What to Consider Before Installing Residential Insulation
If you live in an older home, you can enjoy significant energy savings and keep your family more comfortable by upgrading your residential insulation. But which type of insulation should you choose for your home?
There are many different types of insulation available, with each having unique pros and cons that should be considered before making a final decision. Here are some tips to help you choose the right insulation for your residential building.
1. The R-Value of Insulation
When it comes to residential insulation, there are R-values. The higher the R-value of a product, the more effective it is at resisting heat transfer. If you live in an area with a cold climate, insulation with a higher R-value is desirable to retain the heat and keep the indoor living environment warm and comfortable. The thickness and density of insulation affect its R-value. Increased insulation thickness and density proportionally increase the effectiveness of insulation.
2. The Location of Insulation
Insulation can be installed in different areas in the home. These include walls, ceilings, roofs, floors, and more. Different types of insulation exist for the different areas you may want to insulate. Before choosing residential insulation, make sure you consider where it will be located. For example, loose-fill and blown-in insulation such as mineral wool, cellulose, and fibreglass are suitable for use in hard-to-reach areas like existing wall cavities. If you're installing exterior insulation, make sure you invest in a weatherproof product. That way, the durability of your insulation won't be affected by adverse weather conditions.
3. DIY vs Professional Installation
Different types of insulation have specific installation requirements. Generally, all types of insulation require professional installation, but some are more do-it-yourself friendly than others. For instance, reflective system insulation doesn't require much skill to install properly compared to other types of insulation available for homes. Others, such as rigid fibrous insulation require specialist installation either at a fabrication shop or on-site. If you're planning to DIY, choose insulation you're familiar working with. If you'll be hiring a professional installer, you have the freedom to choose any type of insulation you want.
While there are many things to consider when selecting insulation for your home, carefully thinking about the above-highlighted factors is critical to maximising the value of your residential insulation project. If you're still unsure about the type of insulation to go for, don't hesitate to get in touch with a residential insulation contractor near you.