulation: Foam or Fiberglass Batts?

   Expanding insulation foam is a type of insulation that can be sprayed into the walls or ceiling by a professional using special machinery. If you are building a new home or undergoing major renovations, we recommend using batt insulation.

In circumstances where the wall cavity cannot be exposed, expanding foam may be a more convenient option. However, it’s important to understand the limitations of expanding foam, such as settling over time and the potential for off-gassing.