Insulation is one of your home’s best defenses in the battle against the cold. And while winter isn’t here yet, summer is dying down, and it’s time to start strategizing.
If you don’t keep your home properly insulated, you could face extra-cold nights and a heating bill that keeps rising. Thankfully, this is a project that DIYers everywhere can tackle in a weekend with rolls of batt insulation, Flex Paste, and weather strips.
Here’s everything you need to know about insulating your home before winter.
Benefits of a Properly Insulated Home
There are plenty of different reasons you’ll want to spend some time ensuring your home is insulated.
Firstly, it helps trap heat inside during the winter. That means the cold air stays outside, and you get to snuggle up on the couch in a warm home, even while the chilly winds blow.
Secondly, you save money on heating costs. Instead of continually battling against the environment to keep your home at the set temperature, your HVAC system can heat up your house and then take a break while the insulation keeps the heat in.
Finally, a well-insulated home is also quieter. Instead of noises traveling from room to room or even from the outside, they stop at the insulation, and you get peace and quiet.
3 Crucial Areas to Insulate Before Cold Weather
Your main areas, like bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms, should be insulated, but let’s look at some of the most critical areas that might not be protected already.
Water Pipes
Frozen water pipes are headaches for any homeowner. Taking the steps now to protect them once winter comes will pay huge dividends.
Find all the pipes that are exposed directly to cold areas. Basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and kitchen and bathroom cabinets are the most common spots.
Install some insulation in these areas so pipes stay protected during the winter. You can take insulation rolls, cut them into strips, and wrap them around the pipes or use batt insulation in the walls around them.
Attic
If you don’t use the attic for anything, it can be easy to forget about this area of your home. But there’s a decent chance it isn’t insulated.
If you use fiberglass batt insulation, it can be as simple as laying out the insulation in the attic. Lay the batts between joists, and you can even double stack R-19 batts for R-38 levels of insulation.
Garage
Your garage is supposed to be cold, right?
Not quite. That cold can seep into your house, making it harder to keep everything warm. Install insulation in the walls and ceiling of your garage so you don’t have unnecessary heat seeping out of the house.
Best Products and Methods for Insulating
There are many different ways you can insulate your home.
Batt insulation is a favorite among DIYers because it requires few tools and is incredibly easy to install.
Foam board insulation is less versatile but can provide excellent insulation levels with minimal thickness. It’s perfect for unfinished rooms or garage walls.
Spray foam and rubberized sealants like Flex Paste work great in small areas such as door and window frames.
Don’t Forget Doors and Windows
Usually, the focus is on walls and ceilings, but doors and windows are often sources of cold air drafts. Take some time during the insulation process to check on your doors and windows.
Make sure all the seals are covered with well-fitting weather strips. You can even double up on the insulation by adding seals to the bottom of every interior door in your house.
Now, you’re ready to face the cold of winter and save plenty of money on heating costs.
About Menards®
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Original Source: https://bit.ly/3PrHuPM
