Insulation Basics

Homeowners will know when their insulation needs to be repaired or upgraded — they will feel cold air seeping in from seams around windows or doors, or a portion of wall or ceiling will be colder than other sections. Insulation can settle in rafters or within the wall, or the amount of insulation installed in the first place might not be the most efficient for cold weather. An insulation professional can add new insulation to areas that need it, or place an entire new layer of insulation, either in sheets, rolls, or blown-in form. Since insulation is packed between walls as well as in ceiling spaces, it is helpful for the service professional to know what kind of access will be available prior to beginning the job. If the walls are intact, it will require additional cost and labor to get to the framing to install the insulation. Knowing what kind of foundation is under the home can help a service professional better assess insulation needs and costs. For example, there are more insulating options available for a full basement than for a crawl space or slab on grade foundations. In general, spaces with attics have more insulating options than vaulted ceilings, flat roofs, or homes with no attic at all. Wrapping the water heater saves energy because the homeowner does not lose as much of the concentrated heat the heater itself generates. Wrapping cold water pipes reduces condensation problems by keeping moisture from coming in contact with the pipes. | Read More