Insulation Checklist

Initial Assessment and Planning

• Check your house to find out where it is poorly insulated.



• Inspect walls, ceilings, floors and crawlspaces.



• Determine the present insulation in the wall and in the attic.



• Search in the presence of a temperature imbalance between rooms.



• Measure the loss of heat with an infrared thermometer.



• Find drafts around doors, windows and vents.



• Check existing insulation for moisture damage.



• Note the high power expenses that show low efficiency.



• Know whether you require an upgrade or a partial upgrade.



• Determine the age of your homes because old homes tend to require more insulation.



• Determine the local climatic conditions of insulation needs.



• Make a strategy for areas that should be worked on.

Budgeting and Cost Planning

• Have a realistic insulation upgrade budget.



• Compare prices of the various insulation materials.



• Included in this are labour fees in case of outsourcing.



• Include the cost of removal of broken insulation.



• Allocate funds for vapour and moisture control solutions.



• Add expenses on closing vents and leaks in the air.



• Invest in power-efficient improvements such as double glazing.



• Prep future-proof insulation to prevent replacement from happening often.



• Allocate an addition of 10 to 15 percent to unforeseen costs.



• Get government rebates or energy efficiency grants.



• Obtain at least 3 quotes from insulation contractors.

Choosing the Right Insulation Material

• Know R-values to pick the appropriate thermal resistance.



• Select between batt, blown-in, foam board and spray foam insulation.



• Use fibreglass because it is cheap and easy to install.



• Choose cellulose as a green insulation.



• Apply spray foam in hard-to-reach areas.



• Mineral wool is the soundproofing option to consider.



• Select the matching insulation type for the area of installation.



• Check the safety rating for fire resistance.



• Make sure that it fits into your structure and design.



• Select damp-resistant materials in the humid areas.



• Read instructions on manufacturing and performance warranties.



• Use professionals when there is a complicated insulation need.

Attic Insulation Checklist

• Test attic insulation, look for gaps or missing.



• Close air leakages before the addition of new insulation.



• Ventilation should be taken care of to avoid the accumulation of moisture.



• Lay insulation without compressing.



• Do not stuff insulation material in vents.



• Put in place insulation dams around recessed lights and fixtures.



• In cold climates, use more R-value insulation.



• Include reflective barriers as a means of enhancing energy efficiency.



• Check the weight limit of attic flooring before installation.



• Install new insulation at the time of damage or mould.



• Moisture-proof vapour barriers.



• Make sure that access points in the attic are well insulated as well.

Wall Insulation Checklist

• Existing insulation wall testing.



• Finished walls should have blow-in insulation.



• Select batt or roll on open studs.



• Test to ensure no moisture problems before installation of insulation.



• Fit a vapour barrier to withstand dampness.



• Do not squash batt insulation.



• Close gaps and holes, and then add insulation.



• Make sure that electrical boxes are correctly covered.



• Ensure there are no ventilation spaces that are blocked by insulation.



• External wall insulation on older houses.



• Select insulated panels of siding.



• Use thermal scans to identify areas of problems.

Floor and Basement Insulation Checklist

• Seal floors on top of areas not heated to save energy.



• Select stiff foam boards for the selected basement walls.



• Apply spray foam to fill the gaps in the basement that are difficult to reach.



• Fit a vapour cover to avoid moisture problems.



• Water leaks should be checked before basements are insulated.



• Insert battle insulation between floor joists.



• Around penetrations of plumbing and ductwork.



• Think of crawl space insulation to add to your comfort.



• Make sure that the subflooring is not condensed.



• Soundproof the basement ceiling by insulating.



• Check frequently for mould and dampness.



• Install sump pumps in case moisture is a repetitive issue.

Sealing Air Leaks and Moisture Control

• Find drafts in windows and doors.



• Close small gaps with weathering.



• Use caulk on frames, vents and electrical boxes.



• Place a foam gasket around switch plates.



• Close ductwork routes to ensure greater efficiency.



• Seal chimneys and vents with adequate caps.



• Place vapour barriers where moisture is a concern.



• Check bathrooms and kitchens for water leakage.



• Breathe in humid rooms.



• Do not entrap any moisture within an insulation covering.



• Look frequently at mould and condensation.



• Install dehumidifiers in the areas which are subject to dampness.

Energy Efficiency Upgrades

• Fit low-energy-consuming windows that are double-glazed.



• Install more insulated upgrade doors.



• Install thermal-controlling insulated garage doors.



• Switch the ancient duct insulation of HVAC to the current ones.



• Reflective foil barriers should be added in hot weather.



• Install pair insulation and complement with energy-saving appliances.



• Control smarter thermostats.



• Combine panels with effective insulation.

Hiring Professionals vs DIY

• Choose the type of project: DIY or professional installation.



• Small spaces can be insulated with DIY batt insulation.



• Contact professionals on spray foam or blown-in insulation.



• Make sure you use certified and insured contractors.



• Reviews should be read before the selection of a professional service.



• Obtain a written quote with specifications of the material.



• Request labour and materials coverage of warranty.



• Certain ways of disposing of old insulation.



• Ensure that safety is observed when installing.



• Order energy audit pre- and post-upgrades.



• Keep an eye on the process to make sure it is installed properly.



• Select experts on large-scale insulation projects.

Final Inspection and Maintenance

• Check in all insulated areas once installed.



• Look at missing insulation spots or insulation that is compressed.



• Check to make sure your home is evenly heated.



• Keep track of energy bills to ensure that efficiency is improved.



• Check seasonal insulation to ensure the quality of insulation.



• Be on the lookout for a wet spot or pest damage.



• Re-insulate when the insulation is old.



• Modify outdated materials into high-energy-performance materials.



• Make sure that attic vents and fans in the exhaust are clear.



• Clean and clean the vapour barriers regularly.



• Record dates and type of material installed.



• Re-insulate every few years.