Whether you’re building a new home, scheduling a professional insulation installation, or wondering if your older home could benefit from added insulation, it’s crucial to avoid common mistakes. We’ve seen it all at Custom Insulation and know how vital proper insulation is, especially in regions like the Inland Northwest.
The Importance of Insulation in the Inland Northwest
In this region, we experience a unique blend of cool, wet winters and mild-to-hot summers, which makes insulation critical for homeowners. Proper insulation helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round, reduces heating and cooling costs, and increases energy efficiency. It also prevents moisture buildup, essential in a region known for its high precipitation. In fact, homes with well-installed insulation can see a significant reduction in energy bills, making it one of the best investments for long-term savings and comfort.
Common Insulation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Here are some of the most common insulation mistakes that homeowners can make, along with tips on how to avoid them:
1. Using the Wrong Type of Insulation
Not all insulation is created equal. Many homeowners don’t realize there are different types, such as fiberglass, spray foam, and cellulose, each with its own strengths. Installing the wrong kind can lead to inefficiency and higher energy bills.
- How to Avoid: Consult with a professional to choose the best insulation for your home based on your climate, needs, and budget. At Custom Insulation, we help you select the right type of insulation for optimal performance.
2. Improper Installation
Poorly installed insulation can create gaps and cold spots, defeating the purpose of insulation altogether. Common issues include compressed insulation, leaving gaps, or not covering all necessary areas like attics, walls, and crawl spaces.
- How to Avoid: Ensure that your insulation is installed by a trained professional who will take the time to properly fit and secure the insulation. A good installer will also ensure that there are no voids or gaps in the coverage.
3. Inadequate Air Sealing
Insulation alone is not enough if your home is full of air leaks. Without proper air sealing, cold air can seep in and warm air can escape, undermining the insulation’s effectiveness.
- How to Avoid: Have a professional perform an energy audit or inspection to identify and seal any potential air leaks around windows, doors, attics, and other vulnerable areas before installing insulation.
4. Overlooking Attic Insulation
The attic is one of the most critical areas for insulation in your home, yet it’s often overlooked or inadequately insulated. A poorly insulated attic can lead to significant heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.
- How to Avoid: Ensure your attic is fully insulated to prevent energy waste. It’s also important to ensure proper ventilation in the attic to prevent moisture buildup.
5. Neglecting Moisture Control
Moisture can be a serious problem, especially in the Inland Northwest. Without proper moisture control, insulation can become wet and lose its effectiveness, which can also lead to mold growth.
- How to Avoid: Ensure your insulation project includes moisture barriers where necessary, especially in basements, crawl spaces, and attics.
6. Under-insulating Older Homes
Older homes often have insufficient insulation, as building codes were different decades ago. Homeowners may assume that their home is adequately insulated without realizing that it’s outdated and underperforming.
- How to Avoid: Even if your home was insulated at some point, it may not meet today’s energy-efficiency standards. Upgrading your insulation can provide immediate benefits in comfort and energy savings.
7. DIY Insulation Jobs
Insulating a home might seem like a manageable DIY project, but there’s a lot of science behind properly installing insulation. Mistakes made during a DIY installation can lead to wasted money, energy inefficiency, and possible damage to your home.
- How to Avoid: Hire a trusted professional with experience in insulation installation. The cost of professional installation often pays for itself in energy savings and peace of mind.
The Importance of Trusting Professionals
At Custom Insulation, we are committed to providing high-quality installation services at a fair price. Our expert team ensures the job is done correctly, quickly, and efficiently so that you don’t have to worry about the long-term performance of your home’s insulation. For a free quote, contact us today or visit our website to learn more about how we can help with your insulation needs!