Insulation problems can occur for a range of reasons.
Your home might have old insulation containing asbestos, releasing harmful fibres as it deteriorates. On the other hand, the insulation installed might be fairly recent but made up of so-called bad insulation materials like spray foam or fibreglass. If installed incorrectly or without following proper safety precautions, they can reduce good air circulation and cause irritation.
As a result, there are potentially many extra running and repair costs associated with inadequate insulation, along with health and environmental costs.
Read on to learn about the key types of insulation problems you could face and how Expol’s retrofitted DIY underfloor insulation can help.
Extra HVAC Maintenance
Poor insulation is most noticeable in summer and winter. This is when maintaining the ideal temperature throughout your home can feel like an uphill battle.
In summer, insufficient insulation allows heat to get into your home, making it difficult to keep rooms cool. In contrast, during winter, the warmth from your heater escapes through poorly insulated areas, leaving parts of your home cold.
This means your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units are forced to work overtime. This drives up energy consumption, leading to higher heating and cooling costs that can quickly add over time.
Overuse will also put strain on your HVAC systems which can result in more frequent breakdowns and repairs, as the equipment wears out faster. In the long run, this can reduce the lifespan of your unit, leading to expensive replacements sooner than expected.
Compromised Air Quality
Inadequate insulation allows draughts to bring dust, pollen, and other outdoor irritants into your home.
Air leaks can significantly reduce indoor air quality, potentially triggering allergies or respiratory issues like asthma, especially in those with sensitivities or pre-existing health conditions.
These leaks can also introduce pollutants such as fumes from nearby vehicles, smoke, or chemicals, further compromising the safety and cleanliness of the air you breathe. Over time, this can contribute to a less healthy indoor environment.
Health Implications
As well as letting outdoor pollutants in, poor insulation can also allow indoor impurities to grow and fester.
Dampness easily accumulates within old and decaying insulation panels, especially in underfloor areas. This can cause serious moisture issues like mould and mildew, which may require expensive and specialist removal services.
Frequent exposure to these kinds of fungal growths and bacteria can also aggravate allergy-prone occupants or residents with respiratory diseases. This can lead to increased medical costs over time to treat worsening conditions.
Structural Damage
Structural issues can be caused by old insulation. Uneven temperatures and persistent moisture problems can compromise the integrity of critical components in your home, such as wooden floors and beams.
The wood can become vulnerable to warping, swelling, and cracking without proper insulation to regulate temperature. These problems not only affect the appearance of your home but can also undermine its stability over time.
Wood damage due to bad insulation can further deteriorate the underfloor area, leading to expensive repairs and renovations. In severe cases, weakened structural elements can pose significant safety risks, such as sagging floors or collapsing beams.
Increased Noise Levels
Improper insulation also fails to provide an effective barrier against noise.
This lack of soundproofing allows external disturbances, such as traffic, construction, or noisy neighbours, to become constant (and unwelcome) companions.
The ongoing intrusion of noise can interfere with your daily routine, making it harder to relax, concentrate, or get a good night’s sleep. Over time, this can impact your overall well-being, contributing to stress and fatigue. It can even affect your home’s value — which leads us to the next point…
Reduced Property Value
Potential buyers or tenants often prioritise properties with effective soundproofing and allover insulation, particularly if the home is in urban or high-traffic areas.
Without quality insulation, your home may struggle to provide the peace and quiet that many people seek, making it less competitive in the real estate market.
If your home is put up for sale and then inspected, and the insulation is deemed below standard, you may not get the original sale price you were hoping for.
Environmental Impact
Finally, bad insulation materials don’t just affect your home – they can also impact the environment.
When your home loses heat in winter or allows heat to enter in summer, your HVAC systems work harder (as previously mentioned) and therefore, consume more energy.
This increased energy use translates to higher greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a larger carbon footprint. For eco-conscious occupants and homeowners, this is a significant concern, as inefficient energy usage directly contributes to climate change.
Invest in Comfort and Efficiency with Expol Underfloor Insulation
Floor insulation is the best way to lower your bills, improve air quality, maintain your home’s structural integrity, and reduce your environmental impact.
Underfloor insulation for existing timber floors will help regulate your living space’s climate, ensuring your home can maintain a comfortable temperature while decreasing energy costs.
Expol’s foam underfloor insulation solution blocks the transfer of warm air out and cool air in, enhancing energy efficiency in the home all year round. These polystyrene underfloor insulation panels are also allergy-friendly, and flame-retardant, and maintain thermal performance over time.
Expol insulation is available at leading hardware stores and other selected outlets Australia-wide.
Please contact us at 1300 AU FOAM if you would like to know more.
