Most modern homes are insulated well, but some
older homes could stand to have some additional insulation put in. The only
way to figure out if you need more insulation is to find out what the
recommended R-values for insulation are in your area. They vary from region to
region. Then you will want to check the amount of insulation you have in your
attic and basement or crawl space to see if it matches the recommended levels
of insulation.
There are various types of insulation you can buy: blankets, batts, and loose
cellulose insulation. They all are good for different situations. In the attic
you can use any one of these types of insulations. Blankets can be used in the
attic as well. For walls, loose cellulose is often used by blowing it into the
wall spaces. In the basement, you might want to try putting batts in between
the floor joists and along the walls. |
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Try to keep a good amount of
ventilation in the attic and crawl space. You don't want to over-insulate the
space. If you don't leave enough air space for insulation, warm air can rise
in the winter and condense in your attic into moisture where it will end up
trapped by too much insulation. This can cause rotting. The same is true about
the basement, if you have too much insulation water can be trapped and cause
rotting. You should try to keep the insulation away from any metal flues or
recessed light fixtures. Try to also keep it away from masonry chimneys.
For safety reasons, you should handle the fiberglass insulation with gloves,
goggles, and a respirator on. This may seem like overkill but you don't want
the fiberglass particles getting into your lungs. Over the years, health
concerns from breathing in fiberglass fibers has increased and should be taken
into consideration when installing your own insulation.
When insulation your home, don't forget your windows. They should be
weather-stripped to keep drafts from reducing the energy efficiency of the
house. In addition, if you see any area that has cracks, try to caulk them up.
If you have enough money and want to invest in double-glazed windows, these
help to insulate the home against heat loss from the windows.
Insulating your home is not a difficult task. There are many different people
who can help you get the information you need from R-values for your area to
the types of insulation best suited for you job. As always, take your own
personal safety into account when choosing to install the material. Try to
follow the manufacturer's directions and keep the ventilation clear so that
moisture does not accumulate and cause rot. After you have finished insulating
the basement and attic, take a look at your windows and doors and see where
some additional weather-stripping might help. If you're still not happy with
the warmth of your home, then think about installing double-glazed windows for
added insulation value and home efficiency.
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