If you live in a colder part of the United States, winter is likely just getting into full swing for you. While some people love the cold and the outdoor activities that come with it, it can also make for an extremely uncomfortable home if your house isn’t properly prepared for frigid temperatures. The same holds true in the summer, where blistering temperatures can lead to a muggy household or astronomical air conditioning bills. If you can’t seem to keep your house warm in the winter or cool in the summer, it might be time to re-insulate your home.
What are the benefits of re-insulating a home?
Most homes in the United States, particularly those built in the 1970s and earlier, lack adequate insulation. In fact, until the 1970s it wasn’t even a requirement to insulate exterior walls. So, if you have an older home it’s possible you have walls with zero insulation!
Even if you have a home from the 1980s or 1990s, the insulation that was used then may no longer be adequate or even safe. Traditional cellulose or fiberglass insulation, for example, can settle leaving much of your home basically insulation-free.
Knowing just how under-insulated your home likely is, there are some very good reasons to re-insulate your home. When dealing with temperature extremes, insulation can provide all of the following benefits.
- Create more even temperatures throughout your home. There are many factors that can lead to uneven temperatures in a home, but poor insulation is one that you can control.
- Eliminate drafts. Drafts occur when there are small cracks or openings, often around windows and doorways that should be sealed by insulation.
- Reduce your energy bills in winter and summer. Proper insulation means your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard during extreme temperatures in the winter or the summer.
- Eliminate ice dams. Lack of insulation can mean the heat escaping your home melts and re-freezes the ice on your roof – which can lead to serious leaks and damage.
What are your options for re-insulation?
The type of insulation you should add to your home to deal with extreme temperatures will depend on a number of factors, including your budget. Before you start spending money, it’s usually wise to talk to an insulation expert to understand your requirements and help you make a decision that’s best for your family and your home. The most common types of insulation used by professionals today include:
- Spray foam. This is a popular choice currently, as spray foam can be sprayed into wall cavities and it expands to fill the space where it’s added.
- Loose-fill. This is commonly used in attics and can be blown into building cavities using specialized equipment.
- Batt and blanket. Batt and blanket insulation is made of fiberglass or rock wool and is often used in ceilings, flooring, and walls.
- Rigid board. This form of insulation comes in an array of thicknesses and is common on flat roofs, basement walls, and around concrete slab edges.
The goal? Year-round comfort
Listening to your HVAC system running all day and night throughout the summer and winter is the sound of money flying out of your bank account. Making the investment to get your under-insulated home brought up to modern standards can not only save you money but make your home a more pleasant place to spend time with your family.