| Flexible Insulation |
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You’ve seen rolls of flexible insulation before. Typically, it’s made of fiberglass or a similar fibers. It comes in two types: blanket and batt. Blanket insulation comes in rolls or packages in widths suited to 16- and 24-inch stud and joist spacing. The body of the blanket is made of felted mats of mineral or vegetable fibers such as rock or glass wool, wood fiber, and cotton. Organic insulations are treated to make them resistant to fire, decay, insects, and vermin. Most blanket insulation is covered with paper or other sheet material and has tabs on the sides for fastening to studs or joists. One covering sheet serves as a vapor barrier to resist water vapor. It should always face the warm side of the wall. Aluminum foil, asphalt, or plastic-laminated paper are commonly used as exterior barrier materials. Batt insulation is made of fibrous material in thicknesses of 4 and 6 inches for 16- and 24-inch joist spacing. It is supplied with or without a vapor barrier. Friction batts are supplied without a covering and will remain in place without staples.
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