NORTHWEST HOUSTON Blog

Top-5-Reasons-to-Get-an-Insulation-Retrofit

Don't let your insulation fool you - just because it's out of sight, doesn't mean it's working properly. Shockingly, over 90% of homes in the US have inadequate insulation. And if you're not the original building owner, your commercial building may also be suffering from poor insulation. It's time to give your insulation some attention and ensure your space is as efficient as possible.

Retrofitting insulation is the process of adding insulation to an existing structure. It involves installing additional layers of insulation on walls, floors, and ceilings in order to reduce heat loss or gain and improve energy efficiency. Retrofitting can be done in both residential and commercial buildings, as well as in industrial settings. By improving the thermal performance of a building, retrofitted insulation can help save money on heating and cooling costs while increasing comfort levels inside. Additionally, it can also reduce sound transmission between different areas within a building.

Improved Energy Efficiency:

Retrofitting insulation can significantly reduce heat loss or gain, which means that less energy is used to maintain the desired temperature inside the building or home. This can lead to lower heating and cooling costs, resulting in potential savings of up to 10-50% on monthly bills. Additionally, using less energy helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to a more sustainable environment.

Greater Comfort:

By adding more insulation, heat is more evenly distributed across the walls, floors, and ceilings of the building or home. This can make it easier to maintain comfortable temperatures during both hot summers and cold winters while also reducing noise levels from outside.

Increased Resale Value:

If you’re considering selling your home in the near future, retrofitting insulation can help boost its market value. Not only does this make it easier for buyers to get financing but it also shows potential buyers that they’re investing in an energy-efficient property with low running costs.

Improved Air Quality:

Installing insulation helps to improve air quality by better-controlling moisture inside a building or home. This means that homeowners will be breathing fresher air without any unpleasant dampness or musty smells caused by condensation buildup on interior surfaces like windows and walls.

Durability & Longevity:

Retrofitting insulation generally lasts much longer than other forms of insulation due to its increased thickness and strength compared to traditional products. This makes it ideal for protecting a building from both extreme temperatures as well as wear and tear over time without needing frequent replacement or maintenance work done.

Retrofitting insulation can be accomplished with a variety of different materials. One of the most common is spray foam insulation, which is an effective option for both attics and walls, as it provides an airtight seal and can be easily applied to existing structures. Insulating foam boards are also a great choice for retrofitting projects, as they offer superior thermal protection and are easy to install in tight spaces. Cellulose insulation is a popular option, as it's made from recycled paper products and has excellent soundproofing properties. Fiberglass batts are also widely used for retrofitting insulation, as they’re affordable, lightweight, and easy to install between wall studs or attic rafters. Rock wool is another popular material used in retrofitting projects, as it’s flame-resistant and offers excellent heat retention when properly installed. Lastly, reflective insulation is ideal for areas with hot climates; it functions by reflecting heat away from the building instead of absorbing it like traditional materials.

Retrofitting insulation is not always necessary, but there are certain signs that can indicate it’s time to consider installing an additional layer. These include:

Drafts

If you feel a cold draft coming into your home during the winter months, this could be a sign that your insulation needs upgrading.

High Energy Bills

If you’re noticing that your energy bills have slowly been increasing over time, it may be due to inadequate insulation which is causing your heater or air conditioner to work harder than necessary in order to maintain the desired temperature inside the house.

Noisy Neighbors

If you can hear too much noise from outside or from other areas of the building, it could be because of incomplete insulation between walls and floors. Adding another layer of insulation will help reduce sound transmission and provide better acoustic privacy for residents.

Uneven Temperatures

If some parts of your home feel colder during winter or warmer during summer than others, this could be an indication that there is not enough insulation installed or that existing insulation has broken down and needs to be replaced with new products.

Unpleasant Odors

Poorly insulated homes often suffer from condensation buildup on windows and walls which can cause musty smells or other unpleasant odors as a result of dampness inside the structure. Installing more layers of insulation will help reduce this issue and improve air quality inside the building.

What is Superinsulation?

Superinsulation is a form of insulation that is designed to offer greater thermal resistance than other types of insulation. It is typically composed of several layers of high R-value materials, such as polystyrene foam boards, rigid or spray-applied foam insulation, reflective foil, and airtight concrete blocks. These layers are combined to create an effective barrier that prevents the loss of heat during winter and prevents the entry of heat in summer. Superinsulation also reduces energy costs, as it requires less heating or cooling to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the home. Superinsulated homes also require less maintenance due to their better sealing capabilities, allowing them to remain in better condition for longer periods of time without requiring frequent repairs or upgrades. In addition to providing superior thermal performance, superinsulation also has environmental benefits—it can reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the amount of power needed for climate control.

Koala Insulation of Northwest Houston is a company that seeks to provide Houston homeowners across the U.S. with money and energy-saving insulation services. We believe that every homeowner should have access to quality insulation, and our goal is to make sure that all homeowners have the opportunity to save on their energy bills and live in a more comfortable home. We offer a variety of insulation services, so you can choose the perfect option for your home, climate, budget, and other needs. Plus, we always educate our customers about the benefits of insulation so they can make an informed decision about their home improvement project.?