5 Home Insulation Options to Weather the Change in Season

Home should bring you comfort in every way. We often focus on the outward aspect of what we see, but the stuff inside counts even more.

Home insulation solidifies the structures that keep you safe and cozy amidst all types of weather. Temperatures in the United States may range from -80 degrees Fahrenheit to 134 degrees Fahrenheit at their most extremes.

You most likely live somewhere in the middle. Choosing the proper material for the area you live in will lower your heating and cooling costs on top of keeping you comfortable.

Read on to learn about five of your insulation options starting from the bottom up!

1. Basement Insulation

Basements can feel cold and damp since heat rises. But you can hold in comfort even at the lowest level of home by knowing how to insulate with the right material. You definitely want to do this if you plan on finishing the basement for a hang-out spot.

Fiberglass offers a low-cost option that seals in the heat. This works perfectly in dryer climates.

In high moisture areas, you may want to choose rigid foam insulation. Though it allows a little more airflow, this material resists moisture to protect the basement from potentially harmful mold and mildew growth.

2. Floor Insulation

Blown-in cellulose insulation offers an incredibly high R-value, making it an excellent choice for cold climates to keep your floors warm to walk on. Insulate the ground floor flooring above the garage.

In hot climates, you do not need as much floor insulation, as heat rises. You may want to go with rigid foam beneath a raised floor. 

3. Wall Insulation

Despite the temperature outside, you need wall insulation for your home. It will lock the heat in for cold climates and the heat out for warmer places.

Fiberglass insulation works well for warm climates and keeps your cost low. In colder climates, you may want to up the R-value with mineral wool. This also soundproofs your room and provides a fire barrier.

4. Windows

Windows allow light in and you out in the case of an emergency. But they also bring in drafts.

Replacing glass with a new double pane will keep the weather out and comfort in to protect your energy bill from hot summers. Triple pane glass helps insulate your home better during cold, harsh winters.

The frame insulation makes a difference as well. Replace aluminum or vinyl with wood or fiberglass frames for the best weather resistance.

5. Attic Insulation

Rising heat will escape straight out of your attic. Stop your warmth from escaping you with cellulose insulation.

Cooler climates opt for a low R-value insulation in the attic, like fiberglass. Radiant barriers will keep the heat from coming into your upstairs space.

Choose Your Home Insulation Wisely

Home insulation does not come with a one-size-fits-all. If you treat it as such and uniformly insulate your home with the cheapest insulation option, you may pay for it with higher energy costs. Pay attention to what you need for where you live.

Once you give your home substance on the inside, you can focus on its outer beauty. Find chic decoration ideas on our website!