A variety of options are available for insulating older homes.
Attic insulation can drastically reduce heating and cooling bills. A number of insulation choices are available, including insulation sheets, batts, and loose fill insulation including cellulose and fiberglass. The age of the attic and the installed insulation is not as important as the type of attic construction. The construction type will determine the appropriate insulation choice. Replacement of existing insulation may be necessary due to air circulation or moisture problems. Does this Spark an idea?
Replacement Indicators
There are a number of indications that attic insulation may need to be replaced or augmented. If a homeowner notices an increase in their heating or cooling bill trends they may have air leaks that cause drafts in the winter. These drafts may be discovered when a specific room, area or floor in the home is colder or hotter than another location. You also can have your insulation inspected. When there are drafts and cold winter air mixes with heated home air, it can cause condensation which can create mold. Condensation and mold can also be caused by roof damage and the resulting snow and water contact with insulation.
Installation Preparation
If any air leaks, moisture, condensation or mold problems are discovered in an attic, some repairs and installation preparation will be needed before additional or new insulation is installed. All holes in the attic should be repaired to prevent air flow. Sealing the holes will automatically reduce heating and cooling costs, and may solve most of the moisture and condensation issues. Any mold-damaged insulation must be removed and the mold must be treated to prevent future growth.
Insulation Sheets and Batts
Insulation sheets and batts are types of insulation that are relatively easy to install. This material is available in rolls and sheets, as the name indicates. It can be purchased in various widths to correspond with the building's structure and can simply be laid between the joists. This material can be applied in two or more layers laid in different directions to help seal cracks. If the joists in construction are uneven, the material can be trimmed with scissors or any hand cutting tool.
Loose Fill
A second type of insulation is loose fill insulation. This insulation is used mainly in construction where the attic spacing is uneven and the installer does not wish to have to trim multiple pieces. Due to the loose composition, this material helps fill irregularly shaped spaces and can be installed quickly with a blowing machine or hand pouring procedure. Installers should be aware that material of this nature can settle if too much of the material is used. This settling may reduce the insulation factor.
Tags: heating cooling, fill insulation, loose fill, loose fill insulation, moisture condensation
