Residential insulation is important because it helps to keep homes safe during the winter by trapping heat inside and keeping the cold out. This is especially important in areas where temperatures dip below freezing, as it can help to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
Additionally, insulation can help keep heating bills down by reducing the heat that escapes from the home. This can be a problem because it can make heating and electricity bills very high in the winter and make homes feel less comfortable.
With that said, here are six things you must absolutely insulate before winter:
1. Attic
If you want to keep the heat in your home, you must ensure your attic is insulated properly. This means taking care of empty corners and shallow areas where blown insulation may not have settled correctly. Smaller cracks can also be treated with DIY foam insulation. Note: Always make sure your attic has the appropriate amount of ventilation. Otherwise, condensation will build up and cause problems. Don't close up any vents without consulting an expert first.
2. Pipes
As the temperature outside starts to dip below freezing, your plumbing may become susceptible to damage. Water pipes exposed and not well insulated are at risk of freezing when the temperature plummets. This can cause the pipes to crack and potentially lead to flooding in your home. To avoid this, make sure to properly insulate any pipes in areas of your home that tend to be cold.
3. Doors and Windows
Weatherstripping is a material that is used to seal the gaps around doors and windows. Doing this prevents cold air from entering the home and keeps warm air inside. Over time, weatherstripping can become worn or damaged, which will cause gaps and air leaks. Replacing weatherstripping is an easy and affordable way to improve your home's energy efficiency.
4. Renovated Basements
The right kind of insulation will help to regulate the temperature in your basement, keeping it at a comfortable level even if it's not used very often. It's important to include a moisture barrier in the insulation to prevent any damage from moisture in the air.
5. Upper Roof Trusses
The problem occurs when the insulation around the lower end of the roof trusses settles, and the cold winter air causes the top of the trusses to contract. This can lead to structural damage over time. If you think your roof might have this problem, you should check the insulation and see if it needs to be improved.
6. Garages
If you use your garage for activities other than storage, insulating it is a good idea. This will help keep the temperature comfortable and make it more energy-efficient. You can insulate the garage door and walls with basic batt insulation. This is also a good opportunity to declutter and organize the garage.
Conclusion
It is important to insulate your home before winter to keep yourself and your family warm. Some of the things you should insulate are your windows, doors, attic and walls. Doing so can save money on your heating bill and stay comfortable all winter long.
Patterson Bros Drywall has been trusted by the Medicine Hat community for insulation and drywall since 1973. We are a third-generation family business, and we have a reputation for quality work. We are highly qualified and experienced in what we do. We are the first and only drywall company in the area to offer spray foam insulation, as well as traditional insulation methods. If you need attic insulation services in Medicine Hat, get in touch with us today!