If you’re talking about new construction, it may be possible to over-insulate, but if you do, it’s more likely to harm your wallet than your house.

If you’re talking about an older, existing home, it’s highly unlikely you’d ever get to that point.

Older structures, different times

Homes built more than forty years ago were built with no consideration for conserving energy, retaining heat or keeping out the cold. The walls were good enough. The house could breath. If it got wet, it dried out naturally. But it was cold in the winter and hot in the summer.

Then, along comes the idea of insulation to reduce energy bills.

Attics in older homes were updated and insulated with fiberglass. New construction included insulation. Then came foam. Then came moisture problems, like mold. The houses couldn’t breath, so they were put on a ventilator. With air vents to allow some of the airflow back into the house, in came a little cold air, but it was a fair trade-off.

Most moisture problems are a result of improperly installed insulation, not from a house being too tight.

• Improper installations of foam batting in the attic or the use of the wrong type of insulation for the area are common mistakes.
• Blocking vents or the rafter-joist-wall intersection by tucking the insulation into the rafter will block a necessary ventilation point.
• The use of fiberglass insulation on basement walls is another common mistake. The dampness that’s likely to occur will create an unseen breeding ground for mold. Foam-based rigid insulation is the best choice for basement walls.

Even in a tight house, outside air naturally comes in through bathroom fans, the clothes dryer vent, and even just opening and closing the door. Proper installation and ventilation are the keys to having a tight house that’s still allowed to breath just a little.

“More is better” is still good advice as far as insulation is concerned, and so is “professional is better than handy-man.” A professional can assess your current insulation requirements, insure there’s proper ventilation, and recommend the best product for the job. And then they’ll do the work for you.

Call The Siding and Insulation Company for your inspection now.