Insulation is Key to a Warm, Comfortable Home



When most people think about a cozy, warm home, they first think of their fireplace or central heating system – but it’s really your insulation that matters the most. Here are some insights to help make sure your new or remodeled home stays warm through the winter.

Why do Homes Need Insulation? 

 Essentially, the purpose of insulation in the home is to create an effective barrier around the building, preventing warm air from escaping in the winter months and keeping your home cool in summer. Heat isn’t just lost through the walls – it also escapes through your roof, your windows and any gaps around windows and doors.

This is a serious issue for two reasons – firstly, because it makes your home less comfortable to live in, and secondly, because your home heating and cooling systems are going to have to work much harder to warm or cool your space. Since heating and cooling takes up between 50-70% of the energy consumption of your home, this means a big increase in your monthly bills.

How Does Insulation Work? 

 It’s natural for warm and cool air to flow. In winter, heat moves outwards and upwards into unheated spaces and the outdoors. In summer, this process reverses, with warm air from outside moving into the cool spaces of your home.

The more effective your insulation is, the better it works to prevent this natural process. You can tell the quality of an insulation product by its thermal resistance rating. The higher the R-Value, the better the quality of the product.

Types of Insulation 

 There are insulation products for every part of your home. The most important locations for insulation are your roof and walls, but you can also insulate windows, floors and other critical areas.
There are a wide range of insulation products on the market, including:

  • Environmentally-friendly insulation – Recycled or green products like shredded denim, sheep’s wool, newspaper, hemp or cellulose.
  • Spray foam – Very versatile and can be applied quickly between framed studs of walls, floors and ceilings.
  • Fiberglass – A popular option that is very cost-effective.
  • Radiant barriers – A great roof insulation consisting of metallic silver panels that reflect radiant heat, keeping your home cool on even very hot days and keeping warm air from escaping the home in winter.

 Speak to Your Residential Architect About the Best Insulation Solution for Your Home 

 Need an architect in NJ? With 20 years of experience, the architecture firm of Seth A. Leeb knows that the secret to creating outstanding homes is building a great client relationship. As a full-service architectural firm, we are able to assist our clients all the way from site analysis and design conception through the construction of their home itself. For more information on our home architect services in New Jersey, please contact us today or visit our website at http://sethleeb.wpengine.com/

Original content posted on https://leeb-architecture.com/insulation-is-key-to-a-warm-comfortable-home/

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