Glass Foam Used in House Construction

Identification

• Glass foam insulation is made from delicate glass, spun into fibers and bound together. Most types of fiberglass insulation are made from recycled glass. Building contractors use fiberglass insulation because it is relatively resistant to fire, moisture and mold growth. Fiberglass insulating foam is often sprayed into attic and basement spaces. Insulation is installed during home construction, but more may need to be added over time to maintain energy efficiency.

R-Value

• The efficiency of fiberglass insulation foam is measured by the R-value listed on the product. The higher the R-value, the better fiberglass insulation resists heat transfer. The R-value of rigid foam board insulation ranges from R-4 to R-6.5 per inch of thickness. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, spray foam insulation made from fiberglass has twice the R-value of traditional batt and roll fiberglass insulation because it can fill small cavities more densely.

Effects

• Using glass foam products such as fiberglass insulation will keep your home cool during the summer and warmer in the cold winter months. Fiberglass insulation works by reducing the amount of heat moving in and out of your home, keeping the temperature steady and heating and cooling costs under control. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, adding fiberglass insulation can reduce heating and cooling costs by 20 percent.

Considerations

• All glass foam insulation products work best when your home is properly ventilated. Avoid covering attic vents and soffits with fiberglass insulation products. Covering these vents reduces the amount of outdoor air flowing throughout your home and can reduce energy efficiency. When installing fiberglass insulation, seal any gaps where air can leak in and out of your home. Glass spray foam insulation can also be used to seal air leaks.