How is my Current Insulation Performing?
Assessing the Condition of your Comfort
Proper insulation is essential for energy efficiency and comfort in a home, especially in Iowa where the weather can be harsh during the winter. Many homes in the Midwest were built before insulation became a standard code for building practice. Homeowners may not be aware of the level of insulation in their homes and may not have had a proper energy evaluation to assess the condition of their insulation. If fiberglass insulation has been exposed to moisture or water, it can lose some of its insulating properties and may need to be removed and replaced. A professional energy evaluation by HSI can help to determine your home’s insulation performance.
“We built in 2003, should I check my home’s insulation performance?”
The performance loss of attic insulation over time depends on various factors such as the type of insulation, its condition, and how it was installed. However, generally, insulation can lose up to 30% of its R-value over 20 years due to settling and exposure to moisture. If your attic insulation is more than 20 years old, it’s a good idea to have it inspected by Home Solutions of Iowa to determine if it needs to be replaced or topped off to maintain its performance.
What is the R-value?
Resistance to heat flowThe R-value is a measure of a material’s ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation is at slowing down the flow of heat. When it comes to insulation for your home, a higher R-value means better energy efficiency and lower heating and cooling costs.
Important Factors with Insulation Performance
Settling and compression: Over time, insulation can settle and compress, reducing its effectiveness and R-value.
Moisture damage: Insulation can absorb moisture from leaks or condensation, which can cause mold growth and weaken its insulating properties.
Pest infestations: Rodents and other pests can nest in insulation, causing damage and potentially creating health hazards.
Our free, interactive performance evaluation will determine the life span of the attic space. Our local, knowledgeable team is just a call away.
Fiberglass and Cellulose Insulation – Side by Side
With over 20 years of experience as a contractor we have extensive knowledge and hands-on experience with various insulation materials and installation techniques. Rest assured our well-informed experts can determine the effectiveness, efficiency, and suitability of your attic space and check your insulation performance. At Home Solutions of Iowa, we recommend cellulose insulation, based on its R-value per inch compared to fiberglass, which can result in greater energy savings. Check out some of our comparisons between the two insulation products.
Fiberglass Insulation Performance
R-value: Due to the composition of fiberglass, thin glass fibers have lower insulating properties.
DIY: fiberglass batts are typically sold in standard widths that are designed to fit between the studs and joists. May require multiple layers of insulation may be used.
Protective Equipment: Installation requires protective clothing and masks. Inhaling the microscopic fibers can cause respiratory irritation, so it is important to take proper precautions.
Cellulose Insulation Performance
Energy efficiency: Cellulose insulation has a high R-value, making it highly effective in reducing heat transfer and improving energy efficiency.
Easy to install: Cellulose insulation can be installed by blowing it into attics and walls, making it a convenient option for retrofitting existing homes.
3. Non-toxic and safe: Unlike fiberglass insulation, cellulose insulation is non-toxic and does not pose a threat to respiratory or skin health.
Did you know: Sealing air leaks around your home and adding insulation can help your home be more comfortable and energy efficient and provide up to a 10% savings on your annual energy bills.
