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insulating old homes
Insulating Old Homes
Homeowners everywhere are trying to discover
ways to lower their monthly energy bills. Families usually
resort to making sure lights and appliances are turned off
when they are not being used, and that the thermostat is
not being abused. What they don't know is that an estimated
60% of energy is used by heating and cooling.
By investing in insulation, homeowners
can save the amount of money needed to pay for the cost
of installation and continue to save afterwards. Also, insulation
will bring a greater sense of comfort to a home by trapping
heat in the winter and cold air in the summer.
Poor insulation and air leakage are the
top two reasons for energy waste. Even the newest of homes
can benefit from insulation. For older homes, areas that
require major insulation attention include attics, basement
walls and ceilings, unheated floor spaces, exterior walls
and crawl spaces.
Before you decide to insulate these areas,
certain elements must be carefully examined. Insulation
will not be as effective until you control all of your homes
air leaks. Many of these leaks exist within the attic. However,
an air leak can exist in any opening between your walls
and floors.
Ventilation is another important factor
to consider before insulating. Ventilation is essential
because it relates to moisture control and indoor air pollution.
A professional insulation contractor can assist you in locating
some of these hard to find air leaks and review your ventilation
arrangement.
Before purchasing your insulation, consider
elements such as climate, your budget, and the design of
your house before selecting insulation. Also, keep in mind
that insulation is determined by its R-value. R-value measures
thermal resistance. It is important to know that the thicker
the insulation is, the higher the R-value. However, R-value
is also determined by material and weight.
Overall, it is the space requiring the
insulation that determines the type of insulation needed.
Forms of insulation include loose-fill, batts or blankets,
rigid foam and reflective insulation systems. Insulation
options include Fiberglass-based blow-in insulation, Cellulose
insulation, and Cementitious foam.
Depending on what type of insulation you
purchase, a professional insulation contractor may be required.
There are certain types that can be installed alone. If
you have decided to install the insulation yourself, make
sure to take precautions.
Insulation, particularly fiberglass, can
be harmful if is breathed in and may irritate skin. For
these reasons it is important to use rubber gloves, wear
loose long-sleeved shirts and seal gaps between shirts and
gloves. All skin must be covered! This especially includes
your face and eyes. Make sure to wear a particle mask and
something over your head. If you are working in the attic,
be careful not to fall through dry wall. Placing plywood
planks across the floor will assist you in moving around
more smoothly.
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