There can be a lot of conflicting information about insulation. Some will say there’s no way to have too much insulation, it’ll just be that much more efficient for your energy. Others will argue that too much insulation won’t let the proper airflow through the walls and cause a lot of issues. Honestly, it comes down to the type of insulation you’re using and who you’re talking to. Technically, in older houses, it is possible to over insulate the walls, but today with the insulation used it’s much harder to do. With that being said, how do you know when enough is too much?
- The R-Value: The R-Value of the insulation is important because it tells how much of the heat flow the insulation reduces. The higher the value, the more heat it will reduce, providing a more thermal insulation. Unfortunately, you can’t double up on insulation, even if they have the same R-value. The insulation that’s getting packed into the wall by the new layer will have its R-value reduced making it less effective. It’s better to simply start out with a higher value instead of double up. You’ll end up saving a lot of money in the end both in the insulation installation and on your energy bills.
- Developing Mold: One risk you run into with having too much insulation is having mold develop in between layers. Insulation is designed to help keep the air moving, to help reduce moisture from humidity, or other natural occurrences. When the insulation is packed too tight, that airflow diminishes, which will allow moisture to build up and produce mold.
- Too-Little Insulation: More often than not, you’ll end up not having enough insulation instead of too much. Ironically, not having enough insulation can lead to the same problems as having too much. You’ll have higher energy costs, uneven temperatures, mold growth, and more.
- One Size Does Not Fit All: Even if you’re in a cookie-cutter house, it’s going to have different needs than your neighbor’s house. While it may be close, your home is going to need a different amount of insulation.
In conclusion, yes you can over-insulate your home, but it’s not as easy as you think. At Lehigh Valley Insulation, we’ve got you covered. No matter the age of your home we can guarantee we’ll provide the correct amount of insulation to keep your home comfortable. Contact us today!
