Choosing the Right Insulation for Your St. Petersburg Rental Home

There are many types of insulation to choose from for your St. Petersburg rental homes, all of which have both pros and cons. This can make choosing the proper insulation difficult unless you have the necessary information to make an informed choice. In the following, we will look at the pros and cons of four of the most common types of home insulation.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass insulation is designed to be used in unfinished walls, ceilings, and floors and is made of glass fibers matted into fluffy (usually pink) batts and rolls. The size of these batts or rolls makes them great for installation between studs, joists, and beams. Fiberglass insulation is relatively inexpensive and easy to install, making it a popular choice. However, it can irritate the skin and airways, so you should wear gloves and take other safety measures before handling. Another downside to fiberglass insulation is that it is difficult to add to existing construction without destroying the walls and ceilings.

Loose Fill and Blown-In

Loose fill or blown-in insulation is especially useful when adding insulation to existing walls, attic floors, or other hard-to-reach sections. Loose fill and blown-in insulation are typically made up of dry cellulose, fiberglass, or mineral wool. The process of blowing in the insulation may be its largest drawback because specialized equipment has to be used.

Foam Board

Foam board is usually used to insulate concrete block and slabs. Made from strong materials such as polyurethane, foam board can be installed directly into the walls of new construction. If adding to existing construction, foam board can be used to insulate foundation floors, walls, and ceilings. It is somewhat thin but provides good insulating value. However, like blown-in insulation, specialized skills and equipment are needed to install the foam board. Moreover, it is not fire or weather resistant, so additional layers have to be added to achieve a weatherproof finish.

Sprayed Foam

Sprayed foam is one of the most versatile insulation types available. Made from a strong polyurethane, sprayed foam is made for use in enclosed spaces, walls, gaps, and unfinished attic floors. It is easy to add around existing construction and pipes or other features. You can buy sprayed foam in small containers for minor jobs, but bigger quantities must be applied by means of special spraying equipment. It also has a tendency to be costlier than some of the other types of insulation.

In the end, the type of insulation you choose for your rental homes will be based on a combination of factors, including the cost, the home’s current condition, and which areas need to be insulated. All types will increase the energy efficiency of the home, so no matter which one you choose, you’ll add comfort and value to your rental homes in St. Petersburg. To learn more, please contact us online or give us a call at 727-400-4722 today!