Wouldn’t it be great if your home could stay warm during the winter and cool during the summer — without the hefty utility bills? One effective way to lower your energy bills is to add insulation to your home to maintain the right temperature indoors. This will reduce heating and cooling costs while making your home comfortable for you and your family all year long.
However, the kind of insulation you should use depends on the region where you live and the weather you experience. Let’s take a look at some common insulation types so you can make the right decision for your home.
Why Some Insulation is Better Suited to Specific Climates
If your home is located in a colder region, you’ll want to install insulation that prevents heat loss and stops cold air from entering your home. Likewise, if your home is located in a warmer region, you will need insulation that prevents heat from coming into your house on a hot day.
When it comes to choosing the right type of insulation, a key consideration is its R-value. R-value is the metric that defines an insulating material’s resistance to heat flow. A high R-value indicates that the material offers better insulation per inch of thickness.
Houses in cold climates will typically need a higher R-value than those in warmer regions. In general, homes in a cold region should have a minimum of R-49 in the attic and at least R-25 in the floors. Warmer climates, on the other hand, only need an R-30 or higher in the attic and around R-13 in the floors.
Let’s consider an example. if you live in a hot and dry region like Southern California, insulating your attic with R-30 will be suitable, without being overly expensive or overly insulating. In fact, it is not suggested to use anything over R-38. Although you may get some additional energy efficiency, the initial cost of investment for insulation over R-38 may offset any savings you would see on your utility bill.
Common Types of Insulations
Now that you know how to figure out whether an insulation option is rated for the climate your home is in, it’s time to consider the different types of insulation you could choose from. Here are a few popular types of insulation used in homes across the U.S.
1. Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation
Spray polyurethane foam is a widely used insulating chemical spray. It is sprayed on surfaces using a special application device. Once the composition comes in contact with the surface, it rapidly cures, expands, and solidifies, with help from the moisture in the air.
Spray foams are suited for a wide range of temperatures (from –200°C to +135°C). They work well for all types of weather, whether it be cold or warm. This makes it ideal for homes in climates that experience hot summers and cold winters.
2. Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass is made from recycled materials, and particularly glass, that is melted down and combined with other elements such as sand, limestones, and rocks. This mixture is then woven into long strands that look a little like cotton. Fiberglass comes in a variety of forms, however, the most common type of fiberglass are loose-fill or batts. Both are excellent choices to insulate homes in hot regions.
The best part about fiberglass is that it is water-resistant, which means it’s perfect for homes in warm and humid climates. This type of insulation is crucial in preventing moisture from building up in the walls, which could lead to mold growth.
3. Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulations are typically made from 82-85% recycled material like newspaper or wood shreds. They are then fiberized, so they can get packed together and stop the flow of heat.
Cellulose insulation is cost-effective and does not require skilled handling. Furthermore, it is suitable for any weather. However, blown-in cellulose insulation with an R-value of 49 works well in colder climates by keeping heat from flowing out of your home.
Bonus Option: Cavity Fill Injection Foam
How do you re-insulate your home if your existing insulation is poorly suited to your climate or has worn out over time? Tearing down the walls and adding another layer of insulation is not a feasible solution, as it’s not only expensive but can also significantly damage your property. The best way to level up your existing insulation is through cavity fill injection foam.
Cavity fill injection foam is one of the best techniques to get proper insulation in an existing wall that’s not well insulated. With this technique, experts create small holes on the exterior of your home and inject a special spray foam that fills out any gaps and cavities behind the wall. This way, you can upgrade your insulation while being minimally invasive.
Once the foam fills out any cavity, it air seals them. As a result, you will benefit from noise reduction once you fully insulate your entire home, as well as lower energy bills
Keep Your Home Well-Insulated with Superior
Finding the right insulation that performs well in different temperatures can be challenging. Many companies offer insulation for your home; however, not everyone has the right skills and expertise to tell which type of insulation will work best for your home.
At Superior Insealators, we have a team of insulation experts ready to help you make the right choice for your home, Whether you live in a warm or cold region, we can get you the right insulation to ensure you and your family stay comfortable all year long. Get in touch today to request a free estimate.
