4 Must Follow Tips to Maintain Insulation Work for a Longer Time
A lot of people ignore insulation when buying or building a house because they do not see it in the final product. However, you need to pay attention because the insulation in your home makes a huge difference to how your house feels. It can help trap cool or warm air inside your house, ensuring interior temperatures stay comfortable.
Replacing insulation can be a major hassle, but degraded or outdated insulation can cost thousands in energy bills. If you want your insulation to last as long as possible, follow our tips when installing and maintaining your home’s insulation.
1. Choose Your Type Wisely
If you want longlasting insulation, the best thing you can do is pick a type that is known for being durable. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, you can expect wrap tape, housewrap, or spray foam insulation to last about 80 years while foamboard, loose-fill, rock wool, or cellulose insulation can last up to 100 years. A nice bonus of picking longer lasting insulation is that some of the more durable types like cellulose is an eco-friendly sustainable insulation option.
2. Install Carefully
A large problem with insulation lifespan is poor insulation. When insulation is not installed properly, gaps can appear, especially at the top where insulation may sag down. This is a major problem because even small empty spaces can form a pocket of air where humidity gathers. Over time, this can cause mold growth that harms your indoor air quality and degrades your insulation.
To prevent this, you need to make sure that insulation is cut precisely to fill the entire space between studs and properly split to wrap around cables in the walls. Taking time or paying extra to get professional, high-quality installation will ensure your insulation lasts for years to come.
3. Reduce Humidity and Moisture
Moisture is one of the main enemies of longlasting insulation. Over time, humidity can build up in the insulation, causing it to degrade or allowing corrosive mold to form. There are several different methods of protecting your insulation from dampness. Of course the most important thing is just reducing the risk of leaks altogether.
Keep your roof well maintained, especially during winter, and keep your plumbing well maintained so it does not spring leaks. You can also lower overall dampness in your home by installing vapor barriers that keep ambient humidity and condensation from causing problems in your home.
4. Protect From Pests
A surprisingly common problem for homeowners is pests getting into their insulation. Rodents love using insulation as nesting material, so they can settle into the walls and wreak havoc on carefully installed insulation. Depending on how your walls are installed, you may need to put screen between furring strips or add it along gaps to keep pests out. Keep in mind that mice and other small rodents can slip into tiny gaps from anywhere in your house, so it is necessary to block all entry points. In some areas, having regular visits from a pest control expert may also be helpful.
With these tips, you can ensure that your insulation remains functional for its full lifespan. With properly working insulation, you can expect to save big on utility bills and remain comfortable in your home.
