If you’ve figured out you need more insulation, you’ve probably also determined where you need to insulate. Maybe you got an energy audit or talked to professional home insulation contractors. Or perhaps you aren’t exactly sure but think you may need more insulation and need help figuring out where to insulate.
Whatever the case, we’ll help you determine where to insulate so you can save the most energy (and money) and make your home more comfortable year round.
On a general level, insulation should be installed in all areas of your home:
- Attic
- Basement
- Crawl spaces
- Walls
Where to Insulate: Attics
The attic is one of the best places to insulate in your home because it can be a huge source of energy loss. Knee walls (vertical walls with attic space behind them) and floors need to be insulated. Knee walls tend to be very leaky and energy-inefficient. The ceiling should also be insulated with foil, which helps your roof reflect, rather than absorb, heat from the sun. This keeps your home a lot cooler and more comfortable. In fact, homes with radiant barrier installed are about 10 degrees cooler than homes with no insulation in the attic!
Best insulation to use: radiant barrier (reflective); fiberglass blanket system; cellulose
Where to Insulate: Basements
Don’t overlook the foundation of your home when it comes to insulation installation. Insulating the basement can save you hundreds of dollars annually – and insulating the walls can help your home stay more comfortable year round. For sound control purposes, you can insulate the basement ceiling.
Best insulation to use: fiberglass; cellulose; spray foam
Where to Insulate: Crawl Spaces
If your home has any crawl spaces, it’s important that you insulate them. Crawl space insulation can help reduce air leaks, control moisture problems, and prevent issues like frozen pipes, soil vapor intrusion and more. The walls should be insulated in unventilated crawl spaces. For ventilated crawl spaces, insulating the subflooring and floor joists is more important. When insulating a crawl space (ventilated or not), moisture control is vital – air sealing is required.
Best insulation to use: fiberglass and spray foam
Where to Insulate: Walls
Both interior and exterior walls should be insulated (as a professional insulation company will tell you!). Behind your interior walls, there are wires, pipes and ductwork. It may be recommended to insulate around these too. In fact, ducts are almost always insulated.
Best insulation to use: fiberglass; cellulose, spray foam
Maybe just your attic needs more insulation, or maybe you need to insulate all these areas. You’ll need to talk to an insulation company to find out the specifics. If you’re in southeastern Virginia, contact Tidewater Insulators today!
