Old homes can be drafty, but they don’t have to be when you install home insulation. Insulation (when installed right) will keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The result is a comfortable home that your family will be able to enjoy year-round. At Eikenhout, we’re proud to offer high-quality brands, such as , , and .
Here’s what you need to know about where to install home insulation.
Unfinished Attics
Most homeowners and contractors choose loose-fill or batt insulation for attics. Attic insulation should be a certain thickness to keep your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. For rock wool or fiberglass insulation, you’ll need 11 inches. Cellulose insulation will need a thickness of 8 inches.
Since heat rises, it’s important you insulate your attic the right way. Otherwise, you may have heat escaping through the attic in the winter. Likewise, uninsulated attics can reach high temperatures in the summer.
Floor Joists
Heat rises. You’ll want to insulate the floor joists so your home remains comfortable year round. The floor joists are the wooden beams that act as structural supports for your floor. Install insulation between the floor joists to decrease airflow between different floors.
Exterior Walls
One of the easiest ways to insulate existing exterior walls is to cut a hole from the inside or outside of the home. That way, you’ll be able to access the wall’s interior. Insulation is then installed in exterior walls. You’ll need a licensed contractor to handle this, but the results are worth the cost.
Blown-in insulation is less invasive than other tactics. Contractors often use it for existing walls.
Floors Above Unheated Garages
You’ll need to insulate any floors above unheated spaces, such as garages. This will prevent heated or cooled air from escaping the house. Insulation also prevents car exhaust and other pollutants from entering your living space. Be sure to install an air barrier to stop cold air from compromising the subfloor insulation.
Basement Walls
Make sure your basement walls are dry before installing insulation. Otherwise, ground moisture can damage the insulation and lead to mold growth. If you’re building a new house, you’ll install insulation to the exterior of the basement walls. If you’re insulating an existing basement, you’ll need to install interior wall insulation.
Foundation
Your home needs proper insulation, from the roof to the foundation. An insulated foundation will not only reduce heating costs but prevent humidity issues. When building new homes, contractors use insulating concrete blocks and other materials. These offer both structural support and insulation.
Learn More: 5 FAQs About Home Insulation →
Contact Eikenhout to Get Started
Eikenhout is a building supply company with nine Michigan locations. We carry an extensive inventory of home insulation and other products. To learn more about the brands we carry, please call any of our locations or fill out our online contact form. We’d be more than happy to help!
This blog post has been updated.
