Good insulation helps keep your house warm when it’s cold outside, and cool when it’s hot outside. For a long time, fiberglass insulation was the go-to choice for home insulation, but with our society’s growing focus on going green, a number of more eco-friendly insulation options have gained in popularity.
If you’re in the market for insulation—say you’re building a house or refinishing an attic––and it’s important to you that your insulation be green, here are some of the best options according to your favorite source for insulation installation in Petaluma, CA:
Wool insulation: This is an excellent and convenient green insulation solution. It comes in rolls just like fiberglass, so it’s just as easy to install. And unlike fiberglass, it’s easy on the lungs. You can install it without wearing protective gear. Obviously, wool is highly sustainable. It’s also an excellent insulator, and resistant to moisture and mold. It needs to be treated to be fully flame retardant, which somewhat diminishes its eco-friendliness.
Cotton insulation: Similar to wool, it’s also sold in rolls, and is safe and easy to install. It’s often made of recycled denim, making it of very low environmental impact. It’s good at absorbing moisture and allowing it to evaporate, meaning it doesn’t often attract mold. However, it must be treated to become flame resistant. Also, it can be quite expensive, so it’s not always the best option for large, airy places.
Cellulose loose-fill insulation: This is made from recycled paper. It’s a sprayed or blown loose-fill insulation. Because it’s a spray insulation, it provides a tight seal as a wall and attic insulator, preventing too many air leaks, which are a major cause of loss of heat/cool and higher energy costs. It’s about as effective per inch as fiberglass, very environmentally friendly and one of the most affordable insulation solutions around.
Spray-foam insulation: This is sprayed on to about the thickness of paint and then expands to about 100 times that size, meaning it provides a totally airtight seal—so airtight that you’ll likely need to install a ventilation system if you use it. Icynene spray-foam insulation provides the energy-saving benefits of spray-foam insulation, with the green benefits of the other naturally sourced insulations, as icynene is made from castor oil and is a water-based foam. Unlike wool and cotton, however, it needs to be installed by a professional.
Mineral wool: Mineral wool is made from recycled smelting slag, so its eco-friendliness is because it is recycled, not necessarily because of the material itself. Mineral wool is made by taking molten slag rock and converting it into fibers that are spun together into a wool-like insulation. Because of the treatment of the slag rock, mineral wool is naturally fire resistant, and doesn’t need to be further treated to prevent mold. It is also an excellent insulator. Mineral wool can be irritating to your respiratory system, though, so take care to wear protective gear when installing this material.
Since 2001, Ace Insulation Inc. has been on the cutting edge of eco-friendly insulation installation in Petaluma, CA. We’re a locally owned and operated insulation installation company, and whether you are building a new home or renovating your existing space, we are the team to call.
Did you know that your home insulation plays a huge role in your indoor comfort? When the insulation in your walls, attic and crawlspaces is properly installed, it provides protection against outdoor elements throughout the year. Insulation keeps undesired air from getting inside and throwing off your indoor living environment. It’s important to replace it when it becomes inefficient.
Unfortunately, the problem most homeowners run into is not knowing when their home insulation needs to be replaced. The best thing to do, if this is the case, is consult a professional for an inspection to assess the condition of the insulation. Fortunately, as a homeowner, you can also take some useful preventative measures. Here are five telltale signs of inefficient home insulation in Petaluma, CA to watch out for:
Inconsistent indoor air temperatures: Two top signs you might need new insulation are the indoor temperature constantly changing and an inconsistent temperature in individual rooms. This could mean the insulation in the attic is shifting due to age or damage. Either way, insulation that has shifted will let in the cold air or heat, wreaking havoc on your HVAC system as it struggles to maintain a consistent indoor air temperature.
Noticeable indoor drafts: If you are feeling air drafts inside your house when all the windows and doors are closed, then your insulation may need upgrading. You need enough insulation material to act as a block between the outside air and the indoor environment to avoid air leaks, which are often the result of poor insulation installation.
Dependency on AC, fans or heater: Although body temperature regulation is different for everyone, there should not be a need to keep the heater, air conditioner or fans on all the time—that is, unless the insulation is failing to protect your house. Having to leave any of these on all the time to keep your home comfortable could point to a problem with your home insulation in Petaluma, CA.
Wet or damaged insulation: There are many ways your home insulation can sustain water damage. The roof could have a leak; your home could flood during a storm; there could be a plumbing leak. Whatever the cause, the insulation is no longer usable and needs to be replaced immediately. If left unaddressed, the insulation will breed mold, mildew and bacteria, all of which are unhealthy for people to come into contact with.
Increased energy bills: Compare your energy bill with your bill from the same time last year. Is there a significant difference between usage and energy costs? A rising monthly energy bill is a sign of inefficient insulation. This happens when indoor air escapes and the HVAC has to work harder than usual to maintain your desired indoor temperature.
It’s easier than you think to find the best insulation solution to ensure your indoor comfort and a consistent home temperature. If you are concerned about your home insulation in Petaluma, CA or are interested in replacing the current material, don’t hesitate to contact the exceptional team at Ace Insulation Inc. Call to schedule your appointment today!
Home insulation experts are often asked the question, “Why do I need attic insulation?” The simplest answer is that, when installed right, attic insulation increases indoor comfort while also lowering your energy costs, among other reasons. Whether you are considering converting your attic to a comfortable living space or simply want to protect your home or building from the elements, you should hire a professional to install quality insulation. Doing so will better ensure lower energy costs, an ideal indoor living environment and cozy temperatures all year round.
There are three common types of attic insulation in Petaluma, CA. The right one for you depends on your space and insulation needs:
Blown-in and loose fill: This type of insulation material is installed as small components that are blown into place inside your attic. It will cover your attic floor completely, offering exceptional insulation power.
Sprayed: A sprayed insulation material—typically fiberglass or cellulose—is a great, high-quality choice, but even more so if your HVAC or split HVAC system is up in the attic. Additional insulation may be needed along the ceiling; a spray material works very well.
Batts: Each piece of batt insulation is large and thick, but while this material can insulate well, it’s not unusual for pieces to be uneven. This unevenness leads to a lack of complete coverage.
Here are five excellent reasons to install high-quality attic insulation in Petaluma, CA:
Reduced AC and heating needs: It’s typical for homeowners and business owners to turn up the heater in winter and crank the air conditioner in summer. However, this results in increased energy consumption. To reduce your HVAC usage while still maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature, consider adding to or replacing your attic insulation. The HVAC won’t have to work as hard, thus possibly extending its lifespan.
Consistent indoor air temperatures: Uneven and inconsistent indoor temperatures are caused by constant air leakage through the ceiling. You will notice a major difference in temperatures from room to room. With proper attic insulation in Petaluma, CA, you will get a more consistent temperature throughout your home or business.
Prevent damage in the attic: Most homeowners use their attic as a storage space, or they may upgrade it to a functional living space. If you have poor insulation, then the elements can get in and destroy stored items, or make the added living space too uncomfortable to inhabit.
Avoid moisture buildup: When cooking in the kitchen and using the shower, some of the steam that forms in the areas below the attic will make its way upward. An attic that is not insulated or poorly insulated could trap vapors inside, turning them into condensation that could cause mildew growth or structural damage.
Lower energy bills: Between drafty areas and constantly fluctuating temperatures, your HVAC system ends up working super hard. Your energy use will go up, and so will your costs. Improve your insulation to lower both.
At Ace Insulation Inc., our knowledgeable staff can help you choose the right attic insulation in Petaluma, CA to suit your home’s or business’ comfort needs. Give us a call today to learn more!
Installing insulation is one way to address a number of issues with your home. Most people who decide that new insulation is a good idea will hire a professional to do the job for them. This isn’t a bad idea at all—in fact, it’s probably your best approach—but if you hire someone who just isn’t right for the job, you may start to second-guess your decision.
If you are planning to hire a spray foam insulation contractor in Petaluma, CA, there are certain questions they should be able to answer when you ask them:
Is spray foam insulation the best option for my home? There is more than one option when it comes to insulation. These various types each have their benefits, and depending on the issues you wish to address by installing insulation, one type might be better than the other available options. If you aren’t sure whether spray foam insulation is best for your home, your contractor should be able to tell you why it is the best option.
Are there any safety risks I should know about? Installing insulation takes time, even for an experience contractor who knows exactly what they are doing. Although someone may be experienced, anything can happen during the insulation installation process. You want to be sure you and your family are safe during this process, as well as afterwards. It would be helpful to inquire about potential risks and what you need to do to ensure everyone’s safety.
Is there any preparation that needs to be done? You will need to be protected during the installation of your spray foam insulation, but so will your home. Preparing your home can include putting down plastic on floors and carpets, relocating furniture or even ensuring that parking is available for your contractor. Doing things like these can make things easier for your contractor and protect your home and belongings, making them important to ask about before the project is underway.
How long will it take to complete the installation? Before your contractor starts the job, be sure to ask how long they think it will take to complete the installation process. This is especially important if you have something coming up, like a vacation, party or houseguests who plan to stay with you for a few days. You don’t want to be inconvenienced, so knowing the timeline and expected end date can help you plan ahead and keep you from having to cancel or reschedule things.
You don’t want to hire just anyone to install insulation in your home. When you go to a professional for help, there are things they should know and questions they should be able to answer for you. If your potential contractor doesn’t seem knowledgeable or isn’t able to give you the answers you need, you always have the option to find someone more suitable for the job.
Are you in need of a spray foam insulation contractor in Petaluma, CA? You can contact Ace Insulation Inc. today to schedule an appointment with our experienced and highly qualified professionals.
Getting home insulation installed isn’t a quick, simple process. There is a lot of thought that needs to go into the job, and whether you are installing it yourself or hiring a professional, making the wrong decision could end up costing you in a several ways. If you want to ensure things are done right the first time, you will want to take the necessary steps to ensure you don’t make mistakes.
Mistakes to avoid when getting home insulation in Petaluma, CA include:
Choosing the insulation based solely on cost: Not everyone wants to spend a fortune having their home insulated. However, you do want to be careful what decisions you make when you want to avoid spending money. When people pay too much attention to the cost of things, they often end up making the wrong decision. The insulation you choose may be cheap and affordable, but what are you really going to getting in the long run, years after the job is complete?
Ignoring the differences between insulation types: Some of your options when getting insulation installed include fiberglass batts, rigid foam and spray foam insulation. Not all types of insulation are ideal for your home. Failing to acknowledge the differences between the different types of insulation could leave you spending more time, money and energy addressing problems later down the line. It is important to consider these differences if you want to choose the perfect insulation for your home and get your money’s worth.
Focusing only on the R-value: There is no denying that R-value is extremely important when choosing insulation for your home. People put a lot of focus on this one factor, and as a result, they ignore some of the other important insulation performance factors. If you want to choose the right insulation for your home, you can’t forget to consider how insulation can address issues with pests, mold, moisture and more.
Not installing insulation where it is necessary: There are a variety of places you can have insulation installed. When you sit down and discuss things with your contractor, be sure to consider all of the possible locations where you can have your insulation installed. If the insulation isn’t installed where it should be, you won’t be able to address certain issues and will probably end up having to hire your contractor to install more insulation in those areas that were neglected.
There are a lot of different reasons why people decide to have insulation installed in their homes. Regardless of your reasons, when you move forward with the process, you have to ensure you are making the right choices every step of the way. Even if that means not having the insulation installed as soon as you would have liked, it will be worth it to take the time and consider everything. It could make a huge difference in how satisfied you are with the job and how comfortable you are in your home.
Are you considering getting new home insulation in Petaluma, CA? The experts at Ace Insulation Inc. can answer any questions you have and help you explore your options. Get in touch with us today!
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