Millcreek homeowners, let us talk about insulation. When you are looking to make your home more comfortable and cut down on energy bills, especially with our hot summers and cold winters here in Utah, upgrading your wall insulation is a smart move. There are choices, and it is not always clear which one makes the most sense. This will lay out information on two common approaches for existing walls: Blown-In Insulation and Rigid Foam Boards.
Blown-In Insulation: The Quick Fill
Blown-In Insulation typically uses either cellulose or fiberglass. Cellulose is made from recycled paper products. This is a popular choice for existing homes because Majestic Siding Solutions can install it without tearing down all of your drywall. We drill small holes, usually from the exterior when we are doing Siding work, and then we blow the Insulation into your wall cavities in Millcreek.
Cost
Generally, Blown-In Insulation is more budget-friendly upfront compared to Rigid Foam. You are looking at roughly $0.40 to $2.50 per square foot for the material and installation for your Millcreek home.
Durability
Blown-In Insulation can last a good long while, often 20 to 30 years. Sometimes it can last up to 100 years or more for fiberglass in ideal conditions. However, it can settle over time, especially cellulose, which reduces its effectiveness and R-value. Moisture is also a big enemy for Blown-In Insulation; if it gets wet from a leak, it can lose its insulating power and it can even lead to mold. Majestic Siding Solutions makes sure to install it correctly in Millcreek.
Maintenance
You will want to keep an eye on your Blown-In Insulation. If you notice cold spots or higher energy bills, your Blown-In Insulation might have settled. It could need a top-up. Making sure your home's exterior is sealed up tight, especially around windows and doors, helps protect the Blown-In Insulation from moisture and pests in Millcreek.
Appearance
Since Blown-In Insulation is blown into existing wall cavities, you will not see it once the job is done. The small holes Majestic Siding Solutions drills are patched up. If we are doing it during a Siding Replacement, everything gets covered up nicely anyway for your Millcreek home.
R-Value
Blown-In Fiberglass typically offers an R-value of R-3.0 to R-4.3 per inch. Cellulose is usually R-3.2 to R-3.8 per inch. This provides good insulation for homes in Millcreek.
Rigid Foam Boards: The Continuous Barrier
Rigid Foam Board Insulation comes in panels. These panels are made from materials like polyisocyanurate (polyiso), extruded polystyrene (XPS), or expanded polystyrene (EPS). For existing walls in Millcreek, installing Rigid Foam usually means removing your exterior Siding. Majestic Siding Solutions then applies the boards to the sheathing. After that, new Siding is put back on. This is something Majestic Siding Solutions does a lot of, as it is a perfect upgrade when you are already planning a Siding Replacement for your Millcreek home.
Cost
Rigid Foam is generally a bigger investment upfront for homeowners in Millcreek. The cost can range from $1.25 to $3.00 per square foot, and that is just for the material. When you factor in the labor for removing and reinstalling Siding, it is definitely more. However, the long-term energy savings can be substantial for homes in Millcreek, UT.
Durability
Rigid Foam Board Insulation is very tough. Rigid Foam Boards are known for their longevity, often lasting 50 years or more. Some types can last even longer. They are resistant to moisture, pests, and do not settle like Blown-In Insulation. Closed-cell Rigid Foam can even act as a moisture barrier. This is important for homes in Millcreek.
Maintenance
Rigid Foam Boards require minimal maintenance. Once installed and protected by your Siding, Rigid Foam Boards require very little maintenance. You mainly just need to make sure your Siding stays in good shape to protect the Insulation beneath in Millcreek.
Appearance
Like Blown-In Insulation, you will not see the Rigid Foam once your Siding is back up. But the installation process involves removing the exterior Siding, so it is a bigger project for your Millcreek home.
R-Value
Rigid Foam Boards offer excellent R-values. Polyiso can be R-6.0 to R-6.8 per inch. XPS is around R-5.0 per inch. EPS is up to R-4.6 per inch. This means you get more insulating power in a thinner package, which is great for wall cavities in Millcreek homes.
The Millcreek, UT Angle: What is Best for Us?
Here in Millcreek, we experience a pretty wide range of temperatures. We get those scorching summer days and then winter hits us with cold snaps. Temperatures often drop to 11 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. This means you need Insulation that can handle both extremes effectively. Proper Insulation is not just about R-value; it is also about air sealing. Air leakage can account for a significant chunk of your energy loss in Millcreek homes.
Given our climate in Millcreek, a higher R-value and superior air sealing are important. While Blown-In Insulation is a good, affordable option for improving existing Insulation, especially if your walls are completely empty, Rigid Foam Boards really shine when it comes to creating a continuous thermal and air barrier for your home in Millcreek.
If you are already planning to replace your Siding in Millcreek – maybe it is old, damaged, or you just want a fresh look – then installing Rigid Foam Boards underneath is a good idea. It is the perfect time to tackle two projects at once. This gives your home a massive upgrade in energy efficiency and protection. You get that excellent R-value, a solid air and moisture barrier, and Insulation that will not settle over time. It is a more significant investment initially, but the long-term benefits in comfort and energy savings, especially with our local weather patterns in Millcreek, make it worth it. Plus, it can add structural strength to your home.
For homes where tearing off the Siding is not planned, Blown-In Insulation is still a viable option to improve your home's thermal performance without major renovations. It is better than nothing, that is for sure, for homes in Millcreek.
My Recommendation
If you are upgrading your Siding, go with Rigid Foam Board Insulation. It is the best option in terms of long-term performance, durability, and energy savings for our Millcreek climate. It creates a continuous, high-performance envelope for your home that Blown-In Insulation cannot match. If a full Siding Replacement is not planned right now, Blown-In Insulation can still provide a good boost to your home's efficiency and comfort in Millcreek.
No matter which route you choose, making sure it is installed correctly is key. That is where a local team like Majestic Siding Solutions comes in. Majestic Siding Solutions understands the unique needs of homes here in Millcreek. We can help you make the right choice for your specific situation.