Wondering if your bungalow needs insulation? Discover why investing in bungalow insulation is a wise choice for both your comfort and budget. While the initial investment may seem substantial, the long-term benefits of proper insulation far outweigh the costs.
Explore the options below to create a warm, energy-efficient, and comfortable living space in your bungalow.
Benefits Of Bungalow Insulation
- Cost Savings: Reduce heating and cooling costs, saving you money on energy bills.
- Comfort: Eliminate cold spots and draughts, making your home more comfortable.
Bungalows are great for homeowners because everything is on one floor, and there are no stairs between rooms. They're especially helpful for people with mobility challenges, like the elderly or those in wheelchairs.
Why Is The Bungalow So Cold?
In homes without insulation, around 25% of heat escapes through the roof, and a whopping 35% goes out through the walls. Without proper insulation, you're essentially not addressing 60% of the heat loss in your bungalow.
Bungalow Insulation Guide
Bungalow Insulation is simplest during new construction. We usually suggest using spray foam insulation because it's quick and straightforward to install. This insulation has a high R-value and expands to fill gaps and cracks in your home, keeping out moisture, enhancing stability, and lowering energy bills.
The Best Way To Insulate A Bungalow
For a comprehensive insulation solution, consider spray foam insulation. It's effective, efficient, and suits various budgets. This method significantly reduces energy bills for the next 25 years.
1. Assess Windows First
Begin the improvement process with your windows—a key area for heat loss. Double or triple glazing is ideal, but if that's not feasible, consider cost effective alternatives like checking and repairing gaps in window frames or using plastic film.
2. Addressing Doors
- Ensure all doorways have doors or curtains to trap heat. Keep doors closed throughout the day to prevent heat from escaping.
- Detect and eliminate draughts by checking door bottoms, frames, skirting boards, fireplaces, keyholes, and cracks.
- Easily fix draughts with solutions like keyhole covers and draught excluders.
3. Upgrade Window Coverings:
- Upgrade window coverings to thermal curtains and blinds for better insulation in every room.
- In colder spaces, consider using two or three layers, such as a blind with two sets of curtains.
- Remember to open curtains during the day to let sunlight warm the home and close them at sunrise and sunset.
How to Insulate Bungalow Attic?
Safety First:
- Wear a dust mask and gloves
Insulate with Fiberglass Or Sprayfoam:
- Bring R-38 batts of unfaced fiberglass insulation into the attic.
- Lay the batts across the ceiling joists, covering existing insulation.
- Ensure tight pressing of batts at all edge and end joints.
Perimeter Insulation:
- Extend insulation to the roof rafters at the attic perimeter.
- Keep insulation away from plywood roof sheathing.
By combining these steps, you can create a well-insulated bungalow that's both energy-efficient and comfortable.
Why Does Chicago Have So Many Bungalows?
As more people moved to Chicago, wanting more space, light, and outdoor access, the bungalow became popular. Originally a laid-back California cottage in the late 1800s, it quickly made its way to expanding cities like Chicago in the early 1900s.
You can easily spot the Chicago Bungalow by its distinct features: It's made of brick, has one and a half stories above a basement, and a low-pitched hipped roof with wide overhangs.
Consult GreenAttic Bungalow Insulation Experts
Attic Insulation properly keeps your heating and cooling systems working efficiently. Bungalow insulation slows down heat loss in colder seasons. Homes with poor insulation lose over $700 in heating and cooling costs each year.
Consult experts like Green Attic, who specialize in bungalow insulation. While the investment may seem substantial, it's worth exploring, request a free quote today.