With winter at our doorstep, staying warm is a top priority. Have you recently noticed that your home is abnormally cold, despite the fact that your heater seems to be working double-time? Is there a lot of cold air coming through the walls? Some homes do not have sufficient insulation to keep occupants warm, while others have some, but not enough to have optimal energy conservation. If this is the case for you, installing new insulation is the next step.
So now comes the question, “What type of insulation in Seattle is best for my home’s specific needs?” The best way to find that out is to hire a knowledgeable professional to advise you, and to get your insulation from a well-respected insulation and general hardware company. In the meantime, here are some common types of insulation you should know about as you move forward.
Fiberglass insulation
This insulation is very popular, not least because it is non-flammable. It is also very resistant to moisture, making it ideal for many different types of environments. To install fiberglass, your contractor or handyman will fill in the areas between your beams, studs and joists. Fiberglass is a great option for your home, but make sure to stay away from the area during installation, as fibers in the material can irritate skin and lungs.
Mineral wool insulation
Mineral wool is also commonly referred to as rock wool insulation. It is similar to fiberglass, but is usually more costly. It is also less readily available in some areas, but the payoff for some homeowners is worth it, because it isn’t irritating to skin and lungs in the way fiberglass can be.
Mineral wool is loose fill insulation, meaning it can be poured out of its bag into an area, or blown in with an insulation installation machine. It is well liked for its ability to withstand high temperatures—more so than most other insulation choices.
Cellulose insulation
This insulation is the way to go if you’re looking for an environmentally friendly option. It is organic, loose fill and made out of recycled paper. It also holds up well against little pests that can get into your walls. Although it is usually treated to ensure that it is moisture-resistant, cellulose is known for becoming weighed down by excess water it encounters, which compacts it and makes it less effective. For this reason, you can expect to replace your cellulose insulation about every five years in some parts of your home if you want it to function at top efficiency.
Spray foam insulation
If you want to spray insulation directly into already-existing walls without opening them up, spray foam insulation is a good option. It can also be blown into unfinished attic floors and new wall openings with equal effectiveness. If you have some irregularly shaped wall cavities or need to get insulation into some tricky spaces, spray foam can help.
Be sure to purchase your insulation in Seattle from a reliable hardware store to ensure best quality. To check out the selection at Stewart Hardware & Lumber Co., come see us today!