It’s undeniable that improved insulation for your home will help you save money on your utility bills and keep you warm in winter. However, different types of property have different levels of existing insulation and other eco-friendly installations.
A newly-built home, for example, is likely to have much more insulation already built into the structure due to rigorous modern design regulations. On the other hand, an older building is prone to losing heat through solid and cavity walls, not to mention via those little foibles you find in older properties, where nooks and crannies can wreak havoc on your energy bills. This is especially true in homes that were built in the 1920s or before.
The key to working out which type of insulation your home needs is first to work out what it already has and what areas you feel as though you’re losing heat. For example, uninsulated or poorly insulated attics can result in significant heat loss via the roof. Equally, check whether you already have cavity wall insulation in your outer walls as this is another key location for heat loss in the home, especially in older buildings.
The Problem with Traditional Insulation
Traditional insulation often comes in the apparently budget-friendly guise of loose fill or insulating rolls in the attic. While these may be comparatively cheap, they’re not as effective at their job as other forms of insulation, plus they block the space from being used for anything other than the storage of bulky insulation. They become flattened over time, reducing the level of protection within your home even further.
In addition, traditional insulation is generally limited in where it can be used, meaning that you may miss out on the insulating benefits of treating internal walls as well as external ones. This could save you even more money on your utility bills.
You want an insulation solution that’s both eco-friendly and built to last. As much as those in the industry would like you to find insulation as fascinating as they do, it’s generally accepted that insulation is something you think about, sort out, and move on from. So, why not choose an insulation option that has an extremely long life span?
What is Spray Foam Insulation?
Spray foam insulation is a popular, reliable and versatile method of keeping any home warm and reducing energy bills.
While alternatives such as fibreglass and mineral wool have their advantages, they also have their limitations. For example, spray foam can be applied to practically any area of the home and results in much more effective coverage. It’s ideal for roof insulation and has the added advantage of being waterproof, unlike some other materials. Fibreglass insulation, for instance, can retain dampness and moisture, risking damage to your home over time.
Spray foam is applied to a surface as a liquid that then expands and hardens to form an insulating barrier full of bubbles that stop heat traveling through easily. It combats the three ways that heat is transferred – conduction, convection and via radiation.
Should I Have it Installed Professionally?
Unlike many jobs around the home, installing spray foam insulation must be done by a professional. The quantities of spray foam required to vary depending on each individual property’s needs and getting it wrong can cause damage to your home. Equally, fumes are released during the application process and professionals are required to wear appropriate protective equipment while carrying out the work, especially when spray foam is being installed in an enclosed area like an attic.
That’s why working with a professional company like Foam Spray Insulation is vital to help install the protection your home needs. We have over 25 years’ experience delivering high-quality spray foam insulation to households and commercial properties across the UK. If you’d like to learn more or have any queries about whether spray foam is suitable for your home, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team.
