Replacing insulation isn't a home repair job that's on most people's minds, but there are a few signs that might suggest that it's time to get it replaced.
A few of those signs include higher than normal energy bills, indoor drafts and animal infestation. There's also the risk of potentially harmful insulation installation in homes built before the 1990s.
But which type of insulation should you replace it with?
Some of the best types of insulation on the market today are spray foam and blown insulation.
Keep reading to learn the difference and why it's safer to use professional insulation services.
Blown Insulation
Blown insulation refers to using a specialized machine to blow insulation materials to seal the smallest gaps.
Typically, professional insulation services use safer materials when installing them in residential homes. These materials include cardboard, newspaper and even glass.
The installation process is simple. The installers place insulation blocks into the machine and evenly blow the material.
The danger in DIY blown insulation is if safety gear is improperly used.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Blown Insulation
One of the main benefits of blown insulation is the specialized machine.
Regardless of the insulation material used, the machine allows the material to get into the tightest corners and gaps. This air seals the area, preventing unnecessary drafts and moisture from entering.
The air seal helps warm air stay trapped during winter and prevents the hot air from getting in during summer. That way, your HVAC unit works significantly less, and you end up saving hundreds of dollars on your energy bill.
Mould presented a significant problem for insulation installed decades ago. Blown insulation resolves this issue by reducing the amount of condensation that forms in your attic and walls.
And while the process is generally quick, it's not advisable to complete the job yourself. It can get quite messy, and if you don't correctly install it, it can cause deformation and sag.
Not to mention, the job might require several additional steps to prevent mould and rot. That includes sufficiently sealing the area, insulating plumbing and refitting batts.
It's best practice to call a professional from the start and avoid paying extra for repairs and cleaning up the mess.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is an excellent choice in air sealing your home. Due to the way spray foam works, its expansion can insulate even the tightest corners, such as the crevices around light fixtures.
Condensation on ceiling and wall interiors is a common problem that many homeowners and builders face. Luckily, the lack of moisture absorption is one of the main reasons it's so widely used today.
You may have come across the dangers of spray foam, but the risks are most present when homeowners attempt to DIY the installation.
Spray foam installation can present fire and chemical dangers if you don't follow the correct procedures. The benefits of spray foam include all the same benefits that blown insulation provides.
But the benefit specific to spray foam is that it avoids absorbing water when properly installed.
On the other hand, it can create cavities, causing air to leak and not insulate as much noise as you would like. And when those cavities don't get filled, it can encourage water to trickle in.
Like blown insulation, your savings depends on professional installation to prevent costly damages.
Insulating Your Home
Having insufficient or old insulation in your home is damaging to both your health and your wallet. Saving money is about more than doing the spray foam or blown insulation job yourself.
It's about having a professional get the job done right the first time.
Contact the Durham Insulation professionals for one of the best insulation services around in Bowmanville and throughout the Durham Region.