Attic Insulation – Options To Choose From

Posted by Spray Foam Insulation Comments Off   Jul 25, 2012 @ 10:07

Attic Insulation – Options To Choose From Attic Insulation – Options To Choose FromEverything that springs from creation is created twice: first in the mind, and then in reality. Just like in building your dream house, you must first imagine it in your mind, and then build it in reality. But foremost in the planning of your house should be the precise and proper insulation of the attic, which is more exposed and therefore more prone to damage. Attic insulation does not simply refer to plugging every leak; it is also about scientifically sealing every nook and cranny of the attic to prevent dissipation of heat, transmission of sound, and conduction of electricity. Likewise, attic insulation means the use of scientifically tested insulating materials for effective insulation.

You can save a lot of energy if your attic is well insulated. We all know that heat flows from warmer areas to cooler areas, thus it flows freely through leaks in the attic. With proper attic insulation, your air-conditioning system would not be taxed as hard, so you can save energy and money.

There are three popular types of attic insulation materials:

  1. Foam insulation is the fast growing choice for attic insulation. It can make your attic fire-resistant because it is flame retardant. Likewise, it can easily fit into difficult corners of the attic for easy installation.
  2. Fiberglass insulation is the traditional way of insulating your attic. Fiberglass can be very effective for almost 35 years. It is flame retardant and is chemically safe.
  3. Cellulose insulation is cost effective and can easily be installed. However, it’s not fire-resistant. Flame-retardant chemicals are mixed with it to make it more resistant to fire.

Many benefits can be derived from proper attic insulation, including safety. Leaks gradually weaken the attic. Without proper care, the structural support of the attic will be compromised, which risks the safety of your entire house. However, with proper insulation, your attic will stand firm against any inclement weather. Moreover, you can save yourself a lot of hard-earned money with proper attic insulation. However, if there are structural defects from the outset, fixing them immediately will save you a lot of headaches.


Important Facts about Cellulose Insulation Important Facts about Cellulose Insulation

Cellulose insulation is an organic material used in homes and buildings to provide proper protection and comfort. There are a lot of different choices for insulating a home such as fiberglass and spray foam, however cellulose is becoming much more popular due to its performance and other characteristics that the others don’t have.

One of the most enticing things about cellulose insulation is the fact that it is an organic and recycled material, which means it is safe to use. It has no harmful effects on people and the environment. Performance wise, it is at par or even better than other materials and it’s cheaper.

The building industry has been using fiberglass as the main insulation for structures. However, it doesn’t really do a great job and it’s not very flexible. In response, spray foam was invented. It is a great insulating material that can envelope an entire house or building thus effectively increasing the comfort inside for people. It has a lot of practical characteristics however, it contains toxic chemicals.

Basically cellulose insulation has the same practical properties as spray foam insulation. It is easy to use and it can be deployed fast. In terms of R-value or ability to resist heat, dense packed cellulose has 4.0 R-value per inch, spray foam has 3.67 R-value per inch, and fiberglass only has 3.2 R-value per inch. Simply speaking, cellulose can resist heat better.

Cellulose insulation also has the ability to wick moisture which is something that fiberglass isn’t able to do. This is important to avoid water damage on the property.

Another area that this material is particularly good at is air infiltration. Densely packed cellulose is able to block outside air from coming into the house through cracks and other holes on the wall, floor, windows, or door of the home in the same manner as spray foam. This creates better air circulation in the house and keeps temperatures consistent.

When it comes to sound proofing, cellulose insulation performs far better than both fiberglass and spray foam. As a matter of fact, most music studios today opt for this material for sound proofing. Music bars and clubs also choose this material for the same purpose.

On top of all the performance advantages of densely packed cellulose, it is a far cheaper option for insulation compared to other materials and it has far less risks. As mentioned earlier, it is a non-toxic material. Compared to spray foam, it also does not expand radically which may cause bulging on walls.

When it comes right down to it, insulation is a very important part of any building or home. It is responsible for keeping the place comfortable by blocking outside temperatures, noise, and moisture from entering the house. But the efficiency of insulation is dependent on what material is used. Although there are a lot of choices in material, the reality is only a handful can really perform the job well. And only cellulose insulation can offer almost all of the advantages of these materials at a lower cost.

For expert solutions, talk to a professional at Star Spray Foam Insulation through calling (504) 383-3261 or visit: EcoStarfoam.com.


Sealing the Air Inside a Commercial Establishment A Good Business Move Sealing the Air Inside a Commercial Establishment – A Good Business Move

The use of cellulose insulation has a lot of great benefits not just for residential homes, but for commercial spaces and businesses as well. Basically, this can lead to an improved atmosphere indoors making it much more comfortable for people and safer as well.

The first step before applying insulation in a commercial building or space is energy auditing. This refers to the method of determining how to best improve the airflow inside a building or room. An energy auditor checks on walls, doors, windows, and basically any barrier that leads to the outside. This is an important step before applying cellulose insulation so that they know exactly where it is most needed. The idea of an energy audit is to initially determine how to completely seal off the establishment from outside air. This is done because leaks are the main cause of wasted energy. What happens is that when there are cracks on walls and leaks on windows or doors, the conditioned air produced by air conditioners or heaters inside the establishment simply leaks to the outside. At the same time, outside air gets inside the establishment. This destroys the balance of temperature which results to wasted energy.

Benefits of Energy Auditing and Insulation
So, what business owners normally do is simply to crank up the heat or air conditioner to keep the establishment comfortable for the customers. This turns to huge electricity bills in the long run. But, with cellulose insulation, you never have to worry about this ever again.

What’s great about this material is that it efficiently blocks heat from passing through it. So, by placing this inside walls, on the windows, on doors, and on every leak or crack, the airflow inside the establishment is maintained. Nothing is wasted, no air leaks out, and no unconditioned air gets inside to ruin the balance. Because of this effect, business owners will not have to spend a lot of money in operating heaters and air conditioning units. This is particularly helpful in hotels and restaurants wherein the customers should be as comfortable as possible. And this material is the way to do that.

On top of keeping the commercial establishment comfortable, cellulose insulation is also able to keep it safe and healthy as well. You see, dust and other unwanted particles can easily get inside commercial establishments through these cracks and gaps on the wall. This basically pollutes the air inside the establishment which can be very dangerous to the customers. So, to keep people safe, proper insulation is essential.

All in all, by turning to energy auditing and the use of insulation, businesses can be greener, healthier, and most of all, save a lot of money on utilities. It has become the latest trend nowadays simply because it is a great way to save money and create and better image for the business.

These benefits are an arm’s reach away.  All you have to do to get cellulose insulation is to call Brad Harris at (504) 383-3261 right now.


Cut Your Energy Expenses

Posted by Energy Audit, Green Tips Comments Off   Apr 19, 2010 @ 02:04

Cut Your Energy Expenses 300x150 Cut Your Energy Expenses

Spray foam is one of the most effective and greenest insulators presently available. Energy saving is one of the primary environmental benefits of spray foam insulation it lowers your energy bills while concurrently contributing to the environment. Spray foam insulation keeps your home and office warm during cold months, and keeps it cool when it becomes hot cuttings down energy requirement by 20-40%. The amount of energy saved in your home and business is remarkable so by insulating your home with this energy-efficient material, you are using less energy and save your hard earned money.

Spray foam insulation initially cost more than traditional fiberglass or cellulose insulation as it can only be applied by professionals but energy it  saves  will eventually pay for itself also there are additional tax benefits available for owners who are able to document their green efforts. Buildings with spray foam insulation also sell at higher prices thus adding value to your property so your environmental concern will also prove to be an investment for the future.


Environment friendly insulation

Posted by Environment friendly insulation Comments Off   Apr 14, 2010 @ 03:04

Environment friendly insulation Environment friendly insulation

Technology has brought many products that are environment friendly and enhance own comfort. Spray foam insulation being one of the leading products. It contains a highly reactive foaming agent. The two components are kept separate until they reach the nozzle of the spraying machine when they quickly react creating a material that can expand up to 100 times its original size on hitting a solid surface. Its liquid state allows it to penetrate fine cracks and holes in the surface thus filling them and giving complete insulation discouraging pests from burrowing into your home. This in turn cut your expenses as you will no longer have to fumigate with dangerous pesticides. Spray foam insulation also help keep moisture out, and is excellent for preventing mold and water damage.

Spray foam insulations have higher R-values. R-value is basically the measurement of thermal resistance of materials used in the construction industry. So if a material have higher R value (numerical value) than that material is better insulator or in straight terms R value is directly proportional to insulation ability of that material. Spray Foam insulation has a much higher R-value than most insulators. In fact, it has twice the R-value per inch than traditional fiberglass insulation and much higher R value than cellulose insulation.

“Go green use Spray foam insulations”