Most homeowners tend to focus on the importance of attic insulation without giving much thought to their wall insulation needs. But poorly insulated walls can cause just as much energy and comfort loss as an attic that hasn’t been insulated properly.
Read on to find out how much wall insulation your home needs, how you can tell if you need more wall insulation, and whether it’s time to replace the insulation in your walls!
How Much Wall Insulation Do I Need?
Calculating the amount of wall insulation you need for your home can be done in just four easy steps:
#1 – Know Your Zone
Every residence has different zone requirements for insulation depending on where they’re geographically located. The U.S. Department of Energy determines the guidelines for the required R-values of insulation materials. Here in Sacramento, we’re in Climate Zone 3, which means our walls must have insulation materials rated at R-5.
#2 – Choose Your Insulation
The next step is to select the type of insulation you’ll use. Some of the most popular types of insulation include:
- Rolls
- Batts
- Faced
- Unfaced
#3 – Measure Your Space
Once you’ve selected the type of insulation, you’ll need to measure the height and length of each of the room walls you plan to insulate. Multiply the wall’s length by its height, and be sure to write down the spacing of the studs so you can decide the type of insulation material you’ll purchase.
This is important because insulation usually comes in precut lengths or standard rolls designed to fit precisely between the studs. Be careful not to subtract the window and door openings in your calculations, as it will benefit you to have excess amounts for odd cavities and nonstandard framing distances.
#4 – Calculate Your Rolls
After calculating the square footage required, you’ll need to divide this amount by the square footage supplied in the insulation package. Every manufacturer has its own dimensions and sizes of insulation, so be sure to refer to the package to determine the exact number of bundles you’ll need to insulate your walls.
How Can I Tell If I Need More Wall Insulation?
Many signs can indicate if your walls are poorly insulated. Be on the lookout for the following warning signs that it’s time to rethink the insulation in your walls:
- Fluctuating temperatures throughout your home
- Unusually high energy bills
- Cold walls to the touch
- Frigid rooms
- Chilly drafts
- Mice and bugs in the home
- Frozen pipes in the walls
Do I Have To Replace Wall Insulation?
An under-insulated home isn’t just an uncomfortable one: It can put a serious strain on your wallet as your utility expenses skyrocket. By investing in proper wall insulation, homeowners can cut their energy costs by an average of 20%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
If you start noticing the aforementioned signs of poor wall insulation, it’s best to schedule insulation replacement with a professional to avoid unnecessary energy expenses.
Keep Your Home Well-Insulated With Gold Star Insulation!
At Gold Star Insulation, our team understands the unique insulation needs of Sacramento homes. Whether you’re insulating a newly constructed home or have an older home that needs insulation replacement, our team can take on the challenge and leave your home with the improved energy efficiency it deserves.
Let us help ensure your home remains well-insulated for the long term by contacting our team at (916) 441-6200 today!
