Home Insulation
To keep you home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, you need home insulation. Keep in mind that home insulation materials have a resistance to heat and cold waves. The hot air seeps out of your home during the winter and the warm air seeps in during the summer. Home insulation should be able to regulate the amount of both so that your home is comfortable no matter what the temperature is outside.
Home insulation is made with different types of materials like fiberglass, mineral wool/fiber, cotton and cellulose fiber, depending on the installation. The most common types are cellulose & fiberglass. The way the insulation is installed also plays a role in its effectiveness. Home insulation can form a sound-barrier as well as affect heat waves. It can also be affected by air movement in attics.
R values are a way of measuring its effectiveness. The higher the R value, the better the result, in most cases. The proper home insulation can save you money by reducing your energy consumption and will make your home more comfortable both in winter and summer. For your home to be protected and energy efficient, insulation should be installed in the interior walls, exterior walls (underneath the brick or siding), in the attic and the basement. It also needs to be placed in ceilings, and between floors. When putting insulation in the exterior of the home, a vapor barrier must also be installed to keep the moisture out and keep the R value in the insulation over the years.
Fiberglass insulation provides greater energy and flexibility than other types. Cellulose has a higher R value than fiberglass, but does not protect from moisture and water as well, because it is made from newspaper.
It is important that building codes be followed when installing home insulation. When in doubt, consult a professional.