If you’re looking for affordable homeownership with added comfort and energy savings, enhancing your manufactured home insulation is a great step. Proper insulation keeps your home warm in winter and cool in summer. It lowers energy costs and improves year-round comfort. Learn how to effectively super-insulate your manufactured home with simple steps and key upgrades.
Evaluate Your Current Insulation
Before making any changes, it’s important to know what kind of insulation your manufactured home already has. Older manufactured homes, especially those built before the 1976 HUD standards, often have minimal insulation. Newer models, however, are more likely to meet higher insulation standards.
Look for insulation levels in your attic and wall cavities. Often, the attic space offers the easiest access to assess insulation. However, wall insulation may require professional help. Crawl under your home to inspect the insulation under your floors. This area can be vulnerable to heat loss, especially during colder months. As a result, making sure this space is well-insulated can make a big difference.
Add Insulation to the Attic
The attic is a key area for heat retention, and adding insulation here can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency. Blown-in insulation is an effective choice for manufactured homes because it fills small gaps. This creates a uniform barrier. This material works well in attics and is an affordable way to boost your insulation level.
Radiant barriers reflect heat, which helps keep your attic cooler in summer. Combining radiant barriers with traditional insulation gives additional protection. This reduces energy costs and keeps your home more comfortable.
Insulate Underneath Your Home
Many manufactured homes have exposed underbellies that can lead to heat loss and higher energy costs. Insulating this area helps prevent drafts and keeps your home comfortable. Specialized insulation designed for the underbelly of manufactured homes is available and adds a significant layer of protection. Choose moisture-resistant materials to prevent issues from ground moisture or water seepage.
Proper skirting around your manufactured home helps protect insulation underneath. It helps prevent cold air from entering the crawl space. Skirting also enhances the appearance of your home and makes it look more finished.
Seal Windows and Doors
Gaps around windows and doors allow air to escape and reduce the effectiveness of your insulation. Sealing these areas is an affordable way to improve insulation without major construction. Apply weatherstripping to doors and windows to create a tight seal. This is an inexpensive way to prevent drafts and reduce heat loss.
For a more permanent solution, caulk around window frames to block gaps that allow air in and out. This helps keep your manufactured home comfortable year-round.
Upgrade to Insulated Windows and Doors
Older windows and doors can allow significant heat transfer. Upgrading to insulated or double-paned windows and well-insulated doors can make a noticeable difference.
These windows are built with two layers of glass, often with a layer of gas in between, which helps reduce heat transfer. Replace hollow-core doors with solid, insulated doors to prevent heat loss. This upgrade is especially effective for exterior doors that face direct sunlight or cold winds.
Consider Wall Insulation Upgrades
In some manufactured homes, wall insulation may be thin or minimal. Adding insulation to your walls can further improve your home’s ability to retain heat. If wall cavities allow, blow-in insulation can be installed through small access holes.
This method fills gaps effectively and improves your home’s insulation without requiring major renovations. For additional wall insulation, consider foam board or reflective insulation panels, which can be added to existing walls or under new siding.
Utilize Thermal Curtains and Floor Coverings
Thermal curtains and insulated floor coverings can add extra comfort while supporting the insulation efforts in your manufactured home. These heavy-duty curtains help retain heat by blocking cold air from windows. They’re an easy and stylish way to improve insulation and come in a variety of designs to match your décor.
Adding area rugs or carpets helps insulate floors, especially if you have hardwood or tile. They’re simple additions that contribute to a cozier, more comfortable home.
Super-insulating your manufactured home is a smart way to create a comfortable, energy-efficient living space. If you’re just beginning your journey, visit Cambio Communities and explore our manufactured home communities today. Enjoy the lasting benefits of a well-insulated home!