Be ready for any weather this summer by properly insulating the home, doors and windows.
Ed Mulderrig has seen more than his share of poorly insulated homes. The problem areas are usually around doors or windows, especially in older homes.
“That can result in a huge loss of hot and cool air,” said Mulderrig, owner of Mulderigg Builders in South Hampton, N.Y.
“You’d be surprised at how much air can slip past poorly insulated windows or doors.”
Mulderrig is far from alone. Contractors across the country can swap horror stories of homeowners whose heating and cooling bills soar because their homes aren’t properly insulated.
The problem is this: insulating a home isn’t as simple as it seems. Homeowners have to decide which type of insulation to use, and whether to install insulation on their own or with the help of a professional contractor.
Proper insulation, though, is the key to an energy-efficient home. said Mark Ziegert Sr., brand and marketing communications manager for insulations systems with Johns Manville.
Ziegert that homeowners can reduce their heating and cooling costs by as much as 20% with a properly sealed and insulated home.
Ziegert also cited a study by the Appraisal Institute, and said for every dollar homeowners save in annual utility costs, they add $20 to their homes’ market value.
What follows is a quick look at the types of insulation available to homeowners.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, blanket insulation is the most common and widely available type of insulation.
Blanket insulation is available at home improvement stores in large rolls. This type of insulation is installed between a home’s studs, joists and beams. Homeowners can install it themselves, as long as its placed in obstruction-free areas.
Homeowners can spray, inject or pour liquid foam insulation into the smallest of spaces.
Because of this option sprayed foam usually provides a tighter seal for a home than does traditional blanket insulation. It is also more expensive.
Homeowners will often rely on insulation companies or other contractors to install sprayed foam.
The Department of Energy said that homeowners can use foam insulation boards – which are rigid panels – to insulate any part of the home, from the roof all the way to the foundation.
In addition to preventing hot and cold air from escaping, foam boards can add structural strength to a home. They are an ideal choice for the DIYer.
The Department of Energy said insulated concrete blocks can provide extra insulation to walls throughout a home. The cores of these blocks are filled with insulation. The downside? Installing concrete block insulation requires masonry skills that most homeowners lack.
Homeowners should remember to insulate their whole homes.
Robert Brockman, marketing manager for CertainTeed Insulation, said homeowners tend to forget certain key areas of their residences.
“Under stairwells, around plumbing fixtures and along cathedral ceilings are some of the most difficult areas of a home to properly insulate,” Brockman said.
“Cracks and openings near windows and doors are also notorious for making home heating and cooling systems work harder to regulate indoor temperatures,” he noted.
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