How to Choose the Right Insulation for Your Home
Choosing an insulation project for a new home can be a daunting task. There are many different types of San Antonio TX insulation available, and it is important to know what they do before making the decision on which one will work best for your needs.
In this blog post, we will discuss how you should choose the right type of insulation for your new home project by going over some factors that you need to keep in mind when deciding which type is right for your space.
What are insulations?
Insulations are a material used to reduce conductivity. It does this by trapping air which is the best conductor of heat in most cases. Insulative materials can be manufactured from glass, wood, and fiberglass among many other materials.
Insulation can be found in San Antonio texas homes, buildings, or appliances. It is most frequently used to protect the home against heat loss during cold winter months and also excessive heat gain during summer months. Insulations are often made from foams which expand when they come into contact with air. This creates a layer around the material that traps air within its cells thus creating an insulative barrier.
Adding insulation is also used in building homes to help keep the house warm during the winter months and cooler during the summer months. It is important when choosing insulation for your new home to consider what type of climate you live in, if there will be any environmental stressors on that material (like water or humidity) over time and how much energy it will save you over time.
Insulations matter to any home or business because it provides an energy-efficient application.
What are the different types common in San Antonio TX?
Different insulation types are installed for different applications or home requirements. Below are the common types:
Cellulose
Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper and treated with fire retardants. It provides excellent soundproofing, is low in toxicity, and reduces moisture levels when installed correctly. Cellulose insulation can be messy to install if not done by quality contractors so it may require extra steps than other forms of insulation for installation.
Foam spray
Foam spray insulation comes in cans or tanks that are either self-rising or require an applicator gun for application. It has a higher R-value than fiberglass and a lower risk of settling, but it's more expensive and requires special equipment for installation. The foam insulation can also shrink or expand depending on temperature changes which means there is a higher chance that the foam will settle over time after being sprayed into place. Foam includes polyurethane foam, soy-based spray, urethane sprayed in place, and aerosol forms of styrofoam.
Foam board
Foam board comes in two forms: rigid foam boards are made of polystyrene or more eco-friendly beads made of expanded polystyrene or EPS. It is easy to cut, install, and insulates very well but does not provide soundproofing properties at all which makes it more suitable for outdoor applications like sheds or garages than indoors.
Cotton
Cotton comes in two forms: organic cotton batts are made by bundling up pieces of cotton into batts (sheets) which are then treated with boric acid to repel insects. Cotton loose-fill is made by spinning, felting, and pressing together sanforized cotton fibers before being mixed with waxes and other chemicals for stability. It provides excellent soundproofing but can absorb moisture if installed improperly or in humid climates.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is one of the most popular types used by builders and homeowners alike because it's inexpensive, easy to install, comes with an R-value that can be measured at about R-13, and requires no additional equipment to install. Because fiberglass is made of glass, it doesn't absorb moisture making it very resilient under all conditions.
Wool
Wool is another popular choice for homes because it has the added benefit of resisting flame and will not burn like many other types. It also doesn't absorb moisture, can be used in wet conditions or high humidity areas with no problem and resists mildew growth. The only disadvantages are the cost (it's more expensive than fiberglass) and it has a lower R-value per inch than fiberglass insulation.
Blow-in
Blown insulation is another popular choice. It's made of recycled materials like newspaper, cotton, and cellulose which means it can be less expensive than fiberglass or foam spray but has an R-value that ranges anywhere from R-11 to around R-30 per inch (compared with the average values listed above). Blown-in insulation requires little to no maintenance, is easy to install, and can be used in virtually any home or building.
What are the steps in choosing the right insulation for your Texas home?
There are many options when it comes to home or attic insulation. Choosing the right one for your situation can be a little overwhelming. If you’re not sure where or how to start, don’t worry – we have outlined some of the most important steps in choosing just what you need here.
Step One: Understand your climate and weather patterns
In Texas, for example, insulation is extremely important because the temperature can vary quite a bit from day to night or even between seasons. If you live in an area that gets very hot during the summer but cold during the winter months then it’s especially critical to make sure your home’s insulation is up to par.
Step Two: Learn about the different options available
Research on the different types and how they work best for specific situations. For example, blown-in cellulose provides excellent sound reduction but isn't ideal if you want to increase energy efficiency in a home that already has high R values.
Step Three: Get professional help
It’s important to get a qualified contractor to ensure you are getting the right, effective, and quality insulation for your needs and budget. A pro will be able to recommend products and provide expert advice and guidance so that you feel confident in what you decide on, too! If there is anything we can do to help, do not hesitate to reach out.
Step Four: Who is responsible for insulating?
If you are building a home, typically the builder or general contractor will be in charge of the installation (although they may also recommend external contractors like ours). You can hire an independent professional if that’s more your style. If you already own a home and need to update your insulation, then it’s up to you. There are several companies to call and choose for your residential or commercial space.
Step Five: What is the R-value of my existing insulation?
The higher this number (which measures thermal resistance), the better insulated and less energy that will be used throughout the year! Make sure any work done does not lower this number.
Step Six: What is the cost?
This will vary depending on the Texas company, your needs, energy bills, heat flow, and goals, but there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing home insulation in Texas including material type, thickness needed for the job being completed, etc. Be sure to have an idea of what you’re willing to spend before you start shopping around. for other companies.
Step Seven: Who is doing the work?
A professional service contractor knows the entire process and how it’s done properly and without any problems or potential leaks in your home. If not, then be sure they are experienced with this type of project! Be aware of who is responsible for what.
Step Eight: What is the return on investment?
It’s important to find a product that will maximize your savings and be worth any additional costs involved with the installation or purchase of insulation. You can also choose an environmentally friendly option for your home if you want to make a responsible choice, too! Just do it right.
Step Nine: What is the warranty?
Warranties vary from one company to another and can range from anywhere between 12 months to lifetime coverage, depending on what you’re looking for. Do your homework before choosing a contractor or product! You’ll be glad you did in the end when everything is done right.
Step Ten: What do I need to know about effective insulation?
Insulation is a big investment for your home, so you must get the facts and information on all of your available options before making any decisions. This way you can ensure that you are getting what will work best for your new or existing home.
Step Eleven: How do I choose the right type?
When it comes to your home, you should never settle for second best. A professional contractor will ensure that everything is done properly so you can enjoy energy savings all year round! Don’t hesitate to reach out if there are any other questions or concerns; we want to be here to help.
When you should replace your current insulation with a different type?
Replacing the material is a big decision, especially if you're having to replace the insulation in more than one room or your entire house. So, what are some of the reasons that might prompt you into replacing your current insulation?
- If your insulation is old and outdated, it should show signs of wear and tear, or it should have no role in insulating your home.
- If the insulation is not up to date with current building regulations, then you need to consider having a change of insulation before selling your house for that reason alone.
- It might be time for an upgrade if there are problems with how well insulated your property is currently. If you are having to constantly turn up the heating or your bills are sky high then it might be time for a change.
- It is also worth considering if there have been any recent changes with how insulation works, such as new building regulations coming into effect that may require different types of insulation. For example, in 2016 there were amendments made to the building regulations that now force new homes to have a higher requirement for insulation.
- If you are planning on having any changes made to your property, such as a loft conversion or additional rooms being added onto the house then this might prompt an upgrade of your current insulation before installing larger items which could affect how well insulated it is. Another reason would be if you are having work done on the property, such as a chimney stack.
- If it's time to sell your house then replacing your insulation might be something that potential buyers will expect when inspecting the property anyway so it may be necessary for this reason alone.
- If your insulation is old and outdated, it should show signs of wear and tear, or it should have no role in insulating your home.
As can be seen, there are many reasons to consider upgrading your current insulation and the decision may be made for you, such as when selling your home. When considering changing insulation, it is worth contacting a professional company who will give you advice on what type of insulation would work best in your particular property to ensure maximum efficiency and safety within its walls.
Conclusion
Insulating your home is more important than you think. It can make a big difference in the comfort and energy efficiency of your new space. We want to help you find the right insulation for your lifestyle needs so that you can enjoy all of the benefits of having a well-insulated house without any worries about how much money or time has been spent on making sure everything is perfect inside.
Whether it’s fiberglass, cellulose, blown-in foam insulation, or some other type we haven’t mentioned yet – there are multiple options available these days! Give us a call today for a free estimate. Our team will be happy to answer all of your questions about our services
SATX SPRAY FOAM INSULATION
For years, SATX Spray Foam Insulation has been more than just an insulation company to San Antonio, Texas residents. We’ve helped our customers save on energy bills and beat the Texas heat, all while providing the best customer service in the industry. If your home or business needs insulation services, let us handle this work for you!
