| Are you a little confused with the number of | | | | runoff during storm periods and the visual effect |
| insulation choices available? | | | | on the environment satisfies many of the |
| The perfect home will be leak free, warm in | | | | demands of greener insulation. |
| winter, cool in summer, and use energy efficiently | | | | When it comes to walls, their construction material |
| to achieve these aims. | | | | and method will determine the most sensible |
| In most cases there is no such thing as bad | | | | options open to you. |
| insulation choice, as any effort to stop energy | | | | Brick double skinned construction will have a |
| escaping from your home will be worth the effort | | | | cavity lending itself to paper or wool filling rather |
| but some materials are more eco-friendly than | | | | than panels of fiber. |
| others. | | | | Old block walls may benefit from either external |
| Certainly if you are looking at retro fitting | | | | cladding or the fitting of panels inside onto battens |
| insulation, products that are made from recycled | | | | attached to the walls. |
| material will be greener, using less embedded | | | | You can do this room by room and with some |
| energy than glass fiber panels. | | | | DIY ability the project is one you can attempt |
| They are usually very price competitive and can | | | | yourself. |
| be fitted without the need for heavy protective | | | | Under floor insulation is well worth the effort |
| clothing. | | | | particularly if the floor has no rug or carpet |
| The type you select may be dictated by the | | | | covering. |
| ease of access to the area you are trying to | | | | Simple foiled lining paper and a staple gun can be |
| insulate. | | | | used to fix this to the floor but will depend on |
| Paper filling can reach even those hard to get at | | | | access to all areas to be effective. |
| places, and you may even save by doing it | | | | The choice of winter heating you employ may |
| yourself. | | | | offer other avenues for insulation. |
| One important consideration is the fire retardant | | | | Radiators with heat reflective panels behind them |
| qualities of any material you choose. Check building | | | | will prevent leaking of this heat through a wall. |
| codes for your best guidance in this area, but | | | | Central heating options may include hot water |
| make sure you have an attitude of putting safety | | | | circulation in the floor, so it is important that the |
| first. | | | | piping is well protected from the boiler to the |
| In the home some leaks around doors and | | | | heating system. |
| windows can be fixed with simple strip insulation | | | | Don't forget that many utility companies will give |
| to temporarily fix the problem. Ultimately it won't | | | | you advice on the best insulation options for the |
| be insulation you need but better sealing fittings | | | | home. They will also know about subsidies |
| and double glazing for windows. | | | | available to the home owner and even grants to |
| Roofs may benefit from a turbine to remove | | | | get you started. |
| damp air and make heating the home easier, | | | | Doing a whole house may give you substantial |
| even without more insulation. | | | | assistance packages particularly if you have health |
| A natural alternative is to install a roof garden to | | | | issues relating to respiratory disease. |
| keep the home warm in winter and a few | | | | You may think that existing insulation is sufficient, |
| degrees cooler in summer as well. | | | | but over time this can be damaged if new lighting |
| The choice of planting should match the plants | | | | has been installed or the attic has been accessed |
| that are native to your locale as they will already | | | | on a regular basis. |
| be adapted to the weather extremes in your | | | | A quick check with a torch in the loft area may |
| state. | | | | give you some nasty surprises but situations that |
| The added benefit of lower maintenance, reduced | | | | are easy to fix. |