Spray foam insulation is categorized by cell structure: open cell foam features a flexible, porous texture, while closed cell foam has a dense, moisture-resistant…
Category: Insulation
This section provides practical information on various methods for improving thermal efficiency in a residential building. Readers can find detailed guides on different materials such as spray foam, fiberglass, and rigid foam boards. The content explains the physical properties of these materials and how they function to reduce heat loss or keep cool air inside. Articles cover specific applications for different areas of a house including attics, walls, and windows. Each piece of content helps homeowners understand how to choose the right material based on the specific needs of their space. The information is organized by insulation type and installation location to help users find relevant solutions quickly. You can browse by material to learn about the differences between open cell and closed cell foams or the benefits of blown-in loose fill. Alternatively, you can look for advice based on the part of the home you want to treat, such as attic insulation or drafty windows. The guides also distinguish between projects that can be completed with a DIY kit and complex tasks that require a professional installer.
Attic insulation: how much it needs and why it is the first place to look for energy savings
Attic insulation is R-38, or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type, according to ENERGY STAR. This standard applies to most standard residential attics.
What a spray foam insulation kit can seal and when to leave the job to a professional
A spray foam insulation kit is for sealing small gaps, cracks, and seams in windows or doors.
Wall insulation options for existing homes and how they cut heating and cooling loss
Wall insulation is a thermal barrier that slows heat transfer through building envelopes.
Foam board insulation: the types of rigid panels and where in a house they work well
Foam board insulation is available as extruded polystyrene (XPS), expanded polystyrene (EPS), or polyisocyanurate (polyiso) panels.
Window insulation methods that stop drafts and heat loss without replacing the glass
Window insulation is achieved through secondary glazing, weatherstripping, or interior window films.
Batt insulation: how fiberglass pieces work, what r value they give and how to fit them without gaps
Batt insulation is a fibrous material that traps air to slow heat transfer, providing R-values from R-3 to R-38 depending on thickness.
When a window insulation kit makes sense for sealing drafts through winter
A window insulation kit is appropriate for single-pane windows or older frames with visible gaps.
Blown-in insulation: how loose fill is added to an attic or wall and when it beats batts
Blown-in insulation is installed using a blower machine that forces loose-fill material through a hose into cavities.
Fiberglass insulation: what it is made of, how it performs and what to wear when handling it
Fiberglass insulation is made of extremely fine glass fibers woven into a mat or batts.