Can You Have Too Much Insulation?

Can You Have Too Much Insulation?

INSIGHTS FROM YOUR LOCAL INSULATION CONTRACTORS IN KITCHENER-WATERLOO

Insulating your home or business is a vital way to ensure energy efficiency. Without proper insulation, your property would be too warm in the summer and too cold in the winter. To a certain degree, insulation can also serve as a buffer against noises both inside and outside of a building. 

One question that many people ask is whether their homes might be “over-insulated.” There are two primary schools of thought on this topic. At Reitzel Insulation, our goal is to find the best solution for every property we service. In the same way that the best insulation strategies differ according to the circumstances, the question about over-insulation cannot really be answered in a “yes” or “no” manner. 

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH INSULATION?

Before you can determine the right level of insulation for your building, you need to examine a variety of factors. Only a professional is trained to make this assessment accurately. Consider the following points on insulation:
  • Too Tight – One of the common mindsets that people have with regard to insulation is that a building can be too tight. This means that a home may be sealed so tightly that if moisture makes its way into the surface of the structure, it might not be able to evaporate. You may have heard that a home should be able to “breathe.” This statement is in reference to a structure being so tightly sealed that moisture cannot escape. Numerous homeowners fear that if moisture cannot evaporate or escape, it will make contact with the insulation and permeate it thoroughly. This seems to be more of a concern with regard to older homes, which may have many cracks in the foundation.
  • A Myth – On the other hand, you may also hear that a building cannot really be too tightly sealed or insulated. By this logic, over-insulation is a myth. If you are worried that your home contains excessive moisture, the key is proper ventilation. By opening windows and vents, you should be able to dry any moisture that may have accumulated. If you are unable to accomplish this, you could have clogged ductwork. You might also need to clean or change the filters in your HVAC system.
  • The Bottom Line – In truth, there is likely some validity to both arguments. When a building is constructed, tiny holes should be installed to ensure air passage and circulation. However, if a structure is too tightly sealed, manual ventilation may be needed to inhibit moisture. These are all reasons that you should never attempt to insulate your property yourself. You should also be sure that the person you employ to do this is an experienced professional. Only an insulation expert can know exactly which services and products are the most appropriate for your home. We determine how much insulation to use based on various factors, such as climate, the size of your home, and the thermal performance that a particular insulation product can yield. 

Consult Your Local Insulation Contractors in Oakville, Hamilton, Mississauga, and the Surrounding Cities

Getting your home insulated is essential, but this is not a project for the inexperienced. When one of the pros from Reitzel Insulation services your home or business, you will never need to worry that it is over-insulated or under-insulated.

Our insulation contractors serve Kitchener-Waterloo and the surrounding areas. We are delighted to assist you with all your insulation needs. Contact us at 226-241-9991. You may also reach us by using our online contact form.

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