The 4 Benefits of a Properly Insulated Home

Insulation is one of the most necessary foundations of any home. Insulation works by acting as a barrier to heat flow and is essential for keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer. A well-insulated and well-designed home provides you and your family with year-round comfort, and also reduces cooling and heating bills.  Not only do you save money, but you also help save the planet by reducing your home’s greenhouse gas emissions. Insulation can also help with weatherproofing and eliminating moisture issues like condensation. Meanwhile, some types of insulation also have soundproofing qualities. As you can see, a properly insulated home comes with a range of great benefits. In this article, we will be looking closely at the benefits of insulation, as well as the different types of insulation, and choosing the right insulation for your home.

The 4 Types of Insulation 

There are four standard types of insulation used in residential buildings, they include:

• Blanket insulation - filled with mineral fibers including rockwool and fiberglass, comes in rolled-up form.
• Polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foam insulation - sprayed into the crevices and cavities of a home by a professional installer.
• Loose fill insulation - consisting of cellulose, rockwool and/or fiberglass, contained in pellets or fibers and installed with pneumatic tools.
• Rigid insulation - typically packaged in boards or pipe fittings and is typically used to insulate wall sheaths and foundations.
  

Where to Install Insulation

Different types of insulation will be installed in different areas of the home. The most common places to install insulation include: 

• Under the roofing material to reduce radiant heat gain.
• In the ceiling to reduce heat gain and loss. Typically, ceiling insulation is installed between the joists.
• In the external walls.
• Internal walls, including between the house and any attached buildings.
• Under the floor of the house in homes built up off the ground.
• Around plumbing pipes.

The 4 Benefits of Insulation

Now that we have taken a look at the different types of insulation and where insulation is typically installed, let us take a deeper dive into the benefits of insulation. 

1. Reduces Your Utility Bills

Ensuring heat stays inside your home during winter, and out of your home during summer, will significantly decrease the amount of times you switch on your heating or cooling. Helping to keep your utility bills down all year round. 

2. Lowers Your Carbon Footprint 

A properly insulated home will reduce your carbon footprint, which is great for the environment. Your carbon footprint is directly related to energy consumption, so an insulated home is much better for the environment. 

3. Increases the Value of Your Home 

It is often the case that adding insulation to a newer home can pay for itself within a few years. Not to mention insulation greatly increases the value of your home. Even if you are not planning on selling your home any time soon, with insulation, its value will still steadily increase overtime until you are ready to sell.

4. Greater Noise Control

Insulation can provide a great noise barrier, especially if you live on a busy street or have particularly noisy neighbours. Insulation not only helps control the noise that enters your home, but also the noise that escapes your home, which offers an added level of privacy and security. 

Choosing the Right Insulation

How do you know which insulation is right for you? It all depends on where you need to add insulation, and the insulation’s R-value, which is insulation's ability to resist heat leaking in or out. The amount and level of insulation you need is dependent on your home, and the climate you live in. 

Do You Need Insulation?

Even after reading all the benefits of insulation, you might be wondering if insulation is necessary for your home. Our answer would be a resounding ‘yes!’ Insulation is cost-effective, saves energy, and is good for the environment. From renovating, building, or replacing your old insulation, there is an insulation option available for your needs.