In order to end up with the ceiling insulation best suited to your needs, you have to clearly understand what you are looking for and what options are available to you. This is done by researching in two areas.
Firstly, you research the market to find out what kinds of ceiling insulation products are available, familiarizing yourself with the different features, styles and price ranges etc. Secondly, you examine your own unique requirements in ceiling insulation.
Research the market: Ceiling Insulation essentials
The first part of the research step is to investigate just what's available in the ceiling insulation market. The range of options can seem daunting, but you can make a good start by understanding the following major features:
R-Value: This is the one term you absolutely have to know. It refers to how well your insulation resists transferring heat between the inside and the outside of the insulated area. There is a minimum R-Value you must meet in order to insulate your home - and that value changes by area. Check with the relevant government department where you live to find the R-Value for your location.
Type: Ceiling insulation is either bulk or reflective. Bulk insulation uses trapped air pockets within itself to provide a barrier to heat transfer. Reflective insulation reflects the majority of heat away from its surface while absorbing and emitting only small amounts of heat.
Materials: Insulation can be made of fiberglass, rock wool, polyester, cotton, cellulose, or foam. Fiberglass and rock wool have been used for years, and tend to be less expensive.
Technique: You can buy ceiling insulation as loose fill (think of a box of cereal), batting, blanket (exactly what it sounds like), and blown in. In the case of blown in insulation, you take a form of loose fill, mix it with water, and blow it into the cavity with a hose. This is particularly effective in tight spaces, or where you want a nice solid barrier.
Research your needs: Questions to ask yourself
Now it's time to determine what your requirements are in ceiling insulation. For example, will you use the insulation only for your new extension?
You can start this process by considering the following questions - as well as any others you think of yourself - and recording your answers.
| Have I used ceiling insulation before? |
| | If you have, work out what you did or didn't like it. You may be looking for some exactly like it, hoping to upgrade, or even trying to avoid any particular features that you found inconvenient. |
| Do I have an attic? |
| | Generally attics mean you have ample room to insulate to your heart's content. |
| Do I have cathedral ceilings? |
| | High ceilings generally mean less space to place the insulation. |
| Do I have the expertise to insulate the ceiling myself? |
| | 42% of a home's heat can be transferred through the ceiling - so if you don't insulate your home correctly, you can waste a lot of heat and air conditioning. Hiring an insulation expert to install your insulation correctly the first time can save you money in the long run. |
Understanding your needs is the key to a successful purchase and you can revisit your list of needs at any time during the buying process.
Once you complete this Research step, having informed yourself about the essentials of ceiling insulation and identified your needs, you are ready to move on to the next step: Evaluation.
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