Common Home Insulation Options
and Home Insulation Problems
As it is our shelter, we spend the majority of our lives inside our homes. Ensuring they are a comfortable and a secure space is necessary for living a healthy and fulfilling life. Factors such as electricity, plumbing, landscaping, and atmosphere need to be managed carefully to implement good quality living.
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A Spacious and Comfortable Living Room
Proper home insulation is necessary to make sure our homes are well-protected and comfortable. To learn more about the common home insulation options and problems, read below.
Home Insulation
Home insulation materials are used to maintain indoor temperatures by acting as a barrier against the heat and cold outside. They are helpful in reducing energy costs since insulated homes require less heating and cooling than heaters and air-conditioners. Insulations are usually installed in ceilings, under the floors, and inside walls.
Options for Home Insulation
Different materials such as fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool, and foam are used as home insulation. Here are the various options for installing home insulation.
1. Batts and Blankets – This is the most common type of insulation. It is usually made from fiberglass and sometimes from mineral wool. It comes in easy-to-carry rolls; this makes it convenient to transport. It can be cut to fit into desired spaces and around plumbing and wires. It is readily available and inexpensive but can cause itchiness during installation, and it loses properties when compressed.
2. Blown-In Insulation – It is made up of small particles of loose fiberglass, foam, or mineral wool. This option makes use of a machine to blow it inside narrow spaces and areas with lots of obstructions. It is useful for hard to reach places. This type of insulation can be installed do-it-yourself style with an insulation blower but requires experience.
3. Structurally Insulated Panels – They usually come in sizes of 4 x 8 feet to 8 x 24 feet and in thickness of a half inch to one inch. These panels are usually installed by contractors inside walls, basements, or ceilings as part of replacement construction jobs. They are made from polyurethane, polystyrene or polyisocyanurate materials.
4. Reflective or Radiant Barriers - Unlike other types of insulation, these are used to reflect heat rather than reduce it. Typically, they are installed in attics and in places with warmer climates. They help in reducing cooling costs. Reflective barriers are constructed using aluminium foils on top of materials like kraft paper or polyethylene bubbles. These are more effective when facing air spaces.
5. Spray Foam Insulation – This type of insulation is more expensive than batts and blankets but more efficient in temperature protection. This kind of insulation makes use of spray canisters to spread liquid polyurethane foam in wall cavities and inside gaps where it expands and solidifies after drying. Its installation is messy and involves spreading chemicals. Consider hiring a professional for this option.
Spraying Process for Liquid Polyurethane Foam
Common Problems of Home Insulation
Poor insulation can cause issues in energy consumption and indoor heating. Here are the common problems of home insulation.
1. Unevenly Blown Insulation – This usually occurs when blown-in or spray type insulations are installed by homeowners without much experience. Gaps and holes in between spaces reduce the total effectiveness of the insulation. When installing this type of insulation, make sure to spread the insulating material evenly and completely.
2. Molds – Home insulation regularly exposed to high moisture conditions can be affected by molds. Molds can cause health problems such as respiratory illnesses, especially to those with mold sensitivity. This can be solved by preventing moisture build-up from reaching the insulation using air seals.
3. Pests – Pests like bugs and mice consider insulation systems safe and warm environments. Attics that are rarely inspected are prone to these infestations. Consider hiring pest control services to mitigate this problem.
A well-insulated home helps its homeowners feel comfortable and secure. Determine which home insulation option fits your needs. Don’t hesitate to contact professionals when you need assistance in resolving insulation problems.
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