Perth Insulation controls the flow of heat inside and outside your home — keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer. It also reduces air leakage, which wastes energy and money.

There are many types of insulation materials, each offering different benefits. Be sure to do your research before selecting a product and following proper installation instructions (if DIY) or hiring a professional.

Having proper insulation keeps the temperature inside your home consistent, so you don’t have to turn up the heating or air conditioning. This can drastically reduce your energy bills.

Insulation works by blocking heat transfer. It’s typically made of materials with millions of tiny pockets of still air, which gives it its high thermal resistance and insulating power. Those trapped pockets of air are what help prevent warm air from escaping your house during the winter, and cool air from seeping into your home during the summer.

Without the proper amount of insulation, you’ll lose money every time your furnace or air conditioner runs. The energy wasted in this way is a big reason why homeowners who upgrade their insulation see significant reductions in their energy bills.

In addition, well-insulated homes have lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions. This is an important consideration for people who care about environmental sustainability, and it aligns with the growing trend of many Ontario residents to live greener lives.

While insulation is an investment, it can quickly pay for itself in terms of reduced energy bills. It’s also possible to get rebates and incentives through government programs, like the Mass Save program in Massachusetts, that can help offset some of the upfront costs associated with an insulation upgrade.

In addition, insulation can be an excellent way to reduce noise. This can be particularly beneficial in urban areas, where traffic and other city activities can be a constant presence inside the home. A quieter indoor environment can dramatically enhance the comfort of a home and improve the quality of life for its inhabitants. This is a benefit that can’t be quantified in dollars, but adds value to the overall experience of living in a home.

Increases Home Value

When homeowners plan to sell their homes, they are usually looking for ways to increase their property value. Many think about upgrading the kitchen or bathroom, buying new appliances, or getting a fresh coat of paint on the exterior. One often overlooked way to increase home value is installing or updating insulation.

Adding or upgrading insulation is a great way to improve energy efficiency, making your home more comfortable and attractive to potential buyers. The increased efficiency also reduces energy costs, which is a major selling point for buyers.

Insulation helps keep a house at an optimal temperature year-round, reducing the amount of energy it takes to heat and cool the space. This is a huge selling point for many buyers, especially those who are concerned about environmental impact.

It also reduces noise levels, which can be a big benefit for those who live in urban areas or busy neighborhoods. Additionally, it protects a home from moisture infiltration, which is essential for the longevity of building materials and the health of the occupants.

While a home’s insulation is not typically included in the appraisal process, upgrades like this can help improve your home’s marketability and attract a larger number of potential buyers. If you are considering adding or replacing your home’s insulation, be sure to use a reputable contractor who offers a thorough evaluation of your needs and uses high-quality materials for maximum effectiveness.

Homeowners who invest in insulation enjoy a significant return on their investment. The average homeowner can expect to see a 2 to 6 percent increase in their property value, making this upgrade a smart choice for those looking to make their homes more appealing to potential buyers.

Reduces Moisture Damage

Moisture can be damaging to your home’s insulation and other building materials. It also affects the performance of your insulation and can lead to costly repairs if it isn’t promptly addressed. Wet insulation can lose its fire retardant properties and become an ideal breeding ground for mold or mildew. This moisture can cause significant damage to your home and lead to structural issues like wood rot or weakening of metal components.

Insulation acts as a barrier to prevent moisture transfer between different climates. Insulation reduces thermal conduction, preventing moisture transfer from hot surfaces to cold ones and moderating the effects of temperature changes. Insulation also prevents moisture transfer within the wall cavity, reducing the risk of condensation.

Condensation is more likely to occur in colder weather because of the difference in air and surface temperatures. Insulation helps to counter this effect by reducing the temperature change between the warm interior air and the cold exterior walls, which allows the warmer air to hold onto more moisture, minimizing condensation.

The best way to avoid a buildup of moisture in your home’s insulation is to maintain proper ventilation and address any water leaks promptly. The use of extractor fans or dehumidifiers can also help to control the humidity levels in your home, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy living environment.

Some insulation materials, such as fiberglass batts, can be dried and replaced if it gets wet from clean water. Other types of insulation, such as cellulose (loose or blown-in treated paper), can lose its antifungal and fire retardant qualities once it gets wet and should be replaced. A professional attic specialist from Superior Attic can inspect your home’s insulation for any signs of moisture and determine if it needs to be replaced.

Protects Against Fires

Insulation does more than just reduce energy costs; it can also protect your home from fire damage. When properly specified and installed, insulation slows the spread of fire in a building and limits smoke production, providing additional time for occupants to evacuate and aiding firefighters in extinguishing flames and containing the fire. It can even help a building remain intact for longer periods of time, minimizing structural damage and loss.

Insulating materials can vary in their fire safety, with some – like cellulose and mineral wool – being non-combustible while others such as fiberglass and spray foam are not. However, combustible insulation can be made safer by the use of fire retardants that are added to some types of insulation products. The way that insulation is installed also impacts its fire safety, as gaps and voids can provide pathways for fire to travel, so it’s important to ensure proper installation techniques are used.

As a result of its inherent properties, cellulose insulation (and any framing members covered by it) may continue to smolder for an extended period after the fire is brought under control, and as a consequence, it is important that any affected cellulose or smoldering wood be removed and that regular inspections be conducted by a qualified professional to ensure it has been completely extinguished.

Insulation is a vital component of passive fire protection systems, protecting structural steel, equipment and piping from the rate of temperature rise to help prevent hydrocarbon-fueled explosions. It is also often specified as part of an active fire protection system in chemical and petrochemical processing plants to limit the impact of heat, flames, smoke, toxic gases and carbon monoxide during plant operation.

Prevents Insect Damage

Insulation helps prevent pests from damaging your home by acting as a physical barrier against them. Mice, rats and other rodents love gnawing at electrical wiring and rotted wooden beams – damage that is expensive to repair and poses serious health risks. The same goes for insects like termites and cockroaches, which cause countless home problems from respiratory issues to structural damage. Insulation seals cracks and holes, stopping pests from entering your home in the first place, while also preventing pest infestations.

The material used to make insulation is often unappetizing to pests and rodents, such as vermiculite, fiberglass, cellulose and spray foam. In addition, the materials used to create pest control insulation are treated with chemicals that repel rodents and insects. Spray foam and cellulose insulation that is treated with borate are especially effective against pests, as the borate powder is lethal for them when ingested.

Pests are attracted to homes that are unbalanced in temperature and moisture levels. The good news is that insulation can help prevent these imbalances by providing a consistent environment for your family. This prevents the pests from gaining access to your home and allows you to focus on other areas of your house where they can cause damage, such as the kitchen or bathroom.

Moreover, insulation prevents moisture from accumulating in the walls and ceilings of your home. This reduces the dampness that promotes the growth of mold and mildew, which is a leading contributor to pest infestations. The moisture that is prevented by insulation can save you thousands of dollars in drywall repair and wood replacement. The right kind of insulation can also save you money on heating and cooling costs by preventing heat loss in the winter and reducing air conditioning costs in the summer.