You should feel comfortable in your home no matter what season. Insulating your home will provide you with a comfortable living space and make your home more welcoming. If you are trying to re-insulate your home, here’s what you should know about choosing the right type of insulation.
What Does it Mean to Insulate Your Home?
Insulation is essentially adding materials that will help regulate the temperature in your home. They help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Keeping your home well-insulated provides you with a comfortable living space and saves you money on your energy bills. Knowing a homes R-Value helps homeowners in choosing insulation and how much they need.
What is R-Value?
R-Value measures how much resistance insulation has to heat flow. This map from the U.S Department of Energy helps homeowners figure out how much insulation they need based on climate. Wisconsin residents should use insulation rated R49 to R60 for attics. R38 to R49 for 3-4 inches of existing insulation and R25 to R30 for floors.
Insulation comes in different forms and materials. However, each of them carry their own advantages and disadvantages.
Blown-In Insulation
Blown-in insulation is free-form and made from cellulose and fiberglass. This insulation works best in tight, hard to reach places. There are many different brands to choose from, but Over the Top Roofing recommends Atticat’s Expanding Blown-In System for best results.
There are a couple of things to consider with blown-in insulation. Blown-in insulation is not water resistant and can get moldy. You should only install blown-in insulation in dry areas. A post from Modernize urges homeowners to also remove all existing insulation to ensure the new insulation does its job. Homeowners looking for insulation that needs to be cut may benefit in choosing insulation rolls and batts.
Rolled Insulation and Batts
This type of insulation normally comes rolled up and is a popular choice for most homeowners. Insulation rolls and batts are very durable, easy to cut and transport. One thing to consider with batt and rolled insulation is that you should take careful measurements before installing. When in doubt, it’s always a safe bet to consult a professional.
Insulation Boards
These styrofoam boards work best when installed behind walls and under floors. These boards are unique because of their lightweight, durability, and resistance to water. However, they’re not particularly strong, so take good care of the boards when it comes time to install them.
Installing insulation is not an easy task. Therefore, homeowners should call on professionals for help.
Installing Insulation on Your Own
Homeowners who are re-insulating their home should consult a professional before attempting to take on the job themselves. A professional can assess your current insulation for mold, and asbestos, which can spread if you disrupt the source. See our blog post on leaving insulation work to experts, and visit Over the Top Roofing for your insulation needs.
