What people keep running into with insulation
Complaints tagged insulation, each raised by more than one person. One-off posts are not included.
9 recurring problems · 53 people · 7 forums we read
Raised more than once
Most people first.
- 18Should I use foam or caulk to seal gaps in exterior walls?Homeowners dealing with pest infestations struggle to choose between materials like foam, caulk, or netting because they are unsure what will actually block the openings in stucco and brick. Without a reliable way to securely close large gaps, pests continue to get inside and leave droppings, rendering temporary fixes ineffective.
- 10Why does my brand new AC not cool as well as the old one?New cooling systems often feel less effective because installers may misconfigure airflow settings or fail to balance multi-room temperatures properly. This leaves homeowners dealing with rooms that stay significantly warmer than they were with older equipment, causing regret and doubt over the replacement choice.
- 7Why won't my AC cool the house when it's extremely hot outside?Older air conditioners and heat pumps struggle to overcome extreme outdoor temperatures above 95 degrees, causing them to run continuously without reaching the thermostat setpoint. This constant runtime leaves indoor temperatures several degrees too high, preventing the home from staying comfortable during severe heatwaves.
- 6Best way to seal gaps around pipes under the sink?Sealing holes around sink pipes blocks pests and improves appearance, but homeowners worry that materials like expanding foam will interfere with pipe access or cause expansion issues above a crawl space. This uncertainty prevents people from safely closing the gaps without risking future plumbing complications.
- 3Is spray foam insulation bad for a roof deck?Contractors often advise against spray foam on roof decks because trapped moisture creates hidden rot and makes future roof repairs significantly harder. This conflict leaves homeowners struggling to weigh energy savings against the risk of expensive structural damage.
- 3Are powered attic roof vents actually worth it?Powered roof fans and alternative vents can cause confusion because people aren't sure if they live up to the hype or might actually harm attic airflow. Without knowing how these options compare to traditional whirlybirds or whether mismatched intakes will ruin the balance, homeowners struggle to choose the best ventilation setup during a reroof.
- 2Do I need a vapor barrier over rigid foam in a basement?If you already have rigid foam against the concrete, you generally should not install an additional polyethylene vapor barrier over your framing. Conflicting advice leaves homeowners guessing whether a 6 mm poly layer is required before drywall, making it difficult to finish basement walls with confidence.
- 2How to seal window gaps around an air conditioner against insectsWindow air conditioners often leave wide gaps and openings that allow flying insects like horseflies and wasps to enter the room. Makeshifts like duct-taped fabric unstick over time, leaving tenants struggling to properly insulate irregular windows like jalousies or units that do not fit standard openings.
- 2Can you use fiberglass insulation in a basement after flooding?Combining foam board and fiberglass insulation is a common DIY approach after tearing out flood-damaged materials, but mixing insulation types requires careful planning around moisture. Using a moisture-resistant alternative like rockwool prevents the insulation from getting ruined if water ever works its way through the foundation again.
Comes up alongside
Topics that keep appearing on the same problems — not topics with similar names.