Fiberglass, cellulose, and mineral wool are the among the most common home insulation options since they are economical, readily available, and familiar to most contractors. The ambitious homeowner - with the right instructions and equipment, can even install some products, of course.

One of the most common and well known insulation options is Fiberglass. It is made from silica sand heated to very high temperatures to produce glass and then spun into micro-fibers. It is the most popular insulation options on the market and comes in batts, rolls, and as a loose-fill.

In new construction, fiberglass batts can be installed in wall cavities and between floor joists. Loose-fill fiberglass can also be blown into wall cavities and in attics and ceilings.

Fiberglass is fairly inexpensive and effective but it does pose some potential health risks - Cancer warnings are posted on most fiberglass insulation products sold in the US. The microscopic glass slivers can easily break loose and be inhaled, irritating and lodging in the respiratory system. Prolonged exposure can cause lead to reduced lung capacity and possibly cancer.

In addition, standard fiberglass has been manufactured with a formaldehyde-based binding agent that gives off vapors and can affect installers and home occupants. Formaldehyde is classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a probable human carcinogen. Some manufacturers, such as Owens Corning, have introduced formaldehyde-free fiberglass insulation. Miraflex is soft and not irritating to the skin as its older counterparts are. On the positive side, fiberglass doesn’t shrink, won’t burn, and is not inviting to insects. Standard batts for 2” x 4” wall cavities are rated at R-11 and high-density batts at R-15. In new construction, a builder can get away with cramming an R-19 bat for a 2” x 6” wall into the standard 2” x 4” wall. This doesn’t help, though, if your home is already built.

Cellulose insulation is primarily composed of shredded, recycled newspaper together with small amounts of cardboard. It has a fluffy consistency and can be sprayed, damp or dry, into wall cavities and attics. Treated with boric acid, cellulose insulation is a natural insect repellant, mold inhibitor, and fire retardant. Standard cellulose has an R value of 3.2 per inch compared with 2.2 for blown fiberglass. Energy Control Inc. produces a cellulose fiber insulation with an R value per inch of 3.8, the highest in the industry.

Ace & Sons, uses only Energy Control cellulose insulation. Blown cellulose insulation, while producing some dust during installation, contains NO cancer causing fibers. It is safe for installers and for homeowners! For those of us who are environmentally conscious, cellulose insulation is really the smart choice: many tons of newspaper that would otherwise be taking up space in landfills are now insulating our homes Fiberglass production eats up gobs of electricity, even when recycled glass is used, and just can't stack up with the performance of cellulose.

Mineral Wool, or Rock Wool, used to be the most widely used insulation options in the USA and Canada. Mineral wool is a fibrous insulation made from stone and/or iron ore waste from the steel making industry. Like fiberglass, it comes in blankets or can be blown-in as a loose fill. Heavier than fiberglass and cellulose, mineral wool is moisture-resistant and retains its insulating properties even when wet. It is also as an excellent acoustic insulator and can withstand temperatures of over 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. Its R value per inch is higher than fiberglass, but less than cellulose. The table below compares "R" Values for the most common home insulation options.

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