Which Is Better for Your Albany Home?
Improving your insulation is one of the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. But with so many options, it can be challenging to determine which is best for your home. Some factors to consider include:
- Energy efficiency
- R-value
- Budget
- Where you need insulation
Two insulation options to consider are radiant barrier and thermal insulation. Both will deliver the reliable protection you desire, but there are key differences. At Builders Installed Products Albany, our insulation specialists can help you make the right choice for exceptional comfort and savings.
What Is Thermal Insulation?
Most homeowners are familiar with standard insulation options, including fiberglass, cellulose and spray foam. These thermal products work similarly to wrapping your home in a warm blanket that traps heat inside. As with all insulation options, the higher the R-value, the greater the protection.
How Thermal Insulation Works
All thermal insulation options work by preventing conductive and convective cooling from entering the home, specifically via openings around doors, windows, electrical boxes and other areas where air can get in.
Through every season, thermal insulation helps maintain a consistent, comfortable climate within your home.
Where Thermal Insulation Is Installed
Thermal insulation can be installed in any structure, whether it’s made of brick, wood, stone, concrete, etc.
It can be installed around unfinished walls, foundation walls, floors, ceilings, between studs/joists, around beams, in wall cavities and in other hard-to-reach areas.
How Does Radiant Barrier Insulation Work?
Radiant barrier is a reflective type of insulation that keeps the temperature in your home from rising by reflecting heat away from the structure. By reducing the amount of heat transfer, it ensures the temperature throughout the home remains where you want it. It’s most effective when installed along unfinished walls, ceilings and floors.
The Benefits of Radiant Barrier Insulation
This easily installed type of insulation is highly effective at increasing energy efficiency, offers a long lifespan and is an eco-friendly option that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from your HVAC systems.
As with thermal insulation, the better the product, the less wear and tear your heating and cooling systems will endure to maintain your comfort.
Which Insulation Is Better for New York Homes?
It depends, and it’s not an either/or decision — you can install both thermal and radiant barrier insulation in your New York home. Because of our cold, often harsh winters, thermal insulation is more cost-effective for homes and businesses. Thermal insulation also offers considerable soundproofing and fireproofing.
Radiant barrier insulation provides considerable protection in summer, is resistant to mold and won’t deteriorate over time. Unlike thermal insulation, which provides protection against convective and conductive heat transfer, radiant barrier only provides conductive protection. It’s highly effective in attics and has a proven record of reducing energy usage and wear and tear on your HVAC systems.
There are many factors to consider, including:
- The size of the home
- The structure’s construction
- Number of windows
- Window facing
- Tree/foliage cover
We recommend discussing your needs with an insulation professional.
In many cases, installing radiant barrier insulation in addition to thermal insulation will be the most effective solution for achieving optimal comfort and energy savings.
Choose Builders Installed Products Albany for Insulation Services
For over 30 years, the specialists at Builders Installed Products Albany have worked hard to improve our clients’ comfort. Our insulation expertise and our regional experience allow us to deliver superior solutions for lasting protection against the elements.
We guarantee customized solutions that meet your needs and deliver maximum value for your investment. When you choose us, you can be confident that our solutions will enhance your comfort, reduce your utility bills and more.
When you want superior insulation you can depend on all year, contact Builders Installed Products Albany to discuss your needs with our specialists.
