Get matched with top insulation pros in Kahului, HI

An outdoor spigot needs some attention before the temperatures begin to drop. Using an insulative cover is just one part of minimizing a frozen spigot and pipes. You’ll also need to shut off the water and drain the spigot, which leaves as little water as possible in the pipes to prevent freezing.

Exposed ductwork can sweat just like ductwork placed behind walls, sometimes even more so. Ductwork sweats—like a cold drink on a hot day—because of a temperature imbalance between the air in the duct and the air in the room. In a crawl space or wall, this temperature can equalize faster due to the small space but in lofts and open rooms, that wouldn’t happen as quickly. Many people insulate their ducts for this reason.

The R-value is a rating that measures an insulation's thermal resistance—in other words, how well it insulates. A higher R-value provides more protection for your pipes, and all pipe insulation materials should have an R-value listed on the product description or label. Each insulation type has its own R-value, which typically falls between one and five for most pipe insulation. When making a selection, Energy.gov recommends choosing a pipe wrap that is at least one inch thick, and the International Code Council (ICC) suggests choosing a material with an R-value of at least 3.

If you’re moving wires, installing new wires, or installing new fixtures in the space you’re insulating, then you will need to hire a licensed electrician to do that portion of the job for you. However, if you just intend on replacing old insulation or adding new insulation over existing insulation, then you don’t need to hire one. Your insulation installer will work around wiring, fixtures, outlets, and switches, even if they’re installing fiberglass batts in the voids where wires run. However, you will need an electrician if you suspect a problem with your wiring during the insulation work.