Facility Manager's Guide To Building Insulation

There's more to insulation than just fiberglass. While it's one of the most commonly used ways to insulate a building, there is a huge variety of methods and materials that may be more appropriate for your facility's needs. If you're building a new facility, overseeing an addition, or just re-insulating an older building, here's what you should know about your options:

1. Fiberglass batt

Fiberglass insulation comes in those familiar cotton-looking rolls, usually in pink or yellow. A lot of commercial and residential buildings in New York use this type of insulation.

Pros

Fiberglass batt is inexpensive, easy to install, and very safe as long as it's installed properly. It's also good at keeping out moisture, pests, drafts, and unwanted sounds, and doesn't require special ventilation. It's also hypoallergenic.

Cons

If it isn't properly installed, the fiberglass dust can cause eye, skin, and airway irritation. It also needs to be properly sealed and, in some cases, vented. If it isn't fully enclosed, its ability to protect against drafts drops dramatically. This kind of insulation tends to sag over time, which leaves uninsulated gaps in walls and decreases its effectiveness.

2. Fiberglass board

Fiberglass board is similar to batt in many ways but comes as a rigid board instead of a flexible roll. It's made by compressing conventional fiberglass insulation until it's stiff.

Pros

The benefits of fiberglass board are similar to fiberglass batt insulation. It also doesn't sag as easily, so it tends to retain its efficiency for a longer period of time. You may also be able to find fiberglass board with a reflective coating, which helps further reduce heat transfer by reflecting it away from the building.

Cons

Installing fiberglass board is a bit more complicated, and therefore more expensive. You need to cut around pipes and wiring, then seal around these cuts.

3. Blown-in insulation

Loose-fill insulation is made of cellulose or recycled fiberglass material. It's called "blown-in" insulation because it doesn't come in boards or batts -- it needs to be blown into uninsulated spaces.

Pros

Since blown-in insulation is loose, it can be blown into all kinds of tiny nooks and crannies. Small gaps around pipes, for example, are easy to insulate with this method and provide better draft protection and reduction of airflow. You can also layer blown-in insulation over existing insulation, so you don't have to go through tearing out all of the old stuff to re-insulate your building. Blown-in insulation can also work through smaller access areas. If you're re-doing old insulation, you don't need the same size access area as you would with a whole fiberglass batt. A hole big enough to permit the blower's hose is good enough. Cellulose-based blown-in insulation is biodegradable.

Cons

Blown-in insulation requires special equipment to install. Since it's made up of small pieces, it can also shift or drift over time. This is especially true in attic spaces, where the airflow from HVAC systems can cause it to move. It's also possible to blow in too much insulation, which may cause ceilings to sag. Blown-in cellulose is also a potential substrate for mold.

4. Spray foam

Spray foam involves spraying a special expanding foam onto surfaces. It's often used under roofs.

Pros

Spray foam is very efficient. It expands to fill spaces, so there are virtually no gaps if it's properly applied. It's also water-resistant, and virtually mold-proof, and some compounds include a scent deterrent for pests. Spray foam also has the longest working life when compared to other types of insulation. Where fiberglass needs replacing every 15-20 years or so, spray foam can potentially last up to 80 without losing effectiveness over time.

Cons

Proper installation is key. If any gaps or spaces get missed, this creates a reservoir where water may potentially collect and damage support structures. Some types of spray foam may also shrink over time, lowering their effectiveness and creating new gaps and air spaces. Since spray foam has to expand and harden, it needs a few days to properly cure. It also off-gasses, so you may not be able to use areas of your facility while they're curing. Since spray foam requires special equipment and experience, you need to find a certified contractor to install it. This also makes it more expensive than other types of insulation, though this may be offset by its efficiency and longevity. There's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to insulating. Long Island experiences warm summers, but also regularly gets hit with very cold, snowy winters. If cost, ease of installation, and potential downtime are factors for your facility, it's worth weighing your options carefully before committing.

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