What is a common practice to improve the insulation of a building?

Improving the insulation of a building is crucial for enhancing energy efficiency, comfort, and reducing heating and cooling costs. Insulating attics and basements is a particularly effective method because these areas are typically major sources of heat loss. Proper insulation in the attic helps prevent warm air from escaping during the winter and keeps cooler air inside during the summer, while basement insulation can reduce cold drafts and moisture issues.

Attics often have significant expanses of space that can be insulated to a higher R-value, which is a measure of insulation’s resistance to heat flow. This not only improves energy performance but also helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature throughout the seasons.

Basements, on the other hand, are often in direct contact with the ground, which can be a source of heat loss. By insulating basement walls or floors, it helps reduce the energy needed for heating and cooling the living space above.

Both areas are crucial to a building's thermal envelope, and improving insulation in these locations yields substantial benefits, making them a common and practical approach to enhancing a building's overall insulation effectiveness.