Ranged
with all the other insulation materials that are used today (rigid boards,
foams, loose fill) most home owners and construction installers, insulation batts are the most sought-after. One of the characteristics that may work in
its favor is it’s the most flexible insulating materials used to insulate
floors, walls and ceilings.
Another advantage that probably makes it a
favorite in standard projects is because it comes in pre-cut panels that gives
very little or no problem at all during installations. Batts are usually made
from many materials like fiberglass, or rock wool, plastic fiber, and some
natural fibers like cellulose or cotton.
Customized
Another
advantage could be that they are economical and effective, especially if they
are installed by experienced professionals. During the insulation installation,
you need to help the installers in making sure your home panels are customized
to fit the particular and specific areas of your home.
The
gaps and opening (slits and holes) will make the whole thing ineffective.
The
batts are usually used in unfinished walls (including foundation walls) and
floors and ceilings. The batts are fitted in the joists, studs, and beams of
the house.
Types
There
are a number of types for the pre-cut fiberglass batts. The unfaced type is one
material that has the insulation showing on both sides. The Kraft face has the
paper on one side which acts as the water vapor barrier.
The
continuous rolls (called blankets) can be cut by hand and trimmed according to
fit. The facings (like the Kraft paper or vinyl) are usually attached for water
vapor protection. They are also available with or without facings.
Availability
Since
they are sought-after, batts and rolls are available in widths that are suited
to standard spacing of wall studs, attic trusses or rafters and floor joists.
The continuous rolls can be cut by hand and trimmed accordingly.
Batts
are also available in various widths which are usually used for basement walls
and other places where insulation are left exposed. The facings help in
facilitating the fastening during the installation. (Unfaced batts are actually
better when adding insulation over existing ones.)
More features
Since
insulation projects are not uniform and the individual needs for batts in each
have to be cut and sized accordingly from continuous rolls. Also, they are
chosen from those with or without facings (these are the protective measures
against water vapor and air).
There
are also batts with flame-resistant facings available in various widths of your
choice. Usually, these are used in basement walls and some places where
insulation is left exposed.
R-values
The
regular fiberglass blankets and batts have a thermal resistance (r-value)
between R2.9 and R3.8 per inch in thickness. The fiberglass blankets considered
high performance (medium and high densities) have R values between R3.7 and
R4.3 per inch of thickness.
These
R-values for insulation batts vary greatly depending on the thickness that your
home requires.
(The
samples are as follows: a 3.5 inch batt has an R value or 11, 8.85 inches has
an R value of 25 and 12 inches offers an R value of 38.)
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