| When building a home, it is wise to consider the | | | | you intend in a given building. How long do you |
| various unseen costs that may persist long after | | | | plan use or reside at this location? The longer the |
| the mortgage has been paid. Utilities such as | | | | residency, the greater the chances to eventually |
| heating and cooling will cost money immediately, in | | | | recoup the cost of the insulation in energy |
| proportion to the extent that you use them, and | | | | efficiency. |
| will continue to drain resources. High efficiency or | | | | If you will only be residing in a location for a short |
| green home design can significantly reduce such | | | | term, 2 or 3 years, other methods of insulation |
| costs, but one of the most basic questions to | | | | would likely pay for themselves far faster, in |
| consider is simply insulation. | | | | addition to having lower initial costs. Fiberglass and |
| There are a variety of types of insulation, and | | | | cellulose are other, less-expensive options to |
| foam insulation is one of the more effective. In | | | | consider. These may be your best options under |
| addition to insulating (as you would hope insulation | | | | certain conditions. |
| would do), it seals and covers thermal bridges. | | | | It is important to remember that you are not |
| These are important factors, but they are | | | | required to use only one type of insulation, though |
| matched by the fact that spray foam is | | | | improper installation of mixed and matched |
| significantly more expensive than other forms of | | | | varieties can sometimes lead to leaks unless done |
| insulation? Savings from lowered heating bills will | | | | professionally. Frequently, an adept builder can use |
| not be regained for a significantly longer period. Is | | | | spray foam in the areas in which it is most |
| it worth the additional cost? | | | | effective, such as window rims, and fiberglass for |
| Even home building experts can fall on both sides | | | | larger surfaces where the spray foam would be |
| of the debate, some claiming that foam insulation | | | | less effective. This can often result in significantly |
| is the only way to go and others labeling it a | | | | lower starting costs with almost no loss of |
| waste of money. Your first question should | | | | efficacy. |
| probably be the length of the investment that | | | | |