Does your home feel like it is leaking heat or will not stay cool in the summer? This is likely a problem related to your insulation. It may be that the home was never properly insulated in the first place, or the home insulation got wet and is now moldy or not working as well. Fortunately, it is possible to insulate or reinsulate an existing home. There are several ways to do this, some more energy-efficient than others.
Types of Insulation
There are multiple types of insulation that you can choose from when it comes to insulating a wall. However, there are only a couple of options for insulating an existing house if you do not want to completely tear the wall apart. It comes down to what types of insulation can be blown into the walls.
The first option you can use is called cellulose. This is a type of plant material that is thick and clumpy. You can open up a small portion of the wall and easily blow cellulose into it. The upside of cellulose is that it is the most cost-effective option. The downside is that it is one of the less energy-efficient options, as it does not serve as a vapor retardant or air barrier as well as other insulation materials. Other options include forms of traditional fiberglass insulation that can be blown in.
In some scenarios, you may be opening up the wall anyway due to rotting materials or renovation. If you are looking to tear apart either the interior or exterior of your wall, then there are other insulation options. Blow-in insulation is still possible, but you could also use fiberglass rolls. These are rolled-up sections of insulation that you place into the wall cavities before sealing up the wall. What if you are looking for something that is both blows in and is energy efficient, though?
Why Spray Foam Is the Most Energy-Efficient Insulation
If you are looking for a material that can be blown in and is also energy efficient, then expandable foam is your best bet. The problem with some types of home insulation is air loss. Air is able to go in and out of nooks and crannies within the pockets of the insulation. When foam is sprayed into the wall, it expands and fills in these cracks and gaps. This way, the air is prevented from escaping, which helps to keep your home warm or cool.
Over time, foam insulation can help save you money through lowered energy bills, potential tax incentives or rebates, and fewer maintenance costs. It also helps prevent your HVAC system from working harder than it has to, which can reduce the chance of breakdowns.
Eakman Construction Can Help with All of Your Home Building and Renovation Needs
Are you considering building a new home or remodeling your current home? Eakman Construction is here to help. We are experienced in all types of jobs, from starting a remodel to building a new home. Our years of experience allow us to make your vision come to life. Give us a call with any questions that you may have to get the ball rolling on your next project.