Homeowners who reside in cold climates generally understand the many obvious reasons why residential insulation is important. It protects homes from the elements and keeps them warmer, not only keeping families more comfortable during the autumn and winter months but lowering heating bills as well. Although some of the households in our service area deal with wild winter weather, others, such as those in Charleston, South Carolina, are more likely to deal with balmy heat for the majority of the year.
Insulation, however, is just as crucial in hot weather as it is when the air is chilly. Many homeowners, perhaps you included, are surprised to learn this! As you continue reading, you will discover just a few of the reasons why investing in high-quality insulation matters regardless of the climate where you live.
How exactly does insulation work in the summer?
When the weather warms up during the spring and summer months, the actual insulation product becomes less critical than the air that becomes trapped inside of it. There are, though, certain types of insulation that are better than others for hot, humid regions, like the South Carolina low country. Traditional spun fiberglass and cellulose insulation styles are actually the best choices for hot-weather households because the air particles that get trapped in their fibers serve as an extra barrier between the hot outdoor air and your home’s interior temperature.
Where should I have insulation installed for best results?
If you are planning to have new insulation installed in your home in the near future, it’s imperative to make sure it is put in the most essential areas of your house. Having properly insulated walls is, of course, vital to the overall comfort of your home, but due to the fact that heat rises, you must make sure you don’t neglect your attic space! Having fluffy insulation put into your attic will prevent heat from transferring to the rest of your house. Make sure you have a qualified local contractor to handle your project. He or she should be able to answer any questions you have about which spots in your house need to be insulated to achieve the results you want.
How does heat move?
It is not uncommon for homeowners to struggle to understand exactly how insulation functions because they aren’t aware of how heat moves throughout a residence. Heat is transferred via two main methods, known as conduction and convection. You might be aware of both conduction and convection ovens, which use these principles, respectively, to cook food.
Conduction occurs when two solid materials, such as wood studs and sheets of drywall, touch one another, thereby transferring heat; in this particular example, wall insulation would help stop the heat from being moved from one material to another. Convection, on the other hand, requires moving air to transfer heat, such as through air ducts or vents. When insulation is installed correctly, it can stop both types of heat transfer, ultimately reducing your household’s monthly utility bills all year, not just in the summertime.
Whether you are ready to have new insulation installed as soon as possible or you would simply like to discuss the various options that are available to you, the team at Hatch Homes is here to assist you with your upcoming insulation project. Give us a call to start discussing your needs today. We are here to help in any way we can.