insulation in basement of home in process of being finished to increase living space and comfort

Should You Install New Insulation When Finishing Your Home’s Basement?

Finishing your basement is a great way to add living space and increase the value of your home. One of the important decisions you will need to make when finishing your basement is whether or not to install new insulation. Insulation keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer and helps with soundproofing. By replacing your current insulation or adding new insulation when finishing your basement, you can save money on energy bills and create a more comfortable living space. In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of installing new insulation for a finished basement and how Three Sons Window & Door can help with our professional services in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Benefits of Installing New Insulation

1. Improves Energy Efficiency

One of the more effective reasons you should add insulation while working in the basement is to increase your energy efficiency levels at the house.

This increases energy efficiency in the basement since it is usually the area of a home that is warmest in summer but coldest in winter; thus, it is most likely to experience extreme temperature changes due to outdoor conditions. So, your home’s HVAC system must work to counteract this temperature variation, and energy efficiency will decrease.

In a basement that is not covered with insulation, there are many ways for heat to escape – walls, floors, and ceilings; hence, new insulation is required to ensure that your heating and cooling costs do not become excessive.

2. Moisture and Mold Prevention

As part of a building, basements are likely to be the most enclosed part of the home in terms of sunlight and the most humid. Such conditions are the best place for the development of mold, and it is so as basements are mostly the places where mold grows the most in a house.

Because of its location, there is little difficulty for water to porosity through the walls, and water vapor situated above the piper overhangs condensation, so there can be the development of mold and even the risk of abuse of your assets. Through insulation of the wall and plaster of the bathroom, more or less, moisture invasion into the basement area is optimally limited. It is accomplished by reducing the heat storage capacity of the basement walls and, therefore, lowering the possibility of condensate being deposited on the wall. Another option would be fibrous slag or spray foam type, which would serve as supplementary moisture penetration restraining agents.

3. Soundproofing

Your finished basement can serve as a living space to entertain, watch movies, or host guests. It can also serve as a studio; in such situations, you need good soundproofing. Basements tend to amplify sound due to their hard, concrete surfaces and enclosed space, and by insulating the walls, floors, and ceiling, you can reduce noise transfer from inside the basement to the rest of the house and from external sources into the basement.

This can be especially important if your basement is turned into a home theater, music studio, or playroom where noise control is important. Soundproofing your basement with insulation helps minimize disruptions between the basement and the rooms above it, offering more privacy and less disturbance.

4. Enhanced Comfort

Proper basement insulation increases energy efficiency for heating and cooling and minimizes outside noise, culminating in better comfort. In simple terms, if winter makes your basement too cold, it could risk making the rest of the house colder since the temperature below ground level will affect the floors above. Insulation is vital as it eliminates cold drafts in certain places, thus ensuring comfort regardless of the reason for using a finished basement.

5. Increased Property Value

Good insulation is a good selling point, as a home with a well-insulated basement will cut down costs when it comes to heating or cooling. The home will be more comfortable, the basement will be soundproof, and it will most likely be mold-free due to the new insulation. 

A home free from mold and moisture is certainly attractive to potential buyers because it requires fewer repairs, which helps increase the home’s overall value. This indicates that the sale of the property will compensate for the investment. Therefore, the expense related to the application of fresh insulation will be more than made up by the proceeds from the property’s sale.

Get a Free Quote on Combination Renovation & Insulation Services in Waltham, MA, & Greater Boston with Three Sons Window & Door.

At Three Sons Window & Door, we provide comprehensive home renovation services, including insulation installations. Our team of experienced professionals can assess your home’s needs and provide you with a free quote for a combination renovation and insulation project. We use top-quality materials and techniques to ensure your home is properly insulated and energy-efficient. During your basement construction, we will simultaneously install insulation to make your space more comfortable and energy-efficient. To learn more and get a free quote, submit an online estimate request or call us at 781-899-6353!

fiberglass insulation being installed in a home to improve energy efficiency and comfort

How to Choose the Best Type of Insulation for Your Home

Insulation is your home’s first defense against the outdoor elements and keeps your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It fills the gaps in your walls, floors, and ceilings, preventing heat transfer and maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature. Depending on your home’s size, structure, and location, there are various types of insulation to choose from. It is important to install the right type of insulation in your home to ensure maximum energy efficiency and cost savings. From fiberglass to spray foam, each type has its pros and cons that may fit your specific needs and budget. In this blog, we will discuss how to decide which type of insulation is best for your home and how Three Sons Window & Door can help with our professional insulation services in Greater Boston.

What Are the Different Types of Insulation?

There are several types of insulation on the market, but the four main types are fiberglass, spray foam, blown-in cellulose, and soundproofing insulation. Each type comes with its own set of benefits and costs, and the ideal type for your home will depend on your home’s individual needs. Spray foam insulation can also come in open and closed-cell, while blown-in cellulose can be loose-fill or dense-pack. With so many options, choosing the best type of insulation for your home can be overwhelming.

What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing Insulation?

To determine the best type of insulation for your home, you should consider several factors. These include:

R-Value

The R-value is the measurement of an insulation’s ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation prevents heat from getting in or out. Different areas of your home may require different R-values, so it is important to consult with a professional to determine the appropriate type of insulation for each area. Insulation with higher R-values includes spray foam and blown-in cellulose, while fiberglass typically has a lower R-value. A lower R-value also does not necessarily mean poor insulation, as it may still be suitable for certain areas of your home.

Size & Layout of Your Home

The size and layout of your home can also impact the type of insulation you need. Larger homes with multiple levels may benefit from soundproofing insulation to reduce noise between floors. If you have a basement or attic, spray foam or blown-in cellulose can be ideal for filling tight, hard-to-reach spaces. Homes with open-concepts and larger rooms may benefit from spray foam, while smaller rooms may do well with fiberglass or blown-in cellulose.

Budget & Timeline

If you are working with a strict budget or timeline, this can also affect your choice of insulation. Fiberglass is typically the most affordable option but may require more time and labor to install properly. Spray foam tends to be more expensive but provides superior insulation and may save you money on energy bills in the long run.

Location of Home

Homes in Massachusetts are exposed to various weather conditions, making it important to consider the location of your home when choosing insulation. When snow storms and heat waves come, proper insulation can be the difference between having a comfortable and energy-efficient home and an uncomfortable and costly one. If you live in a colder climate, insulation with a higher R-value may be necessary to keep your home warm, while those in hotter climates may benefit from insulation that helps keep the heat out.

Should You Use the Same Insulation in Every Area of Your Home?

It is not required to use the same type of insulation throughout your entire home, so it is important to assess your needs and choose the appropriate insulation for each specific area. If you have a room that is used more frequently or requires more temperature control, such as a bedroom or home office, you may want to consider using a higher quality insulation in that specific area. Additionally, areas of your home that are prone to moisture or mold, like basements and bathrooms, may benefit from special types of insulation that are resistant to these issues.

Consult with an Insulation Professional to Choose the Best Type for Your Home in Massachusetts with Three Sons Window & Door

At Three Sons Window & Door, our insulation experts can help you choose and install the best type of insulation for your home in Greater Boston. We offer a variety of insulation options, including spray foam insulation, blown-in fiberglass, and cellulose. During your consultation, we will walk through your home to assess its specific needs and discuss the benefits of each type of insulation. Our team will also provide a free cost and time estimate so you can start planning your insulation project as soon as possible. To learn more about our services and get a free quote, submit a request online or call us at 781-899-6353!

fiberglass insulation pink fluffy insulated material to be installed in home for improved efficiency

Top 3 Benefits of Fiberglass Insulation for Homes in Massachusetts

Fiberglass insulation is one of the most popular types of insulation used in homes across Massachusetts. It is made of tiny glass fibers that trap air and create a barrier between the indoor and outdoor environments. This helps prevent inside air from escaping and outside air from entering, leading to more energy-efficient and comfortable homes. For homes in Massachusetts, this can be highly beneficial, especially during the freezing winters and hot summers. In this blog, we’ll discuss the top three benefits of fiberglass insulation for homes in Greater Boston and how Three Sons Window & Door can help with our installation services.

What Is Fiberglass Insulation?

As mentioned above, fiberglass insulation is a type of insulation made of tiny glass fibers. If you have ever seen pink or yellow fluffy material in your attic or walls, that is most likely fiberglass insulation. It can come in batts, rolls, or loose-fill form and is usually installed in attics, walls, and crawl spaces.

Why Is Fiberglass Insulation a Good Choice for Homes in Massachusetts?

There are several reasons why fiberglass insulation is a popular choice for homes in Massachusetts. The top three benefits are:

Reduced Energy Usage & Costs

The main role of insulation is to keep the inside of your home at a consistent temperature in all seasons and weather. With the extreme temperatures in Massachusetts, it is important to have good insulation to keep your home comfortable. Fiberglass insulation prevents heat from escaping during the winter and keeps cool air inside during the summer, resulting in reduced energy usage and costs.

Improved Air Quality for Allergies & Asthma

Fiberglass insulation is an excellent choice for homes with family members who suffer from allergies or asthma. It creates a barrier between the inside and outside environments, preventing outdoor pollutants such as pollen, dust, and mold spores from entering your home. This can greatly improve indoor air quality and reduce allergy and asthma symptoms.

Noise Reduction

Aside from temperature control and improved air quality, fiberglass insulation also reduces noise levels in your home. Whether you live on a busy street or have noisy neighbors, fiberglass insulation can help reduce outside noise and create a more peaceful living environment.

Get a Free Quote for Professional Fiberglass Insulation Services in Waltham, MA, with Three Sons Window & Door

At Three Sons Window & Door, we provide professional, high-quality fiberglass insulation services for homes in Waltham, MA, and the surrounding areas. Our team of experts will ensure that your home is properly insulated to keep you comfortable and save energy. With our insulation services, you can keep your home comfortable, safe, and relaxing all year round. To learn more and get a free quote, request an instant online estimate or call us at 781-899-6353.