Insulating the exterior walls is one of the most useful things you could do for your home, helping it become warmer, both literally and figuratively. However, since it’s not exactly the easiest task to DIY, you should always opt for professional help. Furthermore, despite its utility, not too many people know the essentials of this activity. For this reason, we asked a highly-trained local handyman to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about insulation installation. Without further ado, here is what he had to say:
How does insulation work?
Basically, insulation slows down the heat transfer from the outside to the inside and vice versa. This way, your home retains more heat during the winter and also stays cooler during the summer. Even though there are many different types of insulation, they all work on the same principle, says the local handyman.
What does R-value mean?
The R-value designates the insulation’s efficiency when it comes to slowing down heat transfer. For external walls, you need insulation with an R-value of around 2.0 to 2.5. For the ceiling, we recommend a minimum R-value of 4.0. Also, between floors, you will also need a 4.0 R-value insulation.
Does my home need insulation?
Even without knowing the particularities of your house, the answer is still yes. Every home needs, or at least benefits from thermal insulation since this is the easiest and cheapest way to regulate temperatures inside your home. Non-insulated houses lose heat rapidly during the winter and gain it quickly during the summer, the local handyman explains.
What are the benefits of insulation?
The benefits of insulation installation are as follows: more comfortable indoor temperatures, reduced energy use, more financial savings, lower environmental impact, fire resistance, acoustic benefits, moisture prevention, and, last but not least, the improved value of your property.
What’s the best time to install it?
Insulation installation should be done during renovation or construction since the cavities are open and easily accessible. Once walls and ceilings are sealed or plastered, it becomes impossible, or at least much more difficult, to install insulation. Therefore, if you’re building or renovating, now it’s the best time, says the local handyman.
When does old insulation need to be replaced?
Old insulation should be replaced immediately when it’s no longer effective. In other words, when it doesn’t do its job of regulating temperatures inside your home, you should think of changing it. Uncomfortable indoor temperatures, difficulties in heating or cooling your home, as well as fluctuating temperatures, cold draughts, and increasing power bills, are some of the worrying signs of ineffective insulation.
The local handyman we contacted for this article works with Home & Business Services – HBSOnTime.com. They are a family-owned local business, operating since 2013 in the Greater Fredericksburg Area, VA. They offer professional cleaning services (residential, commercial, air ducts, carpets, windows), as well as handyman services, home maintenance, and turnkey services. Other handyman services, besides insulation installation, include carpentry, ceiling repair, deck repair, fence fixing, door installation, flooring repair, etc.