Global warming is taking its toll. The last five years on the planet were the hottest ever. Moreover, this is supposed to get worse in the future. In fact, not only summers but winters would become harsher too. Therefore, now more than ever, the insulation would be of prime importance. Rather than opting for electricity heavy HVAC system, why not get your house insulated by fiberglass insulation? Employing this and some other simple methods could work wonders in cutting down your electricity bill. It not only prevents the penetration of heat and cold but of sound too. Here is everything you might want to know about it.
Fiberglass insulation is an effective way of heating up the house
There is the diversified reason for which insulation becomes important for the home. The chief functionality of insulation is to maintain a pleasant temperature inside the house. The temperature can be either cool or warm whichever make the inhabitant of the house feel more comfortable. Due to extreme weather conditions sometimes the house gets affected. However, the insulation is an activity that not only offers an agreeable weather condition inside the house but also protects it from the adversities. Fiberglass is one of the most reliable and used product for insulation. This material is dependable and can last longer. The fiberglass is mostly used for heating up the house in cooler areas. It is installed in the window gaps and beneath the floor to not let the heat flow outside the house.
Reason for usage
Fiber glass insulation has become one of the most generic choices for common people who initially thought it to be a luxury. The process of insulation has become a requirement in the homes of the cooler regions. The curiosity lies in the fact that who needs this insulation in terms of a daily needs and the reason for the requirement as well. The answer is that insulation is a method of keeping a favorable temperature inside the house and for this reason almost the entire population of the world needs it. Warm temperature can still be manageable however; cold droughts are difficult to bear. Insulation was primarily used for heating up the house in colder places. Insulation even helps to save quite a considerable amount of energy cost.
Features
The requirement of insulation is a necessity in order to get a favorable climate inside the house. This mainly applies for colder regions where heating the house become a need for a comfortable stay. The process of fiberglass insulation to heat up the house has its own features that can be regarded as its benefits. They are:
1. Capture heat:
Fiberglass insulation is regarded as increasingly efficient due to the thicker application. It captures the heat and prevents it from flowing outside the house in turn heating up the atmosphere.
2. Cost-effective:
In comparison with other insulation products the fiberglass proves to be a cost effective solution. The installation is also much easier which even saves the extra labor cost which makes them all the more affordable.
3. Absorb sound:
One of the most attractive features of fiberglass is that it absorbs sound. Any kind of nose is prevented to reach inside the house due to its opaque characteristics.
Negative possibilities
1. Might be bad for health:
Fiberglass might rank among the toppers in the list of effective insulation for heating up the house however; this process is regarded to be causing long term health hazards for humans.
2. Could cause irritation:
This insulation items are dangerous for human beings when touched or got near to it without any precautions. It can cause irritation, pain or burning sensation due to its strong effects.
3. Could lead to indoor pollution:
If the fiberglass is kept uncovered or barely exposed it can lead to pollution in the environment as the micro particles gets in the air and eventually on the furniture. This can lead to an uncomfortable stay in the house. It also happens when they are not installed appropriately for insulation.
4. Possibly Carcinogenic:
This material was termed as “possibly carcinogenic” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. However it was removed soon after but the other risks did not reduce as a matter of fact.
Types and methods
Fiberglass has its different types of insulation products which are segregated on the basis of their installation and working methods. This substance is a steady chemical component, which does not get ruined or inflated. The first form of its, which is the most common one is fiber glass rolls. These rolls are found in a variety of dimensions. These elements are applied inside the frames of the ceilings, walls and the floors of the attic. There is another form, which is quite similar to that of the rolls is the fiberglass bats and is already cut into some specific dimension for particular walls. These two forms of fiberglass insulation’s have a wall that keeps them away from moisture.
There is another type that is also cut into specific sizes however, does not consist the moisture protective wall and are known as fiberglass blankets. As the name suggests, they act as a blanket over old and existing insulations. Loose fiberglass is used as a quicker solution which can be blown or poured on the floor of the attic. This is generally used for areas that have limited space and where the other forms are difficult to use.
Fiberglass doors
For a long time, standard material used for doors was wood and steel, possessing their own advantages and disadvantages. But, now manufacturers have started using fiberglass in the production of doors. Although they are recent, fiberglass doors are fairly common these days. Fiberglass consists of extra sheets of glass, which are compressed together to form a solid material.
Pros of installing fiberglass doors
1. Transmit natural light:
Since fiberglass doors are translucent, they become an ideal choice where transmission of light is important. So if you prefer natural light, fiberglass is a good choice.
2. Durable:
Fiberglass is highly resistant to peeling. These are also not susceptible to expanding or shrinking due to changes in temperature and humidity. So if you live near seaside locations, salt air corrosion will not spoil the doors. Fiberglass doors are not prone to rots or termites. So those who live in slightly harsh climates will find it beneficial to install these type of doors. Fiberglass is very versatile. It is more durable than wood and yet resembles wood grain material.
3. Variety:
Fiberglass comes in a variety of designs and colors to match your interiors and different architectural styles. It can be painted and textured to match the exteriors of the house. Fiberglass doors comes are available in all door types: Garage doors, entry doors, patio doors.
4. Durable:
Fiberglass doors are lightweight as compared to other materials. People feel more comfortable with a lighter door especially if you have small children at home. A heavy door may prove to be dangerous in case of an accident. Fiberglass doors have a 12 inch lock block, which adds to it’s strength. The triple pane glass will not shatter if someone attempts to break it. Thus it gives an extra layer of security from intruders. Fiberglass doors are as secure as steel doors.
Cons of installing fiberglass doors
1. Synthetic:
Fiberglass doors are made of synthetic materials so once disposed of, the do not decompose easily. Fiberglass provides little insulation. It can become brittle if exposed to extremely cold temperatures over a long period of time.
2. Prone to dents:
Fiberglass doors dent easily . They are pretty resistant to cracks and other types of damages, but they lose this ability as they age. So if you look for replacement, the maintenance cost will be high.
3. Their color fades
Although fiberglass doors comes in a variety of colors and designs, they tend to yellow over time in many cases. Fiberglass doors generally come in standard sizes. It is not very cost effective for the manufacturers to trim a fiberglass door into a small size to fit into a smaller frame. Because of this reason, they are not suitable for older houses which have non-standard door jamb size.Fiberglass door arrives as a complete unit and thus it cannot be fitted into an old frame. So fitting a fiberglass door is a specialist’s job unlike the fitting of wooden doors.
Conclusion
Fiberglass is a perfect material to be used as insulator. Basically, no matter in which form, fiberglass do not transfer heat and captures it to keep the interiors warm. Being a poor conductor of heat it can be used in different forms and shapes for heating up the surroundings in an affordable manner.
