Proper Insulation to Prepare for Winter
Not having your home properly insulated can be like throwing money out the window — almost literally. When you add up all the gaps and cracks in your home that are not sealed or insulated, the amount of heat that is lost is equal to keeping a window open all winter long.
Where to Insulate
Pipes
When temperatures begin dropping, your plumbing is at risk of freezing, cracking or even bursting. A broken pipe can mean an expensive disaster for your home. Be sure to insulate your pipes before winter or at least have the areas around your pipes protected.
Attic
Heat rises and a well insulated attic can help keep it in your home. There are a few options when it comes to insulating your attic.
- Batts — Large pieces of insulation that hold together and are often made fiberglass or cotton.
- Blown — Smaller chunks than batts. Blown insulation comes in fiberglass or cellulose and can be installed by being air blown through a hose.
- Sprayed — Spray foam adheres to surfaces. This can be applied to the roofline to include the ductwork inside the envelope.
Basements
If you plan to maintain a comfortable temperature in a renovated basement, you will need to properly insulate your foundation walls. You may also need to include moisture barriers to keep your insulation dry.
Crawlspaces
Insulating a crawl space can help reduce the amount of heat that is lost through the floor. Sealing your crawl space can reduce drafts and save up to 20% on your energy bill. Our certified technicians can take care of sealing your crawl space and have your home protected before winter.
Replacing Old or Damaged Insulation
Moisture, vermin and mold can damage insulation making it less effective. Insulation should be inspected every year and if it’s looking wet or worn out it’s best to replace it.
Insulation can be a difficult do-it-yourself job. That’s why Bradley Mechanical offers the best methods and equipment for installing insulation properly. Call us today at (804) 748-6728 we can help you choose the best installation process and service to protect your home this winter.