Appropriately insulating is among the most vital things that a homeowner can do to enhance the general energy efficiency of his or her home. The United States Department of Energy approximates that homeowners’ energy usage for artificially cooling and heating their homes accounts for around 50% of total energy use. Investing in more efficient heating and cooling technologies is one way to minimize your cooling and heating bills. Nonetheless, insufficient insulation in your roof, foundation, or walls will raise your energy usage, the type of heating and cooling notwithstanding.
Most homes across the country use mats or batts of soft insulation such as cellulose, natural sheep wool, and fiberglass insulation. Rigid foam insulation in building and construction is a comparatively new technology. It is easy to install, long-lasting and can improve the energy efficiency of even the leakiest homes.
What is rigid board insulation?
Rigid board insulation is made from dense, rugged sheets of certain types of foam. The commonly used foam products are polyiso, polyurethane, or polystyrene. These types of foams are "closed-cell" due to their chemical structure, instead of most insulation products that are open cells.
Closed-cell insulation products such as the rigid board are usually more durable and robust. Moreover, they possess a higher R-value.
Using rigid board insulation
Since rigid foam boards come as solid sheets, many homeowners can self-install them in strategic areas around their homes. After fastening the foam boards to the walls, place furring strips over the boards. These strips give a safe base for completing your basement using bamboo plywood, drywall, or other material. For structures with concrete walls in their basements, rigid board insulation will be more durable, particularly in comparison to cellulose or fiberglass insulation.
Rigid foam board insulation is ideal for other home areas such as attics, foundation walls, roofs, and regular walls since they are moisture resistant. Nonetheless, this insulation option is generally recommended for below-grade applications like basements or external insulation.
The thickness of rigid insulation board
Rigid foam insulation board comes in standard thicknesses of a half-inch to two inches. Homes situated in extreme climates can order thicknesses of at most six inches directly from some manufacturers. All in all, the thicker the board, the better the insulation abilities.
Where to use rigid board Insulation
Rigid foam insulation boards can be used practically everywhere that insulation is required in homes. These boards can be used on basements, foundations, attics, regular walls, and roofs. When used above-grade, foam board insulation reduces thermal bridging, improving the home’s energy efficiency. On below-grade basements, a rigid board improves insulation while preventing moisture leaks.
Rigid board prepared from polyisocyanurate generally provides the most remarkable insulation capacity. Luckily, most rigid foam board insulation made using polyiso does not contain brominated flame-retardant chemicals, as these could be hazardous when inhaled. Nonetheless, this type of foam absorbs water, thus unsuitable for below-grade applications.
The durability of rigid board insulation
Due to its water resistance and firmness, rigid board insulation can generally last over a century.
The appropriate installation is key to ensuring the durability of this product. For instance, if you install a polyiso rigid board in the foundation, moister would quickly ruin the product, the same way it would ruin fiberglass batt or cellulose insulation.
Spray foam insulation was developed in the 20th century to insulate buildings. It’s composed of polyurethane and isocyanate, which chemically react with each other when combined. The reaction causes the material combination to expand and harden when it is applied to surfaces. Spray foam insulation in Petaluma, CA is applied with a specialized tool that can shoot out both composites at the same time so that they combine on the targeted surface. There are many benefits to this kind of home insulation, and it’s worth considering whether it’s right for your home:
- Energy efficient:
The more effective your insulation is, the more you can save on energy for heating and cooling. Because of how effective spray foam insulation is, it allows you to use energy much more efficiently in your home. Over time, that saved energy can translate into major cost savings that will offset the cost of installing your spray foam insulation.
- Long lasting:
Nobody wants to install a material that’s going to need to be replaced or lose its effectiveness in just a few years. Spray foam insulation is noted for being long lasting and can provide you with effective and efficient insulation for decades to come. While spray foam insulation tends to be a more expensive option upfront, it can really pay off in the long run. Over time, the effectiveness of spray foam insulation and its longevity will actually save you money.
- Resistant to moisture damage:
Homes in humid or stormy areas tend to have a lot of issues with mold and mildew growth. Lots of homeowners in these humid areas simply accept that they will have to deal with mold or mildew at one time or another, but spray foam insulation in Petaluma, CA makes it possible for them to avoid mold issues, at least in their home’s insulation. This type of insulation is made of components that don’t support the growth of mold or mildew. Using this kind of insulation can help safeguard your house against the growth and spread of these contaminants.
- Airtight:
Since the primary purpose of insulation is to keep your home protected against the effects of the outdoor elements, it’s important that the insulation you choose is as effective as possible. Since spray foam insulation expands to whatever surface or space it’s applied to, it covers leaks and doesn’t leave any weak points in your home’s insulation. This creates an airtight barrier that blocks air from outside from entering your home through the walls.
At Ace Insulation Inc., we know that spray foam home insulation in Petaluma, CA can have a number of great benefits, and that’s why we’re proud to offer spray foam installation services. In addition to spray foam insulation, we also offer installation of other insulation types including fiberglass. We can give you advice about which type of insulation is right for your home and offer quality installation services at prices that won’t break the bank.
Browse our website to read more about the different services and products we offer, and give us a call for an appointment and a quote!
When you’re building a new home, you want to make sure that you choose all of the best materials, including home insulation in Petaluma, CA. The insulation in your home keeps you and your family comfortable and can make a huge difference when it comes to energy efficiency, but it can be difficult to decide which kind of insulation is right for you. Doing a little bit of research about the different kinds of insulation you can choose from will give you the ability to make the right choice for your new home:
- Blanket insulation:
Blanket insulation is the most standard type of insulation for homes. This product comes in batts of material and is usually made of fiberglass. It is a flexible material that is usually pretty easy to install—some homeowners even choose to install this kind of insulation themselves. There are a number of benefits of blanket insulation, including the fact that it is designed to fit perfectly between standard studs and joists. It’s also an inexpensive insulation option that’s widely available and doesn’t require any special tools or equipment to install. The main disadvantages of blanket insulation are that it tends to leave insulation gaps around certain parts of homes, which makes it less energy efficient, and that it can be challenging to install in areas that are difficult to access or have non-standard dimensions.
- Cellulose insulation:
Cellulose insulation is made up of shredded materials, typically things like newspaper, that are combined with chemicals that make it resistant to fire and pests. Home builders and contractors usually use loose cellulose as insulation in attics and other unfinished rooms. In other parts of homes, cellulose may be dampened and packed down to fill in wall cavities. The primary benefit of cellulose insulation is that it’s an affordable option. In addition, it’s made of recycled materials, which makes it eco-friendly. Unfortunately, even with the chemical treatment that makes cellulose insulation fire resistant, it can pose a serious fire hazard if it isn’t installed properly.
- Blown-in insulation:
Blown-in fiberglass insulation is made from molten glass that is blown into fibers and binds to the material to fill in wall cavities. Blown-in insulation in Petaluma, CA is incredibly effective at blocking out thermal heat transfer in the summer and cold transfer during the winter. It’s also resistant to moisture and mold growth, which makes it ideal for homes in humid areas. The primary disadvantage of blown-in insulation is that it can be a costly investment upfront.
Are you still on the fence about what type of home insulation in Petaluma, CA is right for your new home? Give Ace Insulation Inc. a call for help with the selection and installation of quality insulation. We offer a wide range of insulation options, including fiberglass insulation and blown-in insulation. We have experience with installing insulation for new construction and existing homes alike, and we are equipped to tackle just about any of your insulation needs.
To schedule a consultation, find out more about pricing or learn more about our services, reach out to us by phone today.
As a homeowner, you are all too familiar with the never-ending list of home projects and repairs that will all need your attention at some point. But deciding which of these are okay to do yourself and which ones are best left to the professionals is not always easy. For instance, home insulation installation looks like a simple process from the outside. However, it’s not a DIY project for many homeowners. You might be considering hiring a skilled contractor to save you time and money, but what else can they do for you and your home?
Here are some of the pros that come with hiring a licensed contractor to install insulation in your Petaluma, CA home:
- A contractor is organized and efficient:
A top reason to hire a professional for insulation installation is efficiency. The installation process is not as simple as laying or spraying materials into the walls. With the help of a pro, the outcome of this highly technical work can be successful. Working with a contractor, you’ll have to decide what work needs to be done, the work schedule and your budget. This is discussed after they inspect the areas of your home that are to be insulated. Communication is key!
- A contractor takes care of inspections and permits:
Ask to see the installer’s business license and proof of bonding and insurance. It’s important that the installer is legit and experienced, since wiring and plumbing are often exposed during inspections. Building permits can be confusing for someone who doesn’t know what they are doing. In the case of insulation installation, your contractor will obtain all the necessary permits. This ensures that your insulation project will be up to current building codes. Most of the time, permits are required for major installation projects (for example, if structural or mechanical changes will be made).
- A contractor can prevent home hazards:
You might not have considered potential hazards and the health of your home. In many older homes (those built before the late 1970s), it’s not at all unusual to find asbestos in insulation products. Removing and agitating the material is likely to send asbestos fibers traveling through your house. For this reason, a licensed asbestos professional will come in to test your old insulation for this health hazard. The insulation pro you hire can help you choose the best insulation material that works best for your home and the region/zone you live in.
- A contractor’s work can lower your energy costs:
When your home is well-insulated, you can bet money that you will see a reduction in your monthly energy bills, an increase in indoor comfort and fewer airborne issues like mold spores, bad bacteria, dust, pollen and other allergens. A properly insulated home contains heat during the winter and coolness in the summer. You’ll also experience more consistent air dispersal throughout all the rooms in your home because air is not escaping through cracks.
Contact Ace Insulation Inc. today to learn more about home insulation and the benefits that come along with hiring a contractor to install insulation in Petaluma, CA!
Insulation plays a key role in your home’s indoor comfort, but when should you add new insulation? Let’s take a look at a few important things to consider when planning home insulation installation in Petaluma, CA.
Consider the time of year
What time of year is the best time to install insulation? Right off the bat, you should know that the answer will vary depending on where you live in the United States. Living in a warmer climate means that before the summer months arrive is the most ideal time to increase insulation or install new insulation material. Meanwhile, for folks living in colder climates, the best time for insulation installation is before that cooler weather hits.
If your goal is to have the work done in time to take on the winter temperatures, then a summertime installation is recommended. This way, your home will be comfortable by the time temperatures begin to drop. And doing this in the summer is a good way to avoid the appointment rush come late fall and early winter.
Consider cost
Once you decide which season is the best time for you for home insulation installation in Petaluma, CA, you need to consider the costs of materials and service. The thing about insulation installation costs is that it remains fairly stable throughout the year. Because of this consistency, if you are hoping for a price drop closer to winter, you may not actually get a better deal. Instead, opt for an installation time that will increase energy cost savings.
Consider energy savings
Too many homeowners are unaware that they may be wasting hundreds of dollars each year because of heat or cool air leaking from roofs, windows, walls, doors and other areas. When it comes to energy savings, home insulation installation is one of those home improvement projects that is beneficial to do any time of year. No matter when you install it, a good installation job will ensure that energy is not lost. It will also ensure that the environment is protected and that you stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Choose a proper R-value insulation to be installed. Yes, it is an investment, but it’s an investment that saves natural gas consumption in the wintertime and reduces the cost of electricity for air conditioning come summer. Your home will have a consistent indoor temperature throughout the seasons.
Consider the ease of the project
The easiest time to add or replace insulation is when you’re planning to tear down walls, like when doing a room or home remodel, building a home addition or upgrading the plumbing or wiring. Before you start one of these home projects, call a professional to determine if your home needs more insulation. A pro will inspect your existing insulation and calculate if it’s thick enough based on the zone you live in.
Want to find out if now is the right time to schedule home insulation installation in Petaluma, CA? Call Ace Insulation Inc. for more information!
