Anyone who works in the insulation industry knows that “less is more” is not a phrase you ever hear uttered. Instead, the more insulation a house has, the better off the homeowner will be. In our service area, throughout North Carolina and South Carolina, people live in a wide variety of climates within a reasonably small area. Figuring out what type of insulation is best for your home, whether you live in a temperate area like Charleston or a colder region like Asheville, can be a challenge. The questions and answers in this guide will help you make the right choice for your lifestyle and locale.
How is insulation rated?
If you’ve spent any time researching insulation, you’ve probably noticed that different styles have different R-values. An R-value tells you, the consumer, the thermal capacity of a particular sort of insulation. The higher a material’s thermal capacity is, the longer it takes for heat to transfer through it. Therefore, insulation with a high R-value will keep your home warm in the winter and cooler in the summer than insulation with a low R-value. If you live in an area where the temperature is relatively consistent year-round, having a high R-value might not be as much of a priority for you as it is for homeowners in chilly regions.
How much insulation do I need?
The short answer to this question is that the higher quality your insulation is, the less of it you’re likely to need. You may, however, end up spending about the same amount of money in either case. The perk is that using less insulation overall is better for the environment and, in most situations, better for your bank account in the long run. Higher quality insulation tends to last longer. Do bear in mind, however, that if the insulation you’re using is over 10 inches deep, it should do a fine job keeping your home both warm and cool no matter what material it is made out of.
What are the best insulation products for hot summers and warm climates?
At the present time, there are no manmade insulation products that can equal the thermal capacity of certain natural materials, including cellulose and cork. Natural insulation tends to be the most eco-savvy choice homeowners can make, but it can also be more costly than traditional synthetic options, such as fiberglass. Talk to your contractor about the different styles you can pick from and get advice about what option is truly best for your project.
It’s also important for you to note that there are external factors that impact how hot (or cold) your home gets. If, for instance, you have a ventilation layer created in your attic, your home will remain more comfortable all year long. You may also want to consider adding extra shade, either in the form of trees or structures like pergolas, around your house.
At Hatch Homes, we are willing to tackle any insulation project you may have. Whether your home needs to be completely re-insulated, you are building a new house, or you just want additional insulation in certain rooms, we can handle the job. We look forward to hearing from you soon and can’t wait to get started.