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Insulation Options for Home Renovation
from: SelfHomeImprovement.comUpdating your home insulation is an important part of home improvement and it's something you can do yourself. You can save energy, money, and even be a part of saving the environment when you insulate properly. You can even cut down on the amount of noise that travels throughout your home when it is insulated properly. Following, we'll discuss some of the important things you should know about home insulation.
Effects of Insulation
Home insulation has what's known as an "R" value and the higher the number, the better. What the "R" value does is it prevents heat loss in winter and it prevents heat gain in the summer. This can lead to a more comfortable home with a cheaper utility bill so it is important to get the recommended "R" value for your home. The Department of Energy maintains a database of recommended "R" values based on the area in which you live. You can find your recommended "R" value by going to the Department of Energy website and typing in your zip code. Also, look for insulation that has noise control as this can reduce the amount of noise that travels through ceilings, walls, and floors.
Wear Protective Gear When Insulating
It is important to protect yourself and your family when doing any kind of home renovation and that is especially true when working with insulation. Make sure you are wearing the proper clothing, such as long sleeve shirts and long pants with socks and athletic shoes or safety shoes. If you have long hair, keep it pulled back and wear a hat, if possible. Getting insulation on your body is no fun; it will make you itch and some people even feel a burning sensation. Also, protect your eyes by wearing safety goggles and wear a dust mask as well. Never touch the insulation with your bare hands; be sure to wear gloves and if you do come in contact with the raw insulation, wash your hands as soon as possible as you can spread tiny fibers to other parts of your body.
Where Should You Insulate?
Insulation is an important part of your entire house and can be found in many different areas. If you are adding on to your home, replacing old fixtures, or just improving some area of your home, you should be aware of all the places that insulation should be. Insulation should be installed in attics and basements and under the floors and in any crawl spaces. Insulation should also be installed around pipes and ductwork. Windows need insulation too as do doors. In addition, you can minimize the noise that filters through the walls of your home by insulating the interior walls, and of course, exterior walls should always be insulated.
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