Is it better to insulate ceiling or walls?

wall insulation, always go for the attic. The largest pay back will be seen here. You would stop heat loss from natural convection and block solar gain (an increase in heat) in the attic, which can result in energy savings of 30 to 50 percent. You won't see as big of a return on investment by insulating walls.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on realestate.boston.com


Is ceiling insulation more important than wall?

Because a large volume of indoor heat is lost through the ceiling, the attic floor above is considered the most important area in the house to insulate for winter comfort and efficiency.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on sobieskiinc.com


Should you insulate walls or ceiling first?

No Attic Space

For low-slope roofs or houses with roof truss construction, it's standard to insulate the ceiling before insulating the walls. Insulation batts, faced on one side with paper, are available in widths that fit between standard 16- and 24-inch joists. Batt thickness determines R-value.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on homeguides.sfgate.com


What is the most important part of a house to insulate?

Arguably the most important space in the home to insulate is the attic. This is primarily because heat naturally rises, which means that the attic will hold a lot of the heat generated in the home. During the winter, having that heat escape through the attic will push up energy bills.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on usiinc.com


Should I insulate my ceilings?

In addition to walls and attics, insulation should be installed in ceilings with unheated spaces, basement walls, floors above vented crawl spaces, cathedral ceilings, floors over unheated garages or porches, knee walls, and in between interior walls—especially bathrooms—as well as ceilings and floors.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on insulationinstitute.org


#1 Cheapest And Most Effective Way To Insulate Any Ceiling With Flat Roof, No Loft



What type of insulation is best for ceilings?

Spray foam insulation is the most effective type, with a maximum R-value of 6.5 per inch.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on bobvila.com


Is internal wall insulation worth it?

As much as 35% of heat loss occurs through insufficiently insulated walls. Therefore installing a thermal layer inside the home can significantly reduce your energy bills. It will improve ventilation and reduce condensation and working with the right experts mean you can make it hassle free.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on wearezing.com


Can you over insulate a house?

It is possible to over-insulate your house so much that it can't breathe. The whole point of home insulation is to tightly seal your home's interior. But if it becomes too tightly sealed with too many layers of insulation, moisture can get trapped inside those layers. That's when mold starts to grow.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on reenergizeco.com


Should I insulate ceiling between floors?

In unfinished attic spaces, insulate between and over the floor joists to seal off living spaces below. If the air distribution is in the attic space, then consider insulating the rafters to move the distribution into the conditioned space.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on energy.gov


Should I insulate my attic floor or ceiling?

roof insulation is no-contest. The floor wins every time. Insulating the floor is standard practice for an unfinished attic space. The exception to this rule takes place when families opt to convert an unfinished attic space into something usable or livable.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on atticsolutionsusa.com


How much difference does insulating walls make?

Insulation is generally low maintenance and lasts a life time. You lose 35% of heat through your walls if you don't have adequate insulation. You can lose almost the same amount through the roof of your house if you don't have loft insulation.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on renewableenergyhub.co.uk


Should I insulate walls or attic?

wall insulation, always go for the attic. The largest pay back will be seen here. You would stop heat loss from natural convection and block solar gain (an increase in heat) in the attic, which can result in energy savings of 30 to 50 percent. You won't see as big of a return on investment by insulating walls.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on realestate.boston.com


Why do builders put more insulation in the attic than in the walls?

Relatively easy access has made the attic a favourite starting point to insulate for many homeowners, despite the fact that most other areas, such as basements and uninsulated walls, lose more heat than the typical attic.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on nrcan.gc.ca


How do you insulate an old house without tearing down walls?

How to Insulate Walls in an Old House
  1. Apply a house wrap/vapor barrier to exterior walls.
  2. Attach 1-inch foam board insulation.
  3. Install siding over the insulation.
  4. Replace old windows with energy-efficient units.
  5. Caulk window trim and use weatherstripping to reduce air leaks.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on neighborly.com


How can I insulate my house for winter?

Blown-in attic insulations both work well in both winter and summer months, and multi-layer or reflective attic insulation is an innovative way of keeping heat out of your attic by reflecting back to its source. Installing multi-layer insulation around your attic walls is also going to reduce ice dams.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on yellowbluetech.com


What is the best way to insulate a house?

Cavity walls can be insulated by a professional, who will inject insulation material into the cavity – or space – in the wall. A specialist will drill holes in the outside walls, inject insulation through the holes and then seal them with cement. Solid walls can be insulated from the inside or outside of your home.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on energysavingtrust.org.uk


Is it better to insulate ceiling or roof?

If you are deciding between insulating the roof deck or the ceiling, Insulating your ceiling should be the priority. Not only is it easier but ceiling insulation is beneficial in a number of ways: Keeps the temperature in the building regulated. Saves on energy costs.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on a-oneconstruction.com


How do you tell if your house is well insulated?

To help you determine if your home is under insulated, our team has put together this list of nine tell-tale signs to watch out for.
  1. Inconsistent Household Temperatures. ...
  2. Energy Bills Are High. ...
  3. Your Walls and Ceilings Are Cold to The Touch. ...
  4. Issues with Pests. ...
  5. Water Leaks. ...
  6. Pipes Freeze on a Regular Basis. ...
  7. Ice Dams. ...
  8. Drafts.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on goodlifeenergysavers.com


Why arent interior walls insulated?

Energy Efficiency

Without interior insulation, outside air will enter your home easily, raising and lowering the temperature of your rooms to uncomfortable levels. Temperature fluctuations will force your HVAC unit to have to work harder to bring your home to the programmed temperature – increasing your utility bill.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on insulatedfw.com


Does internal wall insulation cause damp?

Internal wall insulation changes the fabric of your home, and can, if not employed properly, cause issues such as damp and condensation.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on homebuilding.co.uk


Which is better internal or external wall insulation?

From a functional point of view, external insulation can achieve higher levels of insulation with little risk of moisture problems either internally or within the wall structure, assuming it is correctly installed. It also maintains the thermal mass of the building by keeping the masonry within the insulation envelope.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on backtoearth.co.uk


Does ceiling insulation need a vapor barrier?

Fiberglass Insulation

Like other batt-type insulation, fiberglass has a predictable R-value if not compressed but is difficult to fit around obstacles without leaving gaps. In most climates, it needs a vapor barrier.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on thisoldhouse.com


How thick should my ceiling insulation be?

The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on energystar.gov