Are you building a new home? You’ve probably thought of all the exciting things such as countertops, furniture, windows, etc. Insulation, while not as exciting, is one of the most important parts of building a new home.
The new home insulation you install will depend on a few different factors, including:
Where you live: Different climates require different amounts of insulation (and different R-values). For instance, radiant barrier insulation is a great warm weather insulation product but may not be the most cost-effective solution for homes in cooler climates. You can find out more specifics about your region by talking to a professional insulation company. Here in Chicago, we are in zone 5 (check which zone you live in).
Your HVAC system: Again, talking to a professional insulation company is your best bet, but it can help to know some things upfront. If you have air ducts in your attic, for instance, installing radiant barrier insulation may be a good idea.
The type of attic you have: The type of attic you have also makes a difference when it comes to new home insulation. Is your attic cathedralized or traditionally vented? Be sure to talk to your local insulation company for the best results for your specific attic!
The framing of your house: Does your new house have metal or wood framing? When it comes to new home insulation, this makes a difference. More heat flows through metal studs and joists, and, therefore, insulating between the wall studs or between attic or floor joists isn’t as effective in houses with metal frames. If your walls have metal frames, you may need to install continuous sheathing over the outside of the frame, between the frame and exterior siding.
Whether your home has crawl spaces or not: Crawl spaces are huge sources of energy loss, so if your home has any crawl spaces, they need to be insulated.
New Home Insulation Installation
You may not know this, but it is more cost-effective to install insulation during home construction than to install retrofit insulation after the house is built. Unfortunately, a lot of older homes weren’t built with enough insulation and need to be re-insulated.
Insulation in new homes:
- Helps you save money
- Makes the interior more comfortable year round
- Reduces outside noises (and noises between different rooms and levels inside)
- Promotes a healthier environment (reduced energy use and fewer greenhouse gas emissions)
You can have complete peace of mind your insulation will make your home in the Chicago area more energy-efficient and help you save a lot of money every year!
To learn more about insulation for new homes, contact ThermaSeal/Lakeside Insulation.
