Insulation Tips for Homeowners

When combined with proper air sealing, a home’s insulation is one of the best energy-efficiency upgrades a homeowner can make. It will keep your house warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and reduce your energy costs year round. It will also improve your comfort, and it may add to your home’s resale value.

The first step is to fiberglass insulation the amount of insulation in your house. This can be done by a qualified home energy assessor as part of an overall house assessment (energy audit). The assessor will look at the attic, basement walls, and any areas adjacent to unheated spaces. They will measure the thickness of the insulation in inches and will determine whether it has an R-value (a measurement of its insulating properties).

Choosing the Best Insulation for Flat Roofs

If you have an attic, check the amount of fiberglass batt insulation. It is relatively inexpensive and can be installed by the homeowner. However, it is important to install the insulation correctly in order to achieve the desired R-value and prevent moisture problems. If you plan to install insulation in an existing home, consider cellulose or wet spray foam as these products provide a higher R-value and better coverage in wall cavities. They can also be installed over existing insulation, but require the services of a professional.

If you are building a new home, consider the use of structural insulated panels and insulated concrete forms as these products literally have insulation built in. They also allow for advanced wall framing techniques that improve whole-wall insulating performance by reducing thermal bridging and maximizing insulated area.

NextGen Spray Foam Insulation
Kila, MT 59920
(406) 871-3729