For such an important part of a home, insulation is often neglected and misunderstood. Below are just a few questions we answer for homeowners on a regular basis:
How does insulation work?
Without diving too deeply into a physics lesson, the basic principle is this: heat likes to flow from warmer areas to cooler areas, until the temperature is more evenly spread out. In the winter, this means heat from the toasty inside of your house is constantly trying to escape into the colder air of the outdoors. Insulation acts as resistance to that warm air, trapping it inside your home. The opposite is true in the summer—insulation helps keep warm air outside, where it belongs.
What does R-value mean?
All insulation is measured by its R-value—the “R” stands for “resistance.” The higher the R-value, the more resistant it is to letting heat through, and the better it is at insulating your home.
How much insulation do I need?
This depends on a few factors: what type of heating and cooling system you have, which part of the house is being insulated, how old your home is…. An experienced contractor will be able to inspect your home and determine the quantity and R-value your home needs for best efficiency.
Can insulation be added to an older home?
Yes! This is called “retrofit insulation,” and depending on the condition and age of your current insulation, can add significantly to your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.