You’ve probably heard that the best way to save money on energy costs is by insulating your home. But what does this mean? And how do you know if your insulation needs repair? This article will answer these questions and more, so continue reading!
What is Home Insulation?
Insulating your home involves adding extra layers of material to either on the outside or inside surfaces. This material is called batt insulation, and it’s usually made out of polyurethane foam. Batt insulation does a decent job of keeping the heat in during cold months and cool air during hotter months.
How to know if your home needs to be insulated?
If you live in a drafty old house, there’s a good chance you need more insulation. This is because older buildings were often built without taking natural energy flows into account and may not offer anywhere near enough protection from drafts and other gaps in the building’s thermal envelope.
How Does Insulation Work?
Insulation works by reducing thermal conductivity, which means it resists the transfer of heat. People are familiar with this principle because they have felt its effects under their skin. For example, think back to how cold you were after getting out of a swimming pool. While you are in the water, your heat conduction warms your body, but air provides much less heat conduction, so your skin (and the rest of you) stays cool.
The same principle applies to insulation. The more layers, the better it can resist heat transfer through conduction and convection. Adding insulation can also improve a building’s energy efficiency by reducing airflow in places where none was originally intended.
Do You Need New Insulation?
If your insulation doesn’t look or feel right, it might need to be replaced. That’s because, over time, insulation will settle and choose to stick together in certain places. This can create gaps that will reduce the amount of protection your home receives from cold weather. Replacing old insulation is also a good idea because sometimes insulation will become brittle and crumbly. If that’s the case, you could end up with bits of insulation floating around your home, which can be dangerous if inhaled.
Signs your insulation is outdated?
– You can see insulation through your walls, ceiling, or floor.
– You can feel a draft or cold air coming from the walls, ceiling, or floor.
– The material feels crumbly and stiff.
– It doesn’t fit tightly between studs and joists.
Where should you put insulation?
Insulation is not just for the inside of your walls; it should also be added to the loft and any crawlspace. This adds an extra layer of defence to your home and can make a huge difference in how much heat is lost.
Before installing, remember that it’s always better to hire a professional insulation contractor to ensure that the job is done correctly. Improper insulation installation could create unnecessary damage inside your walls or ceilings. If you’re not sure about hiring a professional, check out this list of contractor requirements to help you make an informed decision:
– All contractors should be licensed and insured.
– Beware of complaints – Check there reviews
– A good contractor should not have to answer too many detailed questions.
Speaking to insulation sussex who are carry out everything from Cavity Wall Insulation to Loft Insulation in Sussex, said “when you talk to the contractor make sure to ask about previous jobs to where you can find there reviews online, asking these questions if they have nothing to hide they will be upfront with you and lead you to the information you need.”
What Type of Insulation is Best?
There are two main types of insulation: fiberglass batts (the kind most people think about when they consider insulation) and foam insulation (which Spray Foam Insulation Today specialize in).
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is made by stretching glass fibers into fragile strands, then combined to create insulation panels. These panels are usually rectangular and can be rolled or folded for easy installation inside a wall cavity. They are typically held between metal strips that run along the top and bottom of the wall.
Foam insulation
Foam insulation is made from polyurethane, which has chemicals that create expansion when they come into contact with air. This chemical reaction creates a foam that expands and hardens very quickly. The foam is then cut into small pieces and inserted between studs, joists, and rafters.
Insulation is a great way to cut your energy costs and maintain the temperature inside your home. Fiberglass insulation panels are most common, but you don’t have to worry about choosing one type of insulation over another because both types offer many benefits. Contact us today if you’re looking for help with installation or professional advice on what kind of insulation will work best in your home! We can answer any questions that might arise during this process and provide you with all the information needed to make an informed choice.
