How to Compare New House Insulation
Whether adding it to your home or building a new house, there will come a time you'll need to pick insulation. You have a choice between blown-in cellulose insulation, which can hug harder-to-reach areas, or traditional rolled fiberglass insulation that doesn't cause a mess and is easier to install. You'll also need to consider the R-value (resistance to heat flow) of the insulation you choose based on where you live and the drafts and heating in your home. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Purchase home insulation with the correct R-value. R-value determines insulation's level of heat conduction. R-values are found on the outside packaging of most insulation. The higher the level, the more it will insulate your home. This is especially important for homes in colder areas. For instance, a house in South Dakota should have insulation in its walls with an R28 value. Houses in Florida can get away with an R18. See Reference 1 at the end of this article to determine the R-value of your area.
-
2
Consider the areas you're interested in insolating. Rolled fiberglass fits best into small spaces, while blown cellulose works well for large projects such as an attic.
-
-
3
Evaluate how the house is structured. New homes have thicker drywall and better-sealed exteriors. Older homes require more heavy-duty insulation because their gaps let in drafts. For an older home, pick a new insulation with an extra-high R-value.
-
4
Determine how the house is heated. Gas heating causes a loss in warm air and needs more insulation than electric baseboard heating.
-
5
Choose new home insulation that works well with humidity and moisture. If you live in an area with high humidity levels or an increased chance of flooding, choose blown-in cellulose insulation because it drains better. Rolled fiberglass insulation can get saturated with moisture in such situations, causing damage to drywall and flooring.
-
1
