The Benefits of Insulation for Homes
Most people know that insulation is crucial to saving on energy costs. Home insulation keeps your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer by preventing your heat or air conditioning from leaking outside through your walls or air from coming inside. There are several more benefits of having your home properly insulated, though, including:- Pest control: Insulation can be useful in avoiding bug infestations by creating an extra seal in your walls that’s nearly impossible for them to get through. Some insulations even have bug-killing properties to stop outbreaks before they can start.
- Eco-friendliness: Insulation can reduce your home’s carbon footprint by making it more efficient in its heating and cooling processes.
- Noise reduction: If you live in a well-insulated home, you won’t hear as much noise from outside, like cars passing by or crowds from nearby ball games.
- Moisture control: Damn air and rain can wreak havoc on your home’s structure if it’s not insulated properly. Insulation creates a barrier, making it a challenge for moisture to seep into your home.
Types of Insulation
There are a few commonly used types of insulation found in homes today, and it’s important to choose the right one for your home. Some kinds to consider include:- T.A.P. insulation: Thermal Acoustical Pest Control (T.A.P.) insulation is cellulose-based insulation that is more efficient than fiberglass and has a unique benefit: It kills bugs before they ever get a chance to enter your home.
- Spray foam insulation: Spray foams are generally fire-resistant and can be the easiest to install with a special sprayer. These insulations can give an excellent seal because they begin to expand immediately after being sprayed onto a surface.
- Fiberglass insulation: This is, perhaps, the most commonly used insulation in modern homes, made from woven strands of glass. Fiberglass is non-flammable and highly effective, but it can be dangerous to install without the use of proper safety equipment and the right techniques.
- Slag wool insulation: Made from slag in steel mills, this insulation can come loose or in batts and is a good option for insulating large areas of the home.