Question 1

Does basement insulation need a vapor barrier?

Accepted Answer

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Yes, basement insulation needs a vapor barrier due to its susceptibility to moisture seeping in from the outside of the house. You should install a moisture barrier before you install insulation or purchase insulation that comes prebuilt with a moisture barrier to avoid water damage in your insulation and costly mold and water remediation expenses.

Question 2

Do cold walls mean poor insulation?

Accepted Answer

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Yes, cold walls are a common indicator of poor or inadequate insulation, especially if the walls feel significantly colder than the air in the room. This suggests that heat from your furnace is escaping rather than being retained. The issue could be that the walls have no insulation, or that the existing insulation is old or has been damaged by water, moisture, or pests. Your best course of action is to hire a professional to investigate. An insulation contractor can determine if you need to add or replace insulation and can often perform the work without creating large holes in your drywall. If you suspect the problem might also be related to your heating system's performance, an HVAC technician can take a closer look.

Question 3

Does tin foil on windows help with heat?

Accepted Answer

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Spreading tin foil over your windows works similarly to radiant barrier insulation, but not as well. It will reflect some of the sunlight that would otherwise come through the glass and warm up the inside of your home, so it might help a little to keep your home cool in the summer. However, the appearance isn’t preferable to blinds or drapes that can offer the same benefits. You might also consider tinting your windows instead, which is a more aesthetically pleasing change that can still block a good portion of the solar heat coming through your windows.

Question 4

Does insulating windows with plastic work?

Accepted Answer

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Insulating windows with plastic works, but it can be time-consuming, and the end results can—and often do—end up lacking in aesthetics. Window film and caulking your windows to make sure there are no drafts are two options that increase the energy efficiency of your home in a low-cost way. Plastic can be a good strategy while you consider alternatives.

Question 5

Is installing crawl space insulation worth it?

Accepted Answer

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Yes, crawl space insulation is worth it if installed correctly. Installing insulation in your crawl space will improve the air quality, help stabilize your home's temperature, lower your energy bills, and prevent pests from entering your home. Though you’ll pay more to install insulation initially, the savings you get from installing insulation can help offset those initial costs over time.