From Attic to Crawl Space: Understanding Home Insulation Needs

Learn from professionals what types of home insulation fit best and where

It’s quite simple: modern home insulation keeps your home warmer in the winter by holding in heat and cooler in the summer by keeping heat out. Did you know, though, that different parts of the house are best served by different types of insulation? It’s pretty science-y stuff – and we LOVE science - but very easy to understand once you have the home insulation professionals explain it to you!

Insulation has an R-value that rates its thermal performance or, in simpler terms, its ability to do its job – and those R-value requirements are different around the house. The higher the R-value, the greater the performance of the home insulation, and R-values can be measured by the type, thickness and density of the materials.

For example, your attic space is one of the most important places to insulate as it’s an easy area for heat to rise and escape into. Blown-in insulation is ideal for up there as it fills the nooks and crannies and gives a solid R-value. Blown-in insulation is cost-effective and won’t settle over time, making it an excellent choice for attics.  

Think next about a chilly and mostly-ignored area of the house: that crawl space. Spray foam is a little pricier but perfect for down there as it provides both a moisture barrier and insulating service all in one. Goodbye, cold floors! Spray foam also acts as a deterrent for unwanted bugs.   

Blanket insulation – commonly in a batt or a roll – has varying R-values and is very flexible so ideal for tucking into your walls and ceilings. It is also very affordable and helps not only with heat flow but with soundproofing against exterior and interior noises.

Hiring professional home insulators is your best bet as they understand additional factors like allowing for ventilation to ensure moisture and mould issues are avoided. Home insulation is a balance between sealing your home up tight while still allowing it to breathe where necessary. Our experts will be able to assess your R-value needs appropriately and make sure every space is optimally provided for.

We’re all seeking an energy-efficient, comfortable home that minimizes our heating and cooling bills, so contact the home insulation professionals at Okanagan Insulation Services (OKI) today for a free estimate. There are incredible upgrade rebates available so it’s easy to get your home insulation in tip-top shape before the worst of winter arrives!

Serving the BC Interior for over 40 years, Okanagan Insulation started in Kelowna in the 1970s. Working with the team at Okanagan Insulation, you are guaranteed to get professional services at an honest and affordable price. Contact them today to learn more or get a free quote.