Upgrading a building’s insulation can seem like an arduous process. However, it is a crucial factor in keeping energy bills low and reducing a building’s operational carbon footprint.
Insulation retrofits can be done room by room or on the whole building. Once a specialist has inspected the existing insulation and removed (if necessary), new insulation can be added.
Insulation Options
Upgrading insulation in your home or building to reduce energy costs can significantly cut back on heating and cooling expenses. While it’s easier and more cost-effective to add insulation as part of new construction, insulating existing structures that are drafty or experiencing high energy bills is possible by installing retrofit insulation, according to Alphagraphics.
Retrofit insulation can include batts, rolls and loose-fill insulation materials that are positioned between sheathing, joists and studs. The material should be carefully placed to ensure that gaps and voids are not left, which can impact the insulating value. In addition, the underlying structural framing should be properly sealed to prevent moisture and air leaks that can affect the performance of the insulation.
Another option is to frame a wall outside the existing cladding, known as a curtain wall, and fill it with vapor-open insulation such as cellulose. This allows for higher R-values and eliminates the need for a thermal barrier between the sheathing and masonry, which can increase energy efficiency and help to reduce energy consumption.
If you’re planning to insulate your existing home or building, choose a material that meets the R-value and performance standards set by the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association’s (NAIMA) Insulation Institute. It’s also important to inspect and replace your insulation regularly, as it can settle over time.
Attic Insulation
Insulating the attic is one of the biggest energy efficiency improvements a homeowner can make. It reduces the amount of conditioned air that is lost through ceilings, keeping homes comfortable and lowering heating costs. It also keeps hot air out in the summer, reducing cooling bills.
Proper attic insulation can solve a number of common home problems, including uneven temperatures from room to room, moisture issues and ice dams. In addition, a well-insulated attic can help keep your roof in better condition by protecting it from ice and moisture damage.
Most attic insulation consists of fiberglass batts, loose-fill cellulose or spray foam. Fiberglass batts are available precut or in rolls and can be installed over existing attic insulation. The type of attic insulation you choose depends on your climate, how much space you have in the attic and whether you plan to use the area for storage.
Before adding any attic insulation, make sure to clear out any boxes or other stored items. This will make it easier to work and ensure that there are no air leaks through the attic hatch. If you will be storing items in the attic, consider using a fire-retardant spray on the underside of the attic hatch to seal it. Insulators will wear personal protective equipment while working in the attic, such as face masks, safety glasses and gloves.
Wall Insulation
Insulating walls in a home or commercial building helps to make the structure energy efficient and comfortable. The retrofit process for this involves inspecting and possibly removing existing insulation, followed by installing new insulation. This can include both blown in or spray foam insulation and comes in various different types to suit the building’s needs and local climate.
Many older homes and buildings don’t have wall insulation installed, or the existing insulation is worn and damaged and no longer provides adequate performance. In these instances, it’s an excellent idea to invest in a retrofit. You can do this by having a qualified insulation professional visit your property and assess the situation. They will determine if any of the existing insulation needs to be removed and will advise you on what kind of insulation will work best for your building.
There are a number of ways to add wall insulation, but the most common is by having insulation batts inserted into your existing wall lining. These are usually made from glasswool (aka fiberglass), polyester or rockwool and are cut to fit between the studs in your walls. They are inexpensive, fire resistant and have a high R-value. Specialised acoustic wall insulation is also available that reduces noise levels.
Another option for upgrading your existing walls is a structural insulated panel or SIP, which has an insulating core sandwiched between two facings that are typically oriented strand board, per the Structural Insulated Panel Association. It’s a great alternative to the standard drilling-and-fill method for upgrading wood framed walls.
Floor Insulation
The floors in older homes can be very prone to heat loss, so floor insulation is a great way to save money on heating bills, keep rooms warmer and make your home more comfortable overall. Even in characterful homes, insulating the floors is often possible to do without compromising the integrity of the property and can be an easy DIY job.
Depending on the style of floor in your house, you will have different options for insulating the floor. Suspended timber floors can be insulated by raising the existing floorboards and installing mineral wool or rigid foam insulation between joists. If your home has a concrete floor slab, then it can be insulated by laying a layer of insulation onto the slab before the flooring is put back down.
If you are looking for an option to insulate your floors that will not require any maintenance, then closed-cell spray foam is an excellent choice. It forms a hard, durable layer that stops moisture from seeping into structural materials and can help improve the strength of your house.
No matter which type of flooring you have in your home, it is worth considering adding insulation for the floors to ensure that your home is energy efficient and you get the best value when it comes to selling your property.