How to insulate an older brick home can be a challenge. If furring strips were nailed to the inner masonry, there is only a narrow 3/4-inch space to add insulation. Very old brick homes often have no space to add insulation as the plaster was applied directly to the brick wall.
People ask me all the time how does insulation work. The answer is easy. Insulation slows the movement of heat. Some insulations perform far better than others.
Foam insulation is very popular. I used spray foam insulation on one of my jobs years ago and had splendid results. But don't think for a moment that do it yourself spray foam insulation is possible. You need very special equipment to apply the foam insulation. Furthermore, if you put too much of the foam on the wall, it can expand far too much and you waste the expensive material.
Basement insulation may help keep your first floor warmer. Is insulation added to basement ceilings between the floor joists worthwhile? Insulation slows heat transfer, but choosing to insulate your basement ceiling is not the most efficient. Basement wall insulation may be the answer.
Plywood can help remedy some of your safety worries if you try to walk on the little 1.5 inch wide edge of the trusses in your attic.
Using R value guidelines to upgrade your insulation is likely a smart move. R values, established by the U.S. Dept. of Energy for walls, ceilings, floors, and other areas of your home, are really minimum requirements. Check insulation R values recommended for your area on the map and table here. Increased insulation R value in your ceilings and wall insulation will bank extra energy dollars saved in no time!
Installing insulation is simple, but a process which needs your attention to some important details. Fiberglass is easily cut to fit, but you need to get the bulky fiberglass blankets up into the attic in the first place! Fiberglass insulation, installed properly, also includes care to avoid fire in your home by improperly covering certain fixtures in the attic.
Fiberglass questions can leave you, well...scratching your head. Are fiberglass blankets superior in heat retention to blown in insulation? Is the R value of your fiberglass insulation affected by other factors in the attic? Fiberglass answers here will help save the head-scratching for another decision!
Fiberglass blankets, or batt insulation, and blown in insulation are essentially the same product. Only the batt is suggested for the DIY homeowner. The seven insulation manufacturers providing these home insulation products are listed here.
Attic insulation is accomplished with either fiberglass blankets (batt) or blown in insulation. Batt insulation is available at home centers and lumberyards. Blown in insulation requires a professional. Before choosing blown vs. batt insulation, take time to read this column.
R value is an important number for homeowners to understand. Insulation r value recommendations have been updated recently by the U.S. Department of Energy. R values for your home insulation needs will depend on which zone of our country you live in. Insulation manufacturers are listed in the table and advisory below, as well as associations for additional information about insulation r values.
Fiberglass has been improved with some new twists. Blown in insulation, of fiberglass, makes installing insulation easier in tight spots. Improved R value and health concerns have been addressed in another insulation product.
Insulation for the home has been readily improved through the years. Both fiberglass and cellulose insulation, in batt or blown in insulation form, have certain advantages as well as traits that need special diligence. Assure proper R-value--and your own safety, by reading these guidelines and tips.
Cellulose vs. fiberglass insulation -- which is the best choice? Fiberglass has caused some health concerns. Cellulose insulation requires due care, as cellulose insulation and electrical wiring can produce intense heat, which can cause fire. Both fiberglass insulation and cellulose will settle when blown in, and R value is affected.
Installing insulation in your home is a fairly simple DIY project, and you need only simple tools that you likely already have around the house. Insulation is not the most fun project, however. Tips for installing fiberglass blankets or blown in insulation will advise on installing your insulation properly, whether DIY or hired.
