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Building Insulation Manufacturers List & Website Directory

By Jack Gray, Roof Online Editor • Last updated August 5, 2024

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A worker cutting mineral wool batt insulation with a knife.
Mineral wool batt insulation (image courtesy Knauf Insulation)

Building insulation is a critical component in the construction and renovation of both residential and commercial structures. Insulation reduces heat transfer between the interior of a building and the external environment. The main goal of insulating a building is to improve the energy efficiency of a building, maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature throughout the year while minimizing the amount of energy (and money) expended on heating and cooling. Optimal insulation can lead to significant energy savings. Insulation can also be used to reduce sound transmission through walls.

Insulation is typically installed inside of, within, or outside of the structural walls; above the ceiling, under the roof, and on commercial buildings with flat roofs, within the roof system above the roof deck. The location and minimum required amount of insulation is set by the local building code.

Types of Insulation

There are many types of building insulation, each with its own properties, applications, and installation methods:

  1. Fiberglass Insulation: Made from fine glass fibers, fiberglass insulation is probably the most common and most familiar type. It’s available in batt or blanket form, rolls, and loose-fill. It’s relatively easy to install and is fairly inexpensive.
  2. Cellulose Insulation: Consists of recycled paper products, primarily newsprint, treated with fire retardants. It can be considered a “green” material due to its recycled content, and it can be blown into walls, attics, and difficult-to-reach areas. It does not insulate as well as some other types.
  3. Foam Board or Rigid Foam Insulation: Made from polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, or polyurethane, foam board insulation is good for insulating everything from foundation walls to floors, ceilings, and roofs.
  4. Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation: Expands to fill cavities, cracks, and gaps, making it an efficient solution for hard-to-reach and irregularly-shaped areas. It’s available in both open-cell and closed-cell forms, with closed-cell providing one of the highest R-values available.
  5. Mineral Wool Insulation: Can refer to either rock wool or slag wool and is made from natural or synthetic fibers. It’s known for its fire resistance and soundproofing capabilities.

R-Value

R-value is a measure of an insulation material’s resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the material’s insulating ability. When choosing insulation, it’s important to consult your local building code and select a material with an appropriate R-value for your specific climate and the part of the building being insulated. For example, attics should have a higher R-value insulation layer than walls because heat rises and a house tends to lose more heat through the ceiling and roof than through the same amount of wall area. You can achieve a higher R-value with the same material simply by using more of it, but you may not have room to do that in some locations.

Important Considerations Before Installation

  • Assess Your Needs: Understand the specific requirements of your building, including the code requirements in your climate zone, the area to be insulated (walls, attic, basement), and the amount and condition of any existing insulation.
  • Building Codes: Check local building codes for R-value requirements and other regulations regarding insulation.
  • Moisture Control: Proper moisture control measures, such as vapor barriers, should be considered in order to protect the insulation from condensation and other sources of moisture in order to prevent mold and mildew growth.
  • Professional Assessment: It might be wise to have a professional energy audit to identify specific insulation needs and recommendations.

Choosing a Good Insulation Manufacturer

Selecting a reputable insulation manufacturer is important for several reasons:

  • Quality of Material: High-quality materials perform better. You’ll get more effective insulation, better long-term performance, and safer materials with a reputable manufacturer.
  • Product Range: A good manufacturer will typically offer a variety of insulation types and R-values to address different needs.
  • Technical Support: Reputable manufacturers will normally have a technical department that offers help and advice on choosing the best products for your specific project, as well as installation guidance.
  • Warranty and Certifications: Look for products with warranties and those that are certified as meeting industry standards and as being in compliance with safety requirements.

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If you are a reputable and qualified building insulation manufacturer and feel that we’ve overlooked your company, feel free to contact us to ask to be added to this list.

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