House Insulation Assistance

Where to Insulate?

• You need to know where insulation is essential and where you need to upgrade your insulation. To make the biggest impact, focus on the attic. Heat loss can occur anywhere in the house, but because hot air rises, the attic is where most heat loss occurs. In some homes the insulation stops at the floor joists in the attic. Install insulation throughout the attic and you will enjoy instant energy savings. Also, look at other areas of your home that may not be insulated, such as a floor over a garage.

Types of Insulation

• The primary types of insulation are fiberglass and cellulose. Fiberglass insulation comes in rolled up bundles or sheets that you find at the building supply center. However, fiberglass can also be blown in by a professional. Cellulose is extremely effective because it is easier to get into all the small cracks and corners of a space. It is also made from recycled material. Cellulose is a green insulation option because of its composition and effectiveness.

R-Ratings

• All insulation is rated with an "R" system. On insulation, you will see an "R" followed by a number that indicates the grade of insulation. The "R" stands for the insulation's resistance to heat flow. Therefore, higher R values indicate a more effective insulation. They are also typically more expensive. Higher R valued insulation is particularly important in colder climates. In very cold climates, you should use insulation as high as R-49 in your attic.

Before You Insulate

• Before you insulate any part of a home, look for and seal air leaks. Air leaks are much more difficult to find after the insulation has been installed. You may be able to find some leaks yourself and seal them, but the best way to find them is to have a professional come in and conduct a blower test. After the test, seal the house as before insulating.