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Blownâ€"in glass fibre insulation is simâ€" ;ilar to its batt and blanket cousins, but is chopped up to facilitate installation. It is the lightest blownâ€"in insulation and may be noncombustible (check with the manâ€" ufacturer). This material has little resisâ€" rance to air infiltration and may settle if ot properly installed. The short fibres of mineral wool lownâ€"in insulation also make this mateâ€" ial a good choice for installation in nclosed cavities containing many wires nd nails. Mineral wool is noncomâ€" ustible but provides little resistance to ir infiltration and may settle if not roperly installed. containing many wires and nails, properâ€" ly installed cellulose fibre has higher resistance to air infiltration than most looseâ€"fill insulations. Blownâ€"in looseâ€"fill insul: in three materials and is a ; for insulating irregular or i spaces in roofs, walls and flox suitable for use in accessibl should not be used below grofi Cellulose fibre is the onl insulation that can be installe yourselfer using rented e Follow the manufacturer‘s re tions for coverage (printed on good choice for enclosed w Correct installation is essential tc chieve maximum thermal resistance valâ€" es. An experienced installer should be ‘t'ble to ensure that the material is nstalled properly and to the optimum ensity. The typical thermal resistance alues for blownâ€"in, looseâ€"fill materials: llulose fibre â€"0.025 3.6 ass fibre â€"0.020 2.9 ineral wool â€"0.021 3.0 OOSEâ€"FILLED (POURED) INSUâ€" LATION Poured looseâ€"fill insulation is a good lection for accessible attics with irreguâ€" Several manufacturers produce batt or blanket products made of glass fibre or mineral wool. One of the most common types of insulation, this versatile material can be used to insulate accessible attics, floors, uncovered frame walls above and below ground, hot water tanks, water pipes and heating ducts. Batts and blankets are available in many lengths, widths and thicknesses. The typical thermal resistances of glass fibre and mineral wool products is RSI 0.022/mm (R 3.2/in.) and RSI 0.023/mm (R 3.3/in.). respectivelv. There are five basic types of insulaâ€" tion: batt or blanket, looseâ€"fill (blown), looseâ€"fill (poured), rigid board and foamedâ€"inâ€"place. An insulation material‘s RSI or R value is a measurement of its thermal resistance, or ability to resist heat flow. The higher the thermal resistance value, the better the material insulates. (RSI is the metric unit of measurement, and R is the imperial unit.) The thermal resistance values quoted in this article are averages, representative of specific types of insulation. Your insuâ€" lation or building supply dealer can proâ€" vide you with information on the RSI (R) values of specific brand names. These values are usually included on the prodâ€" uct‘s packaging. The averages listed here are RSI valâ€" ues per millimetre and R values per inch. When buying insulation, compare the RSI (R) values and costs of different materials to determine which is the best value. Insulation comes in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, types and colors. It can be used differently in different areas of your home. A primer on home insulation LOOSEâ€"FILL (BLOWN) TION BATT OR BLANKET INSULAâ€" TION in.), respective RSI/mm can be installed by or in in ) 6 toor ible attues. but NIy und level the bag) a all cavitie q u INSULAâ€" ) It N end a ssit Wwn noicke mes nl t cellulose fibre glass fibre mineral wool vermiculite Poured looseâ€"fill insulation comes in a variety of materials. Cellulose fibre has the highest thermal resistance per unit thickness, but tends to settle. Vermiculite is noncombustible and pours more easily into irregular wall cavities than other looseâ€"fill materials. However, it may absorb moisture quickly and it dries out slowly (the Block Fill brand contains asphalt and does not absorb moisture). Mineral wool is nonâ€"combustible and tends to settle. The typical thermal resistance values for poured looseâ€"fill insulation materials: lar spaces or nonstandard distances beâ€" tween joists. It can also be poured into enclosed wall cavities that are open at the top, but the cavity must be permanently filled. It is not appropriate for use below ground level. Poured insulation should be installed according to the manufacturer‘s recommendations printed on the bag. RSU 0.024 0.021 0.022 0.016 3.0 In certain circumstances, rigid board insulation (except glass fibre and phenoâ€" Rigid board insulation is made from glass fibre or a variety of foam plastic materials. Its thermal resistance values can be higher than those of batt, blanket and looseâ€"fill insulations, but the cost per RSI (R) value usually is higher. Rigid board insulation is lightweight and easy to cut and handle. Available in a variety of thicknesses, it performs best on regular, even surfaces. Specific applicaâ€" tions vary by material but all rigid board insulations is ideal for use on flat or lowâ€" sloping roofs, either during construction or when an existing roof is being replaced. RIGID BOARD INSULATION lic) can perform as vapor barriers. Rigid board materials can also be fire hazards if not properly covered and should be proâ€" tected from exposure to sunlight and solâ€" vents. Ask your supplier for the manufacâ€" turer‘s literature on handling and installaâ€" tion requirements. Glass fibre board is available in a variâ€" ety of densities and with special finishes. It is more compressible than other rigid board insulation, so exterior finish mateâ€" rials must be applied carefully. This insuâ€" lation can be used on roofs, ceilings, floors, ducts and pipes, and on interior and exterior faces of walls above the below grade. lightweight material, lowâ€"density (See "Careful" Page RE 26)