Insulation
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 50% to 70% of the energy used in homes is for heating or cooling activities. By properly insulating your home you can create a more comfortable, consistent indoor climate while significantly improving your home's energy efficiency. If you live in a home that's more than just a few years old, it's probably worth your time to figure out if your home is properly insulated. This buying guide will help you learn about the different types of insulation used in residential construction, and give you the knowledge and confidence necessary to make the right purchase decision to meet your home insulation needs.
How to select Insulation
1. Determine where you need to add insulation
2. Determine how much additional insulation R-Value you need
3. Determine the type of insulation you need
4. Calculate the quantity of insulation you should buy
Insulation – Where, What and How
Most homes are insulated in all exterior walls as well as the attic and any floors that are located above unfinished basements of crawlspaces. The most effective places to add insulation to older homes are often attics, basements and crawl spaces.
R-Value
When choosing insulation, one of
the most important qualities to note is the R-value, which indicates how well
insulation resists heat transfer. R-values vary based on the type, thickness
and density of the material being used. Insulation with a higher R-value will
perform better than insulation with a lower rating. To determine the amount of
insulation you need in each area, see Insulation
R-Values.
Where Form Meets Efficiency
The most common insulation types are fiberglass, cellulose and foam. These types of insulation are available in a number of different forms. The type and form you need will depend on the location and R-Value you intend to add.
Installation Tips and Tools
Batts and rolls are available in widths suited to standard spacing of wall studs, and attic or floor joists. Continuous rolls can be hand-cut and trimmed to fit. Loose Fill or blown-in insulation comes with instructions on the bag. The manufacturer will specify the amount of insulation required to obtain a particular R-value per square foot of space.
Tools
As always, it helps to have the
right tools for the job. The basic tools you need are: a tape measure, utility
knife, straight edge, lightweight stapler, or hammer tacker to secure
insulation in place and a putty knife. Additional materials may include a
drywall compound and expanding foam sealer.
It’s also a great idea to bring a portable light, especially when working in attics and crawl spaces, plywood to stand on, a rake for insulation adjustment, and insulation supports. All these tools and materials will come in handy during your project.
Before You Insulate
First, make sure that
your house is properly ventilated. Adequate ventilation is necessary to
prevent too much heat and condensation from building up as well as to provide
fresh air. Next, plug leaks to prevent air from getting in and out in areas
such as around windows and doors. Always fix leaks before installing
insulation, as they may be difficult to find after the job is finished.
Safety
Working with insulation can cause
itching and skin irritation, so make sure you take proper safety precautions.
Wear long sleeves and pants, work gloves, safety glasses, and a dust mask or
respirator to avoid irritating your skin or breathing in harmful substances.
Vacuum your clothing immediately after to help reduce the chances of skin
irritation.
