3 Important Things to Note When Insulating Your Home's Interior Walls

Insulation increases energy efficiency by reducing the loss of heated or conditioned air. It provides a balance of indoor air and makes living spaces comfortable. However, to realise these benefits, you have to install it correctly. Therefore, whether you are insulating your house for the first time or re-insulating it, here are three crucial things to note.

Don't remove old insulation

Most people assume that you need to remove old insulation before installing a new product. However, this process is unnecessary and usually results in resource wastage. Only remove old insulation under the following circumstances:

• The insulation has mould or water damage
• Old insulation has friable asbestos fibres
• There's evidence of rodent activity

If you're dealing with the above issues, you can remove the insulation to put an end to the problems. However, if the insulation is just old or worn, you don't have to get rid of it. Just install the new material over it. This will reduce the amount of new product required, and it can save you a lot of money.

Use the right material for all spaces

There are various types of insulation, and these include fibreglass, foam, cellulose, mineral wool and natural fibres. Some materials are suitable for certain areas, while others may not be the best choice. For example, fibreglass, which is the most common material, may not be ideal for your basement or bathrooms. The material traps mould; therefore, it is not suitable for rooms with high moisture.

In this case, foam and natural fibre would be suitable choices as they are both mould resistant. If you use fibreglass in high-moisture areas, follow it up with a vapour barrier to prevent water damage and mould problems. Talk to an insulation contractor about the most suitable materials for different rooms in your home. 

Beware of ventilation issues and fire hazards

Never cover ventilation with insulation material, as this can reduce airflow in your home. Vents get rid of stale air and let in fresh air. They also create a uniform flow of air in the house. Therefore, do not install insulation over your vents, including ones for your heating and air conditioning system.

Note that some insulation materials are flammable. Thus, do not insulate electrical wiring as this can increase the risk of a fire. Also, don't use flammable insulation around or close to oil burners and water heaters. If an electrical spark occurs, it may cause a fire.

Insulation can be beneficial to your home but only when it is done correctly. Contact a company like Insulation Removals for wall insulation services. 

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