Home insulation tends to be a subject that most home owners find too complex. This is because there are many different kinds of insulation. There are foams, rolls, batts, blown in, spray in, radiant, and more. Even within these classifications there are different variants like open cell spray in, and closed cell spray in that each have their own pros and cons. Insulation has year round benefits, read on to see how insulation does more than keep out the heat.
Basics Of Desert Insulation
Summer heat is the primary concern for most of the residents of southern and central Arizona. Insulation keeps the extreme heat out of our homes and businesses. While that is a very important function of insulation there are still year round benefits.
During the colder parts of the year we still get temperatures that dip down to and sometimes below 32°F. This means that the heater has to work harder burning up natural gas, or using more electricity. It is important to keep your home warm in the winter not only for the comfort of the occupants, but so that the pipes don’t freeze and burst.
Adequate Insulation For Arizona
Insulation is rated in what is called R Values. The higher the number, the more effective it is at slowing heat transfer. Many times of insulation, especially rolled batt insulation, will have its R value printed clearly on the paper backing.
The Department of Energy has a standard set for southern and central Arizona for insulation. It is at least a R-13 for the walls and a R-38 for attic spaces. These numbers are adequate for the low desert areas but any mountain homes or higher altitude residences should consider increasing these numbers for sufficient insulation.
Checking The Insulation You’ve Got
Fall is a great time to climb be in your attic, the temperatures have dropped off and it won’t be punishingly hot. But it is also early enough that if you find deficient insulation you can address the problem before it gets colder. Break out the ladder or find the attic access in your home and a measuring tape.
If you find that you have blown in insulation you can check the depth and figure out which type of material you have. Then you can compare that against the recommended depth of each of the different types of insulation.
If at this point you find that you have bad insulation from age, water damage, rodent infestation, or mold, you will have to have the insulation removed and new insulation installed. There are airborne irritants involved with damaged insulation that need to be handled properly. Read more about insulation removal.
Additional Insulation Benefits
Insulation doesn’t just keep our homes more comfortable and reduce energy costs. There are multiple other benefits, read below to get more information on how insulation helps do more than keep us comfortable.
Quieter Homes
Insulation doesn’t just slow heat from entering our homes, it stops sounds from outside from coming in. Without insulation the noises from the street, kids playing outdoors, or workers taking care of road or construction projects can easily be heard within our homes. Good wall and attic insulation shield our homes from these noises and help make them the quiet sanctuaries we expect them to be.
Helps Slow Fires
Effective insulation seals up gaps and air leaks that hold in our air conditioning and heating. It has the side benefit of helping control the spread of fire in an emergency. Air leaks or gaps during a fire accelerate the transfer of fresh air onto the flames and accelerate the spread. Proper fire retardant insulation helps combat this problem.
Keeps Homes More Comfortable
Power outages happen, and heating and air conditioning systems fail and need repair. Proper insulation helps keep the house more comfortable during the wait time before the power comes back on or the repairman can finish his work and get your heater or air conditioner going again.
Phoenix Insulation Experts
If you’d rather stay out of the attic but need to have you insulation situation tackled by a professional Barrier Insulation is your expert in the Phoenix Valley. We have the full set of insulation services and products to fit every structure and every need. Give us a call today and put your mind at ease.