Different Homes Require Different Insulation

February 10, 2016

Everyone lives differently - bungalow dwellers live mainly on one floor - others may have their sleeping quarters on the second floor - and still others spend much of their time in the so-called basement "recreation room". These are all lifestyle choices, and with them come different needs and priorities in terms of insulation. However, in every situation homeowner comfort is a priority and here, the choice of insulation will impact that comfort. For many, where the roof and attic remain uninhabited, the ideal solution may be a combination of blown insulation and spray polyurethane foam. It's an installation that effectively seals and insulates the entire space. Similarly, in a finished basement, a combination of spray polyurethane foam and fiberglass batts may be the best option. Certainly, where a home has unusual areas like a crawlspace, the very best is spray polyurethane foam. Because no two residential homes are alike, more and more insulation experts are suggesting spray polyurethane foam as a versatile, all-in-one application. For homeowners who are doing a renovation or retrofit, choosing the right insulation is critical, and this is where a reliable installer can provide good advice and viable recommendations. Needless to say, comfort is important but saving money on heating and cooling bills is also key.

Wall Cavity Insulation

Hard to believe, but some homes still have exterior walls with little or no insulation. Here, one of the better options for walls and siding is the drill-and-fill approach. It's a smart way of installing insulation without demolishing the wall. With a quality insulation product, R-Values are greatly enhanced, energy efficiency is dramatically improved, and indoor comfort enriched.

Attic and Roof Insulation

For the attic and roof, many contractors have been choosing blown-in cellulose insulation as their product-of-choice. The product is comprised mainly of recycled newspaper, and is treated to be fire retardant; undesirable to mould; and resistant to rodents and insects. Hence, an ideal option for the attic. For effective sealing, however, spray polyurethane foam is recommended.

Basement Insulation

Insulating the basement properly depends entirely on a quality insulation product, along with an expert install. Particularly in the basement, it's important to enhance thermal resistance; control air movement; and inhibit moisture from collecting. Here, a combination of spray polyurethane foam and fiberglass batts has delivered excellent results and seasonal utility savings. In the majority of homes, regardless of size and layout, it's the negative impacts of air movement and moisture collection that are important to address with insulation. And while many insulating products make claims and promises, very few offer the benefits derived with spray polyurethane foam. Best of all, spray polyurethane foam can deliver benefits with one application. For a good contractor, the advantages of the product and installation are clear: an insulated space can become totally airtight; undesirable airflow can be averted; and moisture can be prevented from accumulating. Indeed, this is true wherever the product is applied - the basement, attic, or walls. Overall, the cost savings on utilities will balance out the original project cost.