There are various types of insulation products, depending on where you want to position them – roof, walls, floor. Most are available as rolls or boards, which are fitted between wall studs and roof joists.
Mineral wool (aka Rockwool)
Available in slabs, stone wool is easy to lay vertically or horizontally. It’s denser than fiberglass, has good thermal and acoustic qualities and is non-combustible. Protective equipment is required when handling. Stone wool boards usually friction fit between studs, making them easy to install. However, you’ll also need breather membranes and vapor control layers to prevent any damp ingress.
PIR (polyisocyanurate) or EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam slabs/boards
These lightweight boards are great for heat retention and sound-proofing and are easy to cut and install. They can be used for suspended wooden floors, pitched roofs and internal walls, and secured with adhesive or ‘friction fit’.
Multi-foil
Multi-foil is often more cost-effective than foam boards, but it does require air gaps between itself and the wall to be most effective and wouldn’t work so well in a fully-sealed environment.
Sheeps wool
Thermafleece is made with 75% wool and 25% recycled polyester and can be installed without gloves or protective clothing. It’s breathable, durable and easy to install. Cosywool slabs friction fit and don’t slump.
Hemp
If you prefer plant fibres, Natrahemp fleece can be handled without gloves, fits securely between studs, joints (or rafters), and provides excellent thermal and acoustic insulation.
UltraTouch insulation
This product is made from recycled post-industrial denim and cotton fibers.
Fibreglass wool
Generally used for roof and loft insulation, fiberglass wool is available in rolls, is relatively inexpensive and simple to install. However, it is vital to wear protective goggles, mask and gloves when handling glass wool, as it’s itchy to work with and the tiny fibers can irritate skin, eyes and lungs. It is most suitable rolled out in the loft, as it’s susceptible to ‘slumping’ if installed vertically.
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I had a business shearing sheep. When the prices of wool were so low I stuffed my attic with raw fleeces. Our home didn’t smell like sheep and the insulation properties were marvelous. Wool is fire resistant too.
Keep an eye out for any roof leaks, wool will soak up water like giant sponges. It never happened to us, but that would cause a huge mess and repair project.