Just like any other home improvement project, remodeling requires adequate preparation and planning if you want to avoid constant hassles and hurdles along the way. There are lots of things homeowners need to think about before initiating any remodeling or home expansion project to ensure that every aspect is addressed in the right order. Any homeowner with an upcoming remodeling project has to make dozens of decisions about everything from flooring to electrical work to paint colors. There is no limit to the number of things owners can change to achieve the dream they have for their home.
However, we tend to forget about the “behind the scenes” aspects of the remodeling project. One commonly forgotten aspect when preparing for a major remodeling project or a home expansion is insulation. Although it is not talked about when many homeowners consider initiating a home project, it remains a key part of the success of the project.
Why Should You Replace Old Insulation?
Old insulation is one of the leading causes of poor indoor air quality and comfort. Outdated home insulation also comes with a number of health risks, especially for inhabitants with pre-existing respiratory problems.
Fiberglass
One of the biggest reasons why you need to replace old insulation has to do with fiberglass particles. Fiberglass insulation was the most common type of insulation installed in homes almost 10 years ago. Fiberglass insulation manufacturers use very small pieces of fiberglass filaments or fibers, which is why handling this type of insulation requires sufficient protection in the form of masks, protective gear, and glasses.
Old fiberglass insulation tends to break down, spreading the small fiberglass filaments into air ducts and allowing them to infiltrate the home. These small fiberglass filaments irritate the eyes and skin. Inhaling the particles irritates the lungs and long-term exposure could result in severe health conditions.
Mold
Mold spores are another big risk that comes with old insulation. After mold develops in old insulation, it spreads to other parts of the house through leaking ducts and cracks in the walls. Although homeowners may not notice any proof of mold or mildew, they can start developing allergy-like symptoms such as itchy and runny eyes, wheezing, sneezing, coughing, severe respiratory infections, and asthma-like symptoms, even among people that do not have asthma.
Spray Foam
Spray foam insulation, on the other hand, offers various environmentally friendly benefits. It can significantly improve energy efficiency while using very little material. However, low-quality spray foam insulation has some toxic chemical ingredients such as polyurethane. As this type of spray foam insulation gets older, the components slowly leach into the air, especially in cases where the installation was installed poorly. These toxins can cause severe health problems due to continued exposure. Homeowners can avoid this by opting for better, premium-quality spray foam options. Not only does it increase durability but it also gets rid of the health risks.
Why Should You Consider Insulation Before Starting a Home Remodeling Project?
Home remodeling is an extensive project that requires proper planning. During the planning stage, most homeowners tend to overlook some of the important parts of the remodeling project which may be quite detrimental both in the short-term and long term.
Failing to consider insulation when planning for an upcoming remodel or house expansion project can delay the project deadline. When insulation does not come up in the early planning stages, you have to find a way to ensure that it fits into the schedule of the project. However, this is not easy as you have to first find the right contractor, consider the different forms of insulation available in the market, and look at other factors, which takes time.
Additionally, failing to consider insulation during the preliminary stages of a home remodeling project can result in unexpected expenses. Mostly, homeowners with upcoming remodeling projects usually work within a budget. Failing to add insulation to the budget means that a homeowner has to find extra funds to facilitate the completion of the entire project. This may include taking loans or seeking other forms of financing which can damage your financial position over a few months or even years. By adding insulation to the original remodeling plans, homeowners know exactly how much they will have to spend on the entire project.
Failing to prepare for the installation of insulation during a remodeling project means that the project will fall behind schedule. In an attempt to ensure the completion of the entire project within the scheduled time, homeowners and contractors try to rush through the process. This leaves a lot of room for error resulting in poorly installed insulation which significantly lowers the energy efficiency of the home. As a result, you have to put up with high energy bills or pay another contractor and purchase materials to reinstall the insulation. Poorly installed insulation may also come with reduced durability.
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Effectively planning for a home remodeling project requires you to prepare for the installation of insulation. Old insulation can pose significant health risks to the occupants of a home. Additionally, failing to plan for the installation of new insulation during a home expansion or remodeling project results in delays to the entire project, in addition to expenses that homeowners had not budgeted for.
Do you have an upcoming home expansion or remodeling project? Include installation in the preliminary plans to ensure that you end up with your dream home at the right cost.
