Important Insulation Information When Buying a House In Fort Collins
Knowing all about the insulation in a house is as important as knowing the home’s location. Insulation contributes to many factors, including air quality and energy bills. You should know what kind of insulation is hidden away, how old it is, and other specifics. Knowing the red flags to look for when you get answers to these questions can save you money, time, and stress in the long run. This article discusses why homebuyers should seek insulation information from a professional before making an offer.
What to Know About Insulation When Buying a House In Colorado
Contents
- What to Know About Insulation When Buying a House In Colorado
- Insulation Information Fort Collins, Colorado
The first thing you should know when considering purchasing a home is what areas usually require insulation. This way, you know where to place your focus. Insulation is necessary for the attic, crawl space, and all exterior walls. Once you find a home you are interested in, consider three main things: what type of insulation there is; if there is a need for retrofitting or installing new insulation, like if the home is in the construction phase; and the home’s energy efficiency and overall consumption.
Related Article: Clearing Up Fallacies About Spray Foam Insulation
Specific Questions to Ask About Insulation While House Hunting
- How old is this home?
- The older the home is, the more likely it is that insulation will need to be updated. Homes built decades ago may also be full of insulation made from what we know now is toxic, such as asbestos.
- What kind of insulation is in this home?
- If the answer is traditional or fiberglass, question whether the insulation is original. If the home has original fiberglass insulation, find out if the fiberglass has formaldehyde in it, as this is another toxic chemical.
- Do the exterior walls have insulation?
- Is the insulation up to current codes?
- Is the crawl space in this home sealed?
- How much insulation is in the attic? Is it spray foam?
Why Home Insulation in Fort Collins, CO, is Such a Big Deal
Adequate insulation is vital to a home’s atmosphere and energy use. It should be in tip-top shape because:
- It keeps the noise out
- It gives you more privacy
- It keeps the indoor air fresh
- It saves you money on your energy bills
- It keeps your pipes from freezing in the winter
- It helps keep the indoors at a specified temperature
- It keeps you from needing to call an HVAC technician
- It helps prevent condensation that does more damage
- It protects the environment by ensuring your HVAC system is not running excessively
Related Article: Why Call A Colorado Insulation Contractor When Replacing Your Roof
The Installation of New Insulation in a Colorado Home
If the home you want to buy needs new insulation, you may want to install it yourself and save some money, especially after spending so much on a new house. Unfortunately, there are many downsides to a DIY approach. For example, did you know that you could put in too much insulation? Excessive insulation blocks airflow, causing condensation and leading to the growth of mold and mildew. Additionally, blocking lights or HVAC vents on accident can quickly lead to a fire.
Another downside to doing it yourself is that it leaves you ineligible for energy rebates you would otherwise receive if you hired a professional contractor. These rebates reimburse you up to 10% of the amount you spend on materials. Finally, installing your insulation is tedious and risky. An unfinished attic could be harboring toxic materials like asbestos, which can get stirred up and pose a health risk to everyone in the household. You are far better off hiring an experienced installer than doing it alone.
Related Article: Injection Foam Insulation vs. Spray Foam Insulation: What’s the Difference?
FAQ on Home Insulation
What is bulk insulation?
Bulk insulation is ideal for those looking for the best thermal performance. Constructed from raw materials like natural wool, glass wool, recycled paper, and polyester, this insulation traps the air and is resistant to heat flow, both indoors and outdoors.
Related Article: What Is Thermal Bridging In Colorado Homes?
What is reflective insulation?
Reflective insulation is typically used in warmer climates because it deflects heat, which provides cooler indoor temperatures. Constructed from several layers of aluminum foil and laminated to plastic, it can attach to bulk insulation to provide the best of both worlds.
How thick should insulation be?
Ensure adequate insulation provides ideal efficiency by checking that the layers are approximately 19 inches thick. For more information, look into the R-value. This number measures a product’s ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value is, the better thermal performance the product provides.
Related Article: Fort Collins Attic Insulation Removal: What Goes into the Process?
What is the lowest R-value I should allow?
R38 is probably the lowest R-value you should accept for a home in an average climate. The more extreme the temperatures are in your area, the higher the number should be. For example, places like New Jersey or Los Angeles require that a home has insulation with much higher R-values.
What is the difference between fiberglass and blown-in insulation?
Fiberglass insulation comes in wide strips. It comes in various levels of thickness and durability. Blown-in fiberglass insulation, or cellulose insulation, comes in small pieces that are blown into an area using a large hose. This type of insulation is ideal for getting into small cracks and crevices.
Related Article: The Importance Of Home Air Sealing On Energy Costs In Colorado
When should I call an insulation contractor?
In addition to when you need new insulation installed, you should also call an experienced contractor if you experience any of the following:
- Ice dams forming on the roof
- Energy bills that seem higher than normal
- Rooms that suddenly seem cold or have drafts
- Noticeable water damage to the walls or ceiling
- A big storm that may have damaged the insulation
Related Article: What Are The Pros And Cons Of Spray Foam Insulation?
A Final Thought
Before committing to a purchase like buying a new home, understand what you are getting into. Pay attention to the minor details, like the insulation, instead of getting distracted by the features. If you invest in a property that requires some work on the insulation, call on experienced professionals to help you make your new home as comfortable as it can be.
Related Article: How Does Insulation Affect Heat Loss?
Insulation Information Fort Collins, Colorado
Ascend Construction specializes in insulation removal and installation, energy conservation, energy audits, whole house fan installations, and more in Fort Collins, Colorado, and the neighboring areas. You can trust our team of insulation contractors to provide you with service that goes above and beyond your expectations.
Contact Ascend Construction for a free consultation today. We can provide you with practical solutions to address the problem areas in your Fort Collins home. All of our services are affordable, and our work is guaranteed. Click here to contact us, or click the button below to give Ascend Construction a call. We offer free, no-obligation, in-home consultations.
Ascend Construction
301 S Howes St #1241
Fort Collins, CO, 80521