Myth-Busting Top 5 Insulation Myths

Insulation helps to regulate your home’s temperature and keep the interior comfortable year-round. It’s a crucial aspect for keeping your home as energy efficient as possible. Despite its importance, there are many myths and misconceptions about home insulation that continue to persist. In this article, we’ll help bust 5 of the biggest insulation myths – let’s go!

Myth #1: All insulation materials are created equal.

As a homeowner, if you’ve ever been involved in the process of installing, replacing, or repairing your insulation you will (hopefully) be well aware that there are several different types of insulation materials available. The main types of material used are fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam. While they all serve the same purpose of insulating a home, they are not created equal.

Each type of insulation has its own advantages and disadvantages, such as cost, R-value, and ease of installation. It’s important to research this and discuss this with your insulation professional, when choosing the insulation material that’s best suited for your home’s needs.

Myth #2: More insulation is always better.

While it’s true that adding insulation to your home can improve its energy efficiency, you can’t just keep adding more and more insulation to bring your energy bills to nil. There is a point of marginal diminishing returns. In fact, adding too much insulation can actually begin to cause problems, such as reduced ventilation and moisture buildup.

Instead of more insulation, what you may need to further help with regulating your home’s temperature and your overall energy bills, is roof sarking. We recommend you read more about sarking with our library of articles on the topic.

Myth #3: Insulation doesn’t need to be replaced.

Many homeowners assume that once insulation is installed, it will last forever. It’s a set and forget. However, hating to be the bearer of bad news, insulation is prone to aging and will most likely degrade over time and lose its effectiveness.

In some cases, insulation may need to be replaced or supplemented to maintain its R-value. Regular inspections and maintenance can help ensure your insulation remains effective.

Myth #4: Insulation is only necessary in colder climates.

While it’s true that insulation is particularly important in colder climates, it’s also essential in warmer climates. Insulation helps to regulate your indoor temperature to an ideal one, regardless of hot or cold. This helps reduce the workload on your HVAC system. Which is why insulation leads to lower energy bills and increased comfort year-round, regardless of the climate.

Myth #5: DIY insulation installation is always cheaper.

While it may be tempting to try and install insulation on your own due to DIY being seen as ‘cheaper’, it’s usually not the most cost-effective option. In some cases, mistakes made during installation process can lead to an inefficient insulation system which will cost you higher energy bills in the long run. On top of that, to fix the incorrect installation, you’ll eventually need it to be repaired or replaced by a professional. This will end up costing you more than just having a professional handle it from the beginning. Yes, hiring an insulation professional may cost more upfront, but it can save you money in the long run by ensuring the insulation is installed correctly. Sorry to tell you fellas but there’s a time and place for DIY. Insulation usually is not the place, unless you’re experienced in the trade.

We hope this article has helped to bust some common myths and misconceptions surrounding insulation. Understanding the different types of insulation, appropriate amounts, and the importance of regular maintenance and replacement can help homeowners make informed decisions about their insulation needs. It’s always recommended to speak with a professional contractor, so that homeowners can maximise the benefits of their insulation while minimising potential problems. If you’re looking for an insulation expert in Perth, we recommend you visit our sister company RCI Perth for a personalised inspection and quote.