Insulating your home can help keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and can also help reduce your energy bills. Here are some steps to insulating your home:
- Assess your insulation needs: Look for areas where heat is escaping from your home, such as around windows and doors, in the loft, and in the walls. Take note of these areas, as well as the type of insulation currently in place, if any.
- Choose the right insulation: There are several types of insulation available including : fibreglass, cellulose, spray foam, and radiant barriers. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
- Insulate the loft: Loft insulation is one of the most effective ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
- Insulate the walls: If your home has exterior walls that are not insulated, consider adding insulation to them. This can be done by drilling holes in the walls and blowing in insulation, or by removing the exterior siding and adding insulation to the inside of the walls.
- Seal air leaks: Look for and seal any air leaks in your home, such as gaps around doors and windows, and in the loft.
- Insulate your windows: You can improve your windows insulation by adding plastic window insulation kits, or by installing storm windows.
- Consider hiring a professional: Insulating your home can be a complex and labour-intensive task. If you are not comfortable with the work, it is best to hire a professional to do the job.
How to insulate your loft
The recommended thickness of loft insulation is 270mm, which should, after installing, reduce your heating costs by 15%. Before insulating your loft, it is recommended to insulate your cold water tank first using a cylinder jacket. Once this is done, the loft space must be cleared and then installation can begin. It is also recommended that you insulate the loft hatch as well.
How to insulate your walls
There are two ways to insulate your walls. Internally and externally. Internal wall insulation is done by fitting rigid insulations boards to the wall or by building a stud wall. External wall insulation involves fixing a layer of insulation to the wall and then covering it with render. Internal insulation is generally cheaper to install than external insulation.
How to seal an air leak
In order to seal an air leak, you must do a few things first : you must know the common causes of air leaks and then identify your homes causes. The two best materials to use are caulk and spray foam. It is able to be done on your own, however it is advised to bring in a professional.