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Here is an interesting puzzle: there is a system in your home that is very important, is all over the house, and has no mechanical parts. What is it? Your home’s insulation. This important feature of your home was intended to keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter.

It does this by blocking heat transfer, either by conduction, radiation or convection.

Convection is the principal by which warm air is drawn to a cooler area. The role of insulation in convection is to trap this air and stop the movement.

Radiation is when a warm body radiates heat to a cool surrounding. You can’t stop radiation, but you can direct this movement as well. Since insulation does not conduct heat, when you place it between two areas that do, it will prevent this movement. Insulation is measured by it R value, or resistive value which is the efficiency at which the insulation insulates. A higher R value indicates more efficient insulation. Which R value you choose for your house will be dependent upon a number of important factors. The climate in your area, the the design of the house (how many windows and doors, how high the ceilings are, whether you have carpeting), costs, building codes and construction quality will all play a role.

It would seem that having the highest number possible would be a good thing, but it is not. A home that is too well insulated will be sealed almost tight, and this can be very unhealthy. You need some movement of air for comfort and health. Many times, your utility supplier will do you a free analysis of your insulation needs.

Inside the walls and around windows is where insulation serves the best purpose. If you have carpeting, that is insulating your home to a great extent as well.

Windows usually have weather stripping around them, made from rubber moulding that is mounted around the doors and windows. If it is not working efficiently, it can easily be replaced.

Foam insulation is used inside interior walls as insulation. It can be in sheets or particles. The material in the foam is designed to create air pockets that will provide insulation. The strips can be covered with paper or a foil like substance.

It is easy enough to lay foam sheets, as long as you can access the area. Putting sheets in the attic is simple since they are just unrolled over the attic floor between the supports. If you do this, make sure you only step on the beams in your attic, or you may end up in the living room.

Particle foam is small pieces that are blown into the home. Since this requires special equipment, it is usually done by professionals, but it you are putting in a small amount, you can do it yourself.

There are other types of insulation that are frequently used in the walls of a home. Cellulose and silicates are some examples. If these types are used, you need to have a sufficient quantity to have a layer a couple of inches thick. Once again, the amount required depends on factors such as local climate, design of house, etc. Your local building supply company should be able to assist you with this.

If you are putting insulation in the attic, you can just put on gloves and sprinkle the material in the areas you want OT cover. The gloves will prevent your hands from becoming itchy during the process.

Once you have installed the foam, don’t press or crush it. The air pockets formed are an important element of the insulation process.

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