Many Aussie homes were built decades ago without proper residential insulation. This leaves them hot in summer and cold in winter and leads to high energy bills. If you live in an older home, you may be wondering how you can improve the insulation. Here are the answers to some common questions about insulating older Aussie homes.

1. What Are The Benefits Of Adding Residential Insulation?

Adding residential insulation offers many benefits that make your home more livable. Insulation works like a thermal jacket for your house, trapping air and reducing heat flow. In sizzling Aussie summers, insulation keeps the heat outside where it belongs, so your home stays cooler. When cold winter winds blow, insulation locks in the warmth, reducing chilliness and your need for cranking the heat. Insulation muffles noise from outside, making homes quieter. Properly insulated homes also deter termites and other pests from invading. Overall, insulation provides a buffer against extreme Aussie weather, delivering comfort, savings on energy bills and other practical benefits.

2. What Areas Of The Home Should Be Insulated?

The main areas that need residential insulation are the roof, exterior walls and floor. The roof is crucial because heat rises and can escape through the ceiling. Insulating roof spaces, like your attic, can block this heat transfer. Exterior walls allow heat to transfer in and out. Filling wall cavities with insulation creates a barrier. Finally, insulting floors above crawl spaces or basements prevents heat loss below. Focus on these areas for the best insulation results.

3. How Do You Know If A Home Already Has Residential Insulation?

If your home was built before the 1990s, it likely has little or no residential insulation. Newer Aussie building codes require a minimum level of insulation. To check if your older home has existing insulation, look in your attic. If you don't see insulation blankets between the joists and rafters, you need more insulation. Also, check exterior walls by removing electrical outlet covers and looking inside. If you don't see insulation-filled cavities, it's time to insulate.

4. What Type Of Insulation Is Best?

The most common residential insulation materials used today are fibreglass batts, loose-fill fibreglass, rigid foam boards, and cellulose. Fibreglass batts are cost-effective and easy to install between wall studs and attic or floor joists. Loose-fill fibreglass is blown into spaces for a consistent fill. Rigid foam boards provide excellent insulation for exterior walls. Lastly, cellulose made of recycled materials can be blown into wall cavities. Talk to an insulation contractor about the best options for your home.

Insulating your older Aussie home is one of the best investments you can make. Focus on the roof, exterior walls and floors in order to see lower energy bills and greater comfort. Consider fibreglass batts, loose-fill, rigid foam boards or cellulose-based products for your needs. With proper residential insulation, you'll love coming home to a cosier house all year round.

Contact a local company to learn more about residential insulation.