Whether you recently moved into an older home that has poor insulation (or no insulation at all!) or you are in the process of constructing a brand new house, the fact that you’re reading this guide is a surefire indication that you have insulation materials on your mind. Insulation is an incredibly important component of any home. Not only does it regulate the temperature in your home, keeping your family as comfortable as possible, but it helps you spend less on heating and cooling costs all year long.
There are three keys areas of your home that should be exceptionally well insulated. Whether you live in a chilly, mountainous region of North Carolina or the warm beaches of South Carolina, this holds true. In the rest of this guide, you will discover additional information about how to insulate your Carolina home.
Your attic
Many homeowners don’t initially realize just how crucial attic insulation is. No matter what the weather is like in your region of the Carolinas, a poorly insulated attic can lead to high heating and cooling bills and rooms that are uncomfortably hot or cold. Attic insulation prevents the air inside of your house from escaping through the roof and also stops outdoor air from entering your home.
If you rarely go into your attic, you may not even know what type of insulation it currently has. It is a good idea to have a professional contractor take a look at the space and provide you with recommendations at your earliest convenience. Homeowners are frequently surprised by what a difference upgrading their attic insulation makes in their overall comfort.
Your walls
Wall insulation is the most well-known kind of insulation, and very few modern homes lack it. It is, however, important for you to learn as much as you can about the various insulation materials you can choose from if you’re thinking about investing in new wall insulation soon.
“Pink” insulation – Crafted from fiberglass, “pink” insulation is the most popular choice among American homeowners. It is sold in large sheets and comes in various R-values. If you aren’t sure what R-value is best for your home, your contractor will be able to tell you.
Cellulose insulation – Cellulose insulation is typically the most affordable option, making it ideal for homeowners who are on a tight budget. This sort of insulation is often made from recycled paper and blown into holes that are cut into the exterior walls of a house. It is best for cellulose insulation to be installed prior to siding being put on, but siding boards can be removed if needed.
Spray foam insulation – Generally, spray foam insulation is more expensive than other options, but it also tends to have the highest R-value of any insulation material on the market today. This type of insulation can be used not only in walls but in attic spaces. If you’re considering this option, getting quotes from several different spray foam insulation companies is wise. Their prices can vary widely.
Your doors and windows
Improperly insulated windows and doors can lead to uncomfortable drafts in your home. There are several steps you can take to insulate these entry points. First, make sure any old weatherstripping is replaced. This will go a long way toward keeping your doors and windows airtight. It is also important to keep glass panes covered with insulated curtains or window film if you’re hoping to improve energy efficiency.
If you are interested in learning more about what the Hatch Homes crew can do to upgrade the insulation in your home, give our office a call. We look forward to hearing from you and are excited to get started on your home improvement project as soon as possible!