Insights, Tips, and Tales

Replacing or Adding Insulation this Winter?

_ëîé_1

Replacing or Adding Insulation this Winter?

As temperatures begin to drop, you are probably wondering how to best insulate your home. Before jumping in, consider these factors below.

How does insulation work?

Heat naturally flows from warm to cool until an equilibrium is reached. This heat transfer is why hard-earned, bought air escapes in the winter and summer. Insulation is the barrier between cool air and warm air. Better home insulation means less heat transfer and lower energy use. Insulation Ratings and material.

Determining the R-value assigned to your region is the first step in deciding what insulation medium your home needs. Once R-value is determined, you must identify areas of your home that need new or additional insulation. These two steps will guide your choice of material; contact a licensed, professional insulation installer for expert advice. Each type of insulation has its pros and cons.

These are a few types of insulation available on the market today.

Blanket insulation is the most common type. It is typically made of fiberglass, but can also be made from natural wool, cotton or plastic fibers. The pro: it is easy to install almost anywhere in your home. The con: to achieve the right amount of insulation it can become very thick, so you’ll need plenty of room.

Loose-fill and blown-in insulation is a popular environmentally friendly option. The pro: it is composed of recycled materials. The con: it can become susceptible to mold if exposed to moisture for extended periods.

Spray foam insulation is a popular new product. The pro: it can be applied almost anywhere in a home and is a great insulator and air sealant. The con: Unlike other forms of insulation, spray foam is not easily removed for visual termite inspections. Termites can go undetected behind the insulation and may only be detected after the extensive structural damage has been done by the termites. It requires expert removal of the foam to assess the extent of the damage. This process can quickly become a very expensive problem. It may also void certain home termite warranties.

Before making changes or adding spray foam insulation to your home, contact your termite service provider to ensure your home termite warranty is not impacted.

The photos below indicate where termites have broken through the foam insulation, helping us identify the location of their carton nest behind the foam insulation. Had they not come through in this area we would not have been able to identify the location of the termites.

 

Latest from Waynes Blog

How to Tell if You Have Raccoons or Squirrels in Your Home

Raccoons or Squirrels in Your Home? Here’s How to Tell — and Why DIY Wildlife Removal Is a Risky Move Is Something Wild Living in Your Home? As temperatures rise and food becomes more abundant, raccoons, squirrels, and other wildlife become increasingly active — and sometimes that means moving into your home. Attics, crawl spaces,…

Learn More >

Waynes Lawn Care is Available in the Gulf Coast!

For years, Waynes has been trusted to keep lawns lush, green, and barefoot good across our service areas. Now, we’re bringing our expert lawn care program to the Gulf Coast! With over 8,000 properties already enjoying the benefits of our year-round lawn care program, homeowners across Alabama Gulf Coast and the Florida Panhandle can now…

Learn More >

Introducing EnviroPest Bundles

Home maintenance can feel like a lot — but it doesn’t have to be. That’s why we created EnviroPest Bundles at Waynes Pest Control. These bundles let you pick the services your home needs, so you only pay for what you want. Bundling also means less paperwork, fewer service providers, and a simpler, more convenient…

Learn More >

Protect Yourself from Misleading Pest Control Sales

At Waynes Pest Control, we pride ourselves on delivering honest, expert service that families can trust. Unfortunately, not all companies play by the same rules — especially when it comes to door-to-door sales. What’s Happening During warmer months, some national pest control companies send large teams of door-to-door salespeople into neighborhoods. These reps are often…

Learn More >

guide to knoxville tn pest control

The Ultimate Guide to Pest Control in Knoxville, TN

Knoxville, Tennessee, with its beautiful landscapes and vibrant community, offers a wonderful place to live and work. However, like any region, it’s not immune to the challenges posed by unwanted pests. From the humid summers that breed mosquitoes to the cozy winters that invite rodents indoors, effective pest control in Knoxville, TN is essential for…

Learn More >

waynes knoxville seasonal pest control

Seasonal Pest Control in Knoxville: What Pests to Watch Out for Each Season

Knoxville’s four seasons present distinct pest control challenges, each requiring tailored management. Spring sees a rapid surge in insect activity as temperatures rise, while winter’s cold forces pests to seek refuge indoors, leading to different types of infestations. Understanding these seasonal patterns allows for targeted prevention, significantly reducing infestations and ensuring a more comfortable living…

Learn More >

7 Tips for Effective Mosquito, Flea & Tick Control Around Your Home

If you live in Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, or the Florida Panhandle, you know mosquito, flea, and tick season arrives early and can stick around well into the fall. These pests thrive in our region’s warm, humid weather—and without the right steps, they can quickly take over your yard. At Waynes Pest Control, we help homeowners…

Learn More >

Protect Your Home from Rodents and Hantavirus

The recent passing of Betsy Arakawa, wife of Gene Hackman, due to Hantavirus has raised awareness of rodent-borne diseases. While contracting Hantavirus is rare, it’s essential to take precautions against mice in your home. Why Are Rodents a Problem? Each year, 21 million U.S. homes experience rodent intrusions, especially in colder months. Mice and rats…

Learn More >

Lawn Scalping: The Ultimate Spring Refresh

You’ve endured the sight of brown grass all winter long, and you’re probably eager to see your lush lawn return this spring. Start the season on the right foot by giving your lawn a fresh start with a good scalping. What is Lawn Scalping? Lawn scalping (or grass scalping) is the process of cutting your…

Learn More >

Scroll to Top