There are several misunderstandings regarding how home insulation works.
For example, if you install the fluffiest, bulkiest, most expensive attic insulation you are not guaranteed to have the most energy efficient house on the block.
This is one myth among many that are getting home owners into trouble when they install, or choose not to install, insulation in their homes.
Some other ideas that should be clarified are: Less can be more when is comes to certain insulation materials, location should not determine whether to insulate your home or not, and it is possible to make an older home more energy efficient without tearing it apart or spending a fortune.
If you take the time to understand how insulation works, it will be clear why more is not better.
The purpose of insulation it to prevent hot air from escaping or entering a structure, most types of insulation are given a rating representing their ability to do so.
Fluffier insulating materials like fiberglass batting only slows down hot air flow, it does not prevent it.
The same goes for cellulose foam and other porous or fibrous materials.
Foil style insulation can be just as effective with a lot less bulk and mess.
The reflective properties of the material actually blocks heat rays, rather than just slowing them down.
However, applying multiple layers of this thin insulating material or any material, for that matter, will not improve their performance.
So again, the myth more is better is not true when it comes to attic insulation.
All insulating materials will work for all climates.
Some think radiant barrier insulation is only effective when dealing with warm weather.
This is not true, the foil material will keep heat in the home and reflect it away depending on the weather.
All varieties of insulation can be used at any time, in any environment.
Some have more advantages than others, but there is not one that simply will not work if installed in the wrong climate.
With that said, every home benefits from being insulated, spending the money to install it is worth every penny.
Even the oldest home can become more energy efficient with the addition of attic insulation.
Certain materials used to insulate a home can deteriorate over time, causing them to lose effectiveness.
There are a few options to deal with this decrease in efficiency.
One is to install foil style insulation over the existing insulation.
It is important to note that the perforated foil should be used to allow moisture in the old insulation to escape.
Another option is to reinstall the same material insulation you already have, although this is not often a route that homeowners take.
It can be messy, costly, and hazardous to your health when working with both the old and new insulation.