Efficient insulation of both the outside and inside walls of a home will increase the comfort of its occupants and reduce the home’s overall energy consumption. Inversely, poor insulation leads to heat loss during the winter, an increase in heating costs, cold walls and floors, and in certain cases to mold formation and the rotting of structural materials.
Inefficient insulation can also lead to excessive buildup of heat inside the home during the summer and an increase in air conditioning costs. For all these reasons, it is important to ensure that the outside walls of a home are well insulated.
How to conduct a home insulation test:
• Attics: Look between the ceiling joists of heated rooms. If there’s little or no insulation present, you definitely need to call a professional.
• Crawlspaces: Verify whether there is insulation between the floor joists of your living spaces. Crawl spaces are difficult to get to and are often dark and dingy – you will probably need a flashlight to do this task. While in the crawl space, make sure you have some sort of vapor barrier (usually a clear plastic sheet) covering the exposed ground. This will keep moisture from deteriorating your joists and insulation material.
• Exterior walls: These areas are probably the most difficult to examine, because you have to look inside a wall for proof. It is best to leave this task to the professionals. Keep in mind that any damage done to interior finishes, such as gypsum drywall or plaster, will require patching and repainting.
If you’re not up to performing these insulation tests, a Renco Home Improvement insulation specialist can carry them out for you. Our professionals can identify the quality of insulation you have, determine how much you need, and install the appropriate materials with the correct R-values.
To learn more about our home insulation services, contact Renco Home Improvement today. 613-859-2228.
