How to Keep Your Home Energy Efficient
Insulation is one of the best ways to increase energy efficiency and save on heating bills in your house. Common insulating errors, however, might cause problems. If you want to take these advantages, identify the mistakes. Let’s find out a few avoidable insulation problems to ensure your house stays cosy.
The Importance of Proper Loft Access for Insulation
When it comes to insulation, attics are among the most underappreciated spaces. Many builders and homeowners overlook the need for adequately insulating attic hatches, compromising the house’s thermal envelope.
Like a chimney, an uninsulated attic hatch lets cold air flood in and warm air escape. Ensuring the attic hatch is covered with stiff foam or an insulated cover will help to stop this energy loss. This forms a barrier to keeping your living areas warm.
Further preventing drafts and air leaks is done by adding weatherstripping around the hatch. Also frequently check if any damage or movement has happened over time. Thus, you can maintain the effectiveness of insulation.
Floor Insulation: A Foundation of Comfort
Regarding floor insulation, the focus is making sure the material is correctly supported and fitted. Inappropriate installation could result in gaps allowing drafts, therefore compromising the efficacy of the insulation and increasing the energy use.
Selecting the correct insulating material that fits tightly between the floor joists is quite vital for the best result. For example, wool is easy to install and offers great thermal resistance. That’s why materials like wool, along with fibreglass and foil, are usually used.
It’s also important to have the right support. Using nets or wires to keep the insulation in contact with the flooring will make sure it doesn’t sag or change over time. To keep energy from escaping, full checks must be done after installation to find any gaps or unmet needs. Spending time to properly install floor insulation will help your house be more comfortable and save long-term energy although often, the cost can be prohibitive.
Insulating Cavities in Unsuitable Areas
Because of more moisture, insulating cavities in exposed areas or near the sea might be challenging. If the insulation gets wet, it might not work well. And damp problems could happen very easily.
If you want to stop this, you could use closed-cell spray foam or stiff foam boards. They don’t absorb water; hence, the insulation will not get damp.
Moreover, guaranteeing appropriate ventilation inside the cavity walls is essential to letting any stored moisture escape, therefore preventing dampness and related issues.
Cavity Wall Insulation and Poor Brickwork
Excellent for increasing energy efficiency, cavity wall insulation (CWI) can cause problems if the pointing of brickwork is poor. Cracks can let water in and make things damp. The brickwork must be carefully looked at before CWI is put in.
Water will be less likely to get in if you point out and fix any broken or worn-down bricks. Hiring professionals to do the repair is one way to make sure that the job is done right. This not only enhances insulation but also guards your house against possible moisture damage.
Spray foam insulation in the loft
Popular for lofts because of its great insulation qualities, spray foam insulation can create problems with mortgages and result in condensation if improperly applied. If you can, choose options like mineral wool or sheep’s wool. Because they are breathable and less likely to cause mortgage problems.
Also, make sure the loft has enough air flow if you plan to use spray foam. It is required so that wetness doesn’t build up and causes condensation. Ensuring that spray foam insulation doesn’t cause unanticipated difficulties depends on correct installation by experts who know the possible hazards.
Blocking External Airbricks
Ventilating underfloor areas and preventing humidity and decay depend on airbricks. Blocking them can cause major problems with moisture buildup.
Make sure airbricks are free of any obstacles, such as dirt, leaves, or plants. Inspections and regular maintenance help to guarantee they stay free and operate as intended.
Maintaining the structural integrity of your house depends on good airflow through airbricks, preventing moisture-related problems in subfloor areas.
Quality Control Matters
Quality control and attention to detail will help one prevent insulating mistakes. Check the credentials and reviews of any insulating company.
Need Help with Insulation? Contact Cavitech Today
At Cavitech, we specialise in energy-efficient insulation solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking to insulate a loft, or cavity wall, our expert team ensures professional installation and long-lasting results. Contact us today to see how we can help improve your home’s energy efficiency and comfort.