A fresh blanket of snow covering your backyard sure makes a pretty picture, but you don’t want winter temperatures inside your home. You want your house to be warm and cozy. And in the summer, you want it to be refreshingly cool. This is how you stay comfortable and healthy, and it can’t happen without proper insulation.
So, why is proper insulation so important? It keeps your temperature regulated, controls your energy costs, and acts as a noise barrier. Proper insulation also works with ventilation for good airflow and moisture control for a healthier home.
Insulation belongs in all houses regardless of age.
Old houses need it to eliminate drafts and additions need it to maintain a consistent temperature with the rest of the house. You may think new houses don’t need it because they seem airtight, but having good insulation helps new structures last for decades.
So, What are Types of Insulation?
The most common types of insulation for homes are blanket batts and rolls, spray foam, Rockwool, foam board or panels, and blown-in insulation. Other types are useful for specific new construction, such as concrete block insulation and insulating concrete forms, but these are not as common.
The materials used for insulation vary, too. Fiberglass is commonly used for blanket batts and rolls, and liquid polyurethane is typical for spray foam. Rockwool comes in rolls too and is made from lava rock.
Another way types of insulation vary is according to R-value, or how resistant it is to heat. The higher the number, the more resistance it supplies. You will find it on the packaging, and it usually is measured per inch of thickness.
So, Where are the Best Places for Insulation?
You typically think of insulating attics, and that is a great place to start because if you don’t have a well-insulated attic, your heating and cooling system must work harder to maintain comfortable temperatures. This means higher energy bills, which is never a good thing. But the attic is just the beginning.
The Department of Energy also suggests insulating outside walls, between joists, or the horizontal wood pieces that hold up the structure, and unconditioned floors, such as crawl spaces. There are appropriate places to insulate from the top to the bottom of your house, but exactly where depends on the structure of your home. Remember that the goal of insulation is to keep the temperature inside regulated, so any surface that acts as a barrier between the outside should be insulated.
Related Questions
So, What are Mistakes Involving Insulation?
Choosing the wrong insulation can happen because there is such a variety to choose from. Injury can occur when installing insulation if the proper masks, gloves, and clothing aren’t worn. Leaving air gaps is another mistake that can jeopardize the effectiveness of insulation. These mistakes can be avoided by hiring an experienced professional to install the appropriate material.
So, How do You Know When it is Time to Reinsulate?
If you notice a change in the temperature consistency from room to room in your home, you should have your insulation inspected. A change in your energy bill is also an indicator that your heating and cooling system is working harder than normal. Problems with moisture, strange smells, and air quality could also point toward a need to reinsulate.
In Sum
You want to spend as little as possible on your energy bill and have a cozy home. Proper insulation helps you achieve both, as well as eliminate drafts and control moisture. Your home needs insulation to remain the safe, solid structure that you love, and you need it to stay comfortable.
Insulation Done Right
You can rely on the dedicated and skilled team at Level Up Improvement in Dearborn to correctly install insulation in your Michigan residence. We offer insulation solutions aimed at enhancing your home’s energy conservation and increasing your family’s comfort. Our services cover all home areas needing insulation, including attics, walls, and crawlspaces. Reach out to us on our website to discover the full range of our home improvement services including mold remediation and window installation.
Living better by improving your home’s insulation is easier than you think with the services of Level Up Improvement!