No matter what the temperature is outdoors, you need to make sure that you obtain the same level of comfort indoors. Upgrading your home insulation in Kansas City is necessary when your current one doesn’t retain a comfortable indoor atmosphere.
You need good heat retention before the winter comes and consistently cool rooms during summer. Lack of indoor comfort can also mean skyrocketing utility bills because the HVAC system is compensating for less-than-efficient insulation. Either way, an insulation upgrade is worth the time and money.
Blown-in insulation is rated to last 50+ years, so undertaking a project now will give you a lifetime of comfort in your home. But before you earmark a portion of your yearly budget for insulation, it’s best to do an energy audit first to know whether you need an upgrade or a total replacement.
Pinpointing the Problem
Knowing that your insulation has a problem is one thing. Knowing the location or depth of the problem is another. That’s why you need an energy auditor to come by, and do an evaluation. An audit can reveal your usage pattern, where your energy bills are going, and provide ideas on how to make your house more efficient. Your auditor will also educate you about indoor air quality in your home, and if you need to improve your house’s ventilation capabilities.
Energy audits usually come with an insulation service request, so don’t worry about missing out on important pre-project details.
Knowing About R-Value
R-value is a common characteristic of insulation materials. It provides information about the durability of the material, how well it can hold up against heat penetration, and how thick it is. A higher R-value means better insulation and more expensive.
Rest assured that your contractor will help you get to know the R-value of each insulation material. The climate in your area is the primary determinant of the material, but your contractor will also keep your preferred budget in mind when recommending insulation foam.
Your Insulation Options
Once you’re sure that you need an insulation upgrade or replacement, you’ll move on to your options. And while there are several characteristics you need to know, you’ll mainly choose between the foam materials.
Fiberglass – This material comes in rolls, blankets or batts. Some fiberglass insulation also comes as loose fill. (Pros: inexpensive, easy installation, low R-value; Cons: vulnerable to moisture, requires special installation equipment)
Polyurethane foam – Available in low- and high-density variants, polyurethane foam is made of furniture stuffing or bedding. It’s a common insulation material, which you can spray or inject. (Pros: inexpensive, preferred material for tight spaces, good R-value; Cons: toxic for the installer, requires special installation equipment)
Cellulose – Made of recycled paper and needs borate treatment to be fire-retardant. (Pros: cheap, easy to install, good R-value; Cons: takes time to settle, subject to moisture, requires special equipment)
There are other kinds of insulation materials, like reflective insulation and foam board, but contractors rarely recommend them to homeowners. As for the costs, there are tools available online that can provide a rough estimate of the expenses.
At A+ Insulation, we treat your home like our home. So we don’t just help you save money, our insulation technicians will pick the right materials, meet local and building codes on energy efficiency, and perform diligent, efficient work to ensure indoor comfort all year round.
Call us today to schedule a free, no-obligation inspection and estimate.