Ceiling and Wall Insulation: Strategies for Winter Warmth

When cold winds blow, homeowners start wondering about more insulation. If your living space has a few drafty spots or a room that is tough to keep cool, there are changes you can make to keep your living space more temperate.

Remember that heat rises

If you've got a space over your garage that you use as a studio or even just for storage, remember that heat rises. Should you choose to insulate this space from your garage, it could stay very hot in the summertime and be remarkably cold in winter.

It's entirely possible to provide this space with separate heating and cooling units. Just make sure to add enough ventilation to make it possible to warm this space without dealing with a lot of condensation.

Insulate when you can open up the space

Adding insulation in the winter can be tough on the body. Fiberglass insulation is quite cost-effective, but those living in the space may struggle with irritated bronchial passages, as well as itchy eyes and skin.

If you're insulating a closed home in winter, it may make sense to install a more environmentally friendly product. Should you or anyone in your home suffer from asthma or allergies, it may make sense to relocate for a time while you're installing the insulation.

Ventilate as you insulate

If your attic is not well-insulated, or if your insulation has been fouled by rodents or other pests, bring in a contractor to seal the space. Any insulation that has been used as a nest by squirrels, raccoons or mice will need to be removed.

As you work on updating your insulation, don't forget about improving your ventilation. Now may be the time to consider adding or updating your skylights, especially in a room with tall ceilings. Combining excellent insulation and great ventilation can keep your home cooler in and warmer in winter. If your home has a direct southern exposure, sun tunnels from Design Skylights and Solar can bring in light without increasing heat buildup.

If your house is easy enough to warm but just feels rather stale, consider a call to Colorado Insulation and Whole House Fans. As the sun warms your house, it may be helpful to bring in fresh air as long as it's not too cold out there!

Old House? Get Your Cellulose Checked

Those who love owning an old house know that cold winter days can be costly! If you had cellulose insulation blown in to your home at some point in the past, it may be time to check it for compaction.

Compacted cellulose insulation can leave the top of your wall wide open to winter cold. Even if the ceiling is insulated, those gaps between the studs at the top of the wall means that rising heat will quickly be lost.

Both new and old homes can benefit from better insulation. Heavy, lined curtains and window tinting can also make a difference. Look for more ideas to keep your home comfortable on our Facebook and Instagram pages.