Insulation
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Natural Alternatives to Manufactured Insulation
The mainstays of modern home insulation are fiberglass, rigid foam and cellulose. But there are natural alternatives to these which are worth considering, especially if you're going for super-green construction!
How to Keep Insulation Dry
One of the most important factors in energy efficiency is home insulation. And one of the most important parts of insulation is keeping the material dry. There are two reasons for this:
Interior & Exterior Insulation Upgrades
Exterior Insulation Upgrades
If you have to improve old siding, you might as well improve the exterior insulation too. You have a choice of methods for adding insulation underneath the new siding, which will increase your home’s overall "R/RSI" value significantly. New siding with blown-in insulation eliminates filling in access holes as well as repainting.
Other points to note are:
Wall Insulation in the Home
Wood-Framed Walls
Wood-framed walls are the easiest part of the home to insulate since they can be treated in the same way as new construction. The main concerns for wood-framed walls are the thickness and accessibility of the wall cavity. Assessment of wood-framed walls should also determine the presence or absence of insulation.
Stopping Air Leakage in Your Home
Once you have identified the air leakage points from an assessment of your home, you can proceed with the insulation process.
Caulking
You should begin by sealing up small cracks, leakages and penetrations on the inside of the outside walls, floors and ceilings. The interior is usually warmer and applied sealant lasts longer as it is not exposed to harsh weather conditions.