After playing outside in the snow, all anyone wants to do is cuddle up, turn on a Christmas movie, and have a hot cup of cocoa. Returning from a long day to a warm, cozy home in the middle of the harsh Minnesota winter is a wonderful feeling, necessary for enjoying this time of year. Yet like the snowflakes that fall during this time of year, homes are unique and sometimes imperfect. At the Construction Group, we understand the importance of staying warm this winter and our experience has taught us proper home insulation is essential for Minnesota homeowners. Variable temperatures during the year can dramatically affect indoor comfort as well as energy efficiency. Insulating your home correctly can save you on heating costs and protect your home from moisture damage.
In our 30 years of experience helping homeowners stay warm in the winter, we have come across some common mistakes during insulation upgrades, installations, or removals, which can lead to energy inefficiency, higher utility bills, and even structural issues. To help you avoid these pitfalls, here are some common insulation mistakes to avoid and tips to ensure a successful insulation project.
1. Not Hiring a Professional Home Insulation Contractor
The key to a successful insulation project is hiring a professional. While DIY insulation projects might seem like a way to save money, improper insulation can lead to significant issues down the road. A professional home insulation contractor knows the specifics of different types of insulation. They will know the perfect match for your home and then how to install it correctly. Insulation is critical in some key areas such as the attic, crawl space, and basement, which can be difficult to access for someone without experience. A professional will know which areas of your home require special attention and will be able to insulate those areas with ease.
- Tip: Always hire a reputable home insulation service with experience in Minnesota’s climate. Professionals can ensure the insulation complies with local building codes and is installed correctly.
2. Using the Wrong Type of Insulation
Minnesota’s cold winters and humid summers mean that not all insulation types are appropriate for every part of the home. Many homeowners make the mistake of choosing insulation based solely on cost, rather than selecting the material best suited for their home and local climate. It is important to understand the R-value of the type of insulation. The R-value measures how well building insulation lets heat flow into and out of the home. Higher values mean greater insulation and more heat kept in the home.
- Common Types of Insulation:
- Fiberglass Batt Insulation: Commonly used in attics and walls, fiberglass is effective but can lose its insulating properties if compressed or improperly installed.
- Spray Foam Insulation: Provides excellent air sealing but requires professional installation due to the risk of uneven application and improper mixing.
- Rigid Foam Insulation: Often used in basements and crawl spaces, it offers high R-values but needs to be installed with care to avoid gaps.
- Tip: Work with your contractor to choose the right type of insulation for your home. Different areas of the home might require different kinds of insulation, so it is important to keep in mind the pros and cons of each kind of insulation.
3. Neglecting Air Sealing Before Insulation
One of the most critical steps in upgrading your home insulation is air sealing. Without it, even the best insulation won’t provide the best coverage. Gaps around windows, doors, plumbing penetrations, and electrical outlets allow cold air to infiltrate your home in the winter and warm air to escape, leading to drafts, higher energy bills, and moisture problems.
- Tip: Make sure your home insulation contractor includes air sealing as part of your home insulation upgrade. Sealing gaps with caulk, foam, or weatherstripping can make a huge difference in overall energy efficiency.
4. Inadequate Attic Insulation
Our experience with the heavy Minnesota winters has proven that the attic is the most crucial area to insulate. It is important for keeping out the brutal cold of Minnesota winters as well as keeping the rising heat inside. Because it is such an inaccessible space, homeowners often make mistakes such as under-insulating the attic or failing to check for existing insulation quality before adding more. Adding new insulation on top of old, compressed, or damaged insulation without addressing underlying issues can trap moisture, leading to mold, rot, or poor insulation performance. Another common error is blocking attic ventilation, which can cause condensation and ice dams in winter.
- Tip: Before upgrading attic insulation, have a professional home insulation service assess the current state of insulation and ventilation. If the existing insulation is in poor condition, consider a complete home insulation removal to avoid problems down the line. Ensure proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.
5. Ignoring Basement and Crawl Space Insulation
Basements and crawl spaces are often overlooked when it comes to insulation, but like the attics, they are critical for keeping your home protected from the extreme Minnesota weather. Poorly insulated basements can become cold, damp, and prone to mold growth, while uninsulated crawl spaces allow cold air to infiltrate, affecting the overall comfort of the home. Homeowners may neglect to insulate these areas or choose the wrong materials. Fiberglass insulation, for instance, should not be used in moisture-prone spaces because it can absorb water, leading to mold.
- Tip: Use moisture-resistant insulation such as rigid foam or spray foam in basements and crawl spaces. Consult with a professional home insulation contractor to ensure proper moisture barriers are in place.
6. Improper Installation or Inconsistent Coverage
Proper installation is crucial to ensuring insulation performs as intended. Even small gaps, compression, or inconsistent coverage can reduce the effectiveness of insulation. The best insulation will not be effective if there are gaps to allow drafts in. In Minnesota, where temperature extremes are common, even minor insulation errors can have a noticeable impact on your home’s comfort.
- Tip: Trust an experienced home insulation service to ensure complete and even coverage. Professional installers can navigate tricky areas like sloped ceilings or narrow crawl spaces to ensure maximum energy efficiency.
7. Not Upgrading Old or Inefficient Insulation
Many older homes in Minnesota have outdated or insufficient insulation that no longer meets modern energy standards. Our experience has taught us neglecting to upgrade old insulation can leave you with higher energy bills and an uncomfortable home. Some homeowners assume that existing insulation is “good enough” without checking if it meets current standards. Over time, insulation can deteriorate, settle, or pests and moisture can cause damage.
- Tip: If your home is more than 15-20 years old, we recommend a home insulation upgrade. A professional contractor can evaluate your home’s insulation levels and recommend solutions to improve energy efficiency and comfort.
8. Skipping Professional Inspections and Energy Audits
Finally, one of the most common mistakes is skipping a professional inspection or energy audit before making insulation decisions. An energy audit assesses your home’s overall efficiency and can pinpoint problem areas where insulation and air sealing are needed most.
- Tip: Before starting a home insulation upgrade, consider scheduling a professional energy audit. This service can identify specific areas of heat loss and help guide your insulation strategy for optimal performance.
Conclusion
We know Minnesota winters can be brutal, but they can also be a time to come together in a warm, safe, cozy home. Keeping heating costs low and ensuring proper comfort this winter is a matter of carefully planning expert insulation. Avoiding common mistakes like choosing the wrong insulation, neglecting air-sealing, or skipping on professional help can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
At the Construction Group, we have thirty years of experience in helping homeowners make improvements to stay warm, safe, and stress-free in these harsh Minnesota winters. Begin your home transformation today by giving us a call at 651-661-4101. Call now!