Do you notice that no matter how much weatherstripping you put on your home, it still feels drafty in the winter? Do your energy bills seem high, and are you always running the heater to stay warm? If this sounds familiar, Installing ceiling insulation will be your best option.
Inadequate ceiling insulation can drive your energy bills up in the winter and make your house much less comfortable. When installing ceiling insulation, there are a few options you’ll have to choose from. Read on to learn more about choosing the right ceiling insulation for you.
When to Install Ceiling Insulation
Unless you’re building your own house, your attic will already be insulated most of the time. But your insulation may not be enough to keep your house warm, depending on where you live. About 25 per cent of your home’s heat is lost through the roof in an uninsulated home, costing you money and comfort.
If your ceiling isn’t insulated, insulation will more than pay for itself in saved money on electricity bills. And if it is insulated, but your house still feels cold in the winter, it may not have enough insulation. You may also have asbestos insulation if you have an older home, so you need to call a professional to haul it away immediately.
Fibreglass Aerolite Ceiling Insulation
Fibreglass is the most common type of ceiling insulation you’ll see. The pink stuff comes in batts and blankets for you to install in your attic. It’s sized to fit between standard-width ceiling joists, making it easy to install. The new Aerolite Insulation is almost itch-free with the new longer fibres.
Fibreglass insulation is one of the most affordable options, providing great heat conservation. But it can flake off when installing it, and breathing it in can damage your lungs. Be sure to wear a breathing mask while working with it to prevent inhalation.
Loose Fill
Loose-fill insulation can be a great option if you have an attic with many nooks and crannies to fill in or if standard insulation batts aren’t getting it done for you. Loose-fill insulation is made of fibreglass or cellulose and is blown in using special equipment. You’ll need to hire a company to put this kind of insulation in for you.
Loose-fill insulation can be a fantastic eco-friendly option since it can be made of up to 90 per cent recycled materials. Like other fibreglass insulation, it can be dangerous to breathe in, so wear a mask when you’re working around it. And if loose-fill insulation gets wet, it provides an ideal environment for mould to grow.
Mineral Wool
Mineral wool is another form of blanket insulation somewhat similar to fibreglass batts. You may recognize it as the batts of yellow pillowy material you see in ceilings sometimes. This insulation is formed by spinning molten mineral or rock material such as ceramic or slag.
Because mineral wool is spun from slag, it, too, is considered a green material since it uses the waste from mining operations. It holds its shape better than fibreglass, which can make it good for sliding across wide attics without having to crawl across the ceiling joists. It carries the same inhalation and mould risks as the other forms of insulation.
Foam Board
Foam board is a much thinner insulating option than the other three. This insulation comes in large, narrow boards with a Styrofoam-like material between two reflective sheets. They can be cut to size using a standard box cutter and stand up on their own very well.
Foam board doesn’t have quite the insulating properties that the other insulations we’ve mentioned do, and it’s a little more expensive. But it can be great for insulating walls or doors in your attic. It can also be a good option if you think you may want to finish out your attic in the future and you want to save space.
Spray Foam
If you need to insulate a small area or close up gaps, spray foam is as good as insulation options get. This foam expands when you spray it, filling up any gaps completely. It’s easy to saw or cut away once it’s hardened, and most of it is paintable, making it a good option for closing gaps in the house, too.
Spray foam is not a practical option for insulating your whole attic. But if you have small gaps, you need to fill them, which makes an amazing option. You can apply it directly to the underside of your roof decking if required, making it a good choice for finishing an attic space.
Installation Tips
Before installing your ceiling insulation, fix any roof leaks and ensure all exhaust fans and vents go outside your house. Insulation is prone to mould, and you don’t want to spend all the money and time putting in new insulation only for it to get wet and start growing mould.
When working with insulation, you should always wear a breathing mask, safety goggles, and gloves. If you need to move around in the attic, lay a piece of plywood or a few sturdy boards across at least three joists and use those as a walking surface. And bring some battery-powered lanterns with you to illuminate dark corners and make your work easier.
Learn More About Ceiling Insulation
Adding new Ceiling Insulation can save you a lot of money and make your home more comfortable this winter. Picking the right kind is knowing how much insulation power you need and how you prefer to install it.
If you would like to take the first step towards making your home more comfortable, get in contact with us at Roof Insulation. We are the leading suppliers and installers of high-quality insulation in South Africa. Learn more about our ceiling insulation services today.