How to Choose the Right Type and Location of Home Insulation

Home insulation helps prevent hot and cold air from escaping a house. It improves a home's energy efficiency and can help lower monthly utility bills, but only if the right type of insulation is used in the right places and installed correctly. An Insulation Contractor can help homeowners choose the right type and locations to maximize the effectiveness of their home's insulation and reduce its overall cost.

Historically, the best ways to insulate homes have been with thick walls of mud or clay, or using scraps of cloth tucked in gaps or along the edges of doors and windows. More recently, people have developed various types of fiberglass and cellulose insulation to prevent the flow of air from heating or cooling a home's interior. Insulation can be placed in wall cavities, attic spaces and crawl areas, and even around ductwork to create an airtight seal.

In addition to preventing unwanted airflow, home insulation can also add structural strength and enhance the visual appeal of a house's exterior and interior. Insulation is available in a variety of materials and forms, including loose-fill cellulose, fiberglass batts and spray foam. Each type has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, and some may work better in different climates.

Many homeowners are familiar with the traditional pink fiberglass batts that can be easily dropped between studs and stapled into place. Fiberglass is the most popular form of home insulation in America, but it doesn't prevent the flow of hot or cold air, especially if it is not installed properly. A much more effective option is spray foam, which professionals can install in attics or in walls and basements above unfinished crawl spaces. It is more expensive than fiberglass, but it provides a higher R-value and is more resistant to water damage than other types of insulation.

Foam insulation can be sprayed, molded in or injected as a liquid that will then harden into place to prevent unwanted airflow. It can be used in walls, attics and underfloor areas, but is most effective when used in combination with a radiant barrier in the attic and in crawl spaces. The type of foam that is used can vary, but closed-cell foam is generally more durable and resists mold growth.

A good way to start a homeowner on the path of adding or upgrading their home's insulation is to perform an energy audit. This process involves a thorough inspection of the attic, walls and floor in the home to identify areas where heat or cold air is escaping. During the audit, an experienced professional will measure the thickness of the existing insulation to determine what level of insulation is needed to achieve a comfortable home and lower energy bills. In most cases, the more insulation that is added to a house, the lower the utility bills will be. It is often possible to save up to 12% on energy costs by improving home insulation. This is a project that can be done in conjunction with other home improvement projects to make the most of a budget.