There are many options available when it comes to home insulation in Des Moines. Each of these options has its own set of pros and cons.
Regardless of your choice, the primary job of an insulator is to keep your home temperature fairly constant during extreme cold or heat. During the summer, the home insulation will keep the cool air from escaping outside and the hot outdoor air from entering the home.
In the winter, your home insulation will help you retain the hot air while keeping the cool outdoor air from entering the house.
The Important Factor
Before you choose a home insulation system, you have to consider the R-value. This value is represented by a number and it shows the degree of heat retention of the material.
Generally, the higher the R-value, the more effective the material is at conserving heat. During the winter, a higher R-value of home insulation helps to keep the energy bills low, thereby maximizing your energy efficiency.
Types of home insulation
So, what are the kinds of insulating materials available? There are lots of them out there. Depending on the category of climate, some materials are better suited than others.
1. Fiberglass
Perhaps, this is the most common type of home insulation system found in houses all across the country. It is usually sold in a large roll, called batts, and has an R-value of about 3.2 per inch. Fiberglass insulation is usually placed between wall studs and roofing joists.
2. Foam
Foam is also another popular material used for home insulation. It provides the convenience of a spray application. This material can be easily sprayed between building crevices as well as on the wall surfaces. Once it lands on the wall, it hardens and creates an extra layer of barrier for heat. The R-value of foam is around 4.5 – 6.5 depending on the material.
3. Mineral Wool
Mineral Wool can either be strung into batts or blown into the walls and ceilings. This material provides a versatile option for increasing your home’s insulation. The R-value of mineral wool is about 3.1 per inch. It is a fibrous material created from steel slang and other chemicals that are all mixed and spun together.
4. Polystyrene
Polystyrene is often combined with other kinds of insulating material to offer a stronger layer of insulation. This material alone has an R-value of about 4 or 5. This material is usually installed at the exterior part of the wall and then covered with another kind of exterior building material.
5. Cellulose
Cellulose is another kind of home insulation material, specifically a papier-mâché kind of home insulation. It is made from shredded paper and then moistened into a pulp and sprayed in the house walls. The R-value of cellulose is about 3.2 per inch, similar to that of fiberglass.
The benefits of a well-insulated house
Now that you are aware of the kinds of home insulation materials available, let us consider the benefits of a well-installed home insulation system.
Lower energy costs
Home insulation helps to reduce the home energy cost. During the winter, for instance, home insulation helps you to retain your heated air, thereby reducing the hours you need to run your furnace.
Enjoying the outdoors
During some period of the year, you can decide to open your window for fresh air, hoping to trap those air inside your house.
Maintaining a uniform temperature
Home insulation helps to keep the home temperature fairly constant throughout the day.
Resale Value
Finally, a well-installed home insulation system can help to raise the property value.