Northern California has suffered a spate of severe wildfires over the last few years, destroying millions of acres and tens of thousands of residences. Experts say that grass fire season could start even earlier than usual this year thanks to offshore wind and weather patterns, meaning that if you live in a fire-prone area, it might be time to reconsider what kind of insulation you use in your home.
Fire-resistant insulation
At Ace Insulation Inc., we use Roxul batt insulation to help safeguard homes against fires. This type of insulation is also called mineral wool, rock wool or slag wool insulation (Roxul is the most common brand name), and it’s designed to be fire resistant in excess of 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fire-resistant insulation can protect your home—depending on which kind you choose—for up to two hours against wildfires. As we know all too well, firefighters are spread thin during massive wildfires, and every second of protection counts. Compare this to traditional fiberglass insulation, which will melt and allow smoke to pass through into the house.
Roxul batt insulation is not only good for your exteriors, thanks to its fire-resistant nature, but you might consider using it to insulate your interior walls as well. This helps with what’s called “passive fire resistance” (as opposed to active fire resistance using devices like sprinklers and fire extinguishers), where the goal is to prevent the fire from spreading as much as possible by preventing smoke, gas and fire from moving from room to room. When you compartmentalize your home this way, you can cut down on the havoc a potential fire will wreak.
It also provides all the traditional benefits of insulation. First, it has a strong R-value, meaning it will help stabilize your home’s interior temperature no matter what the weather outside is like, which is the main use for insulation. Second, it offers superior soundproofing capabilities, whether you’d like to keep the noise in or out of your home. Finally, it’s easier to install and holds its shape better than fiberglass batt insulation, saving you time and labor costs.
For us, the choice is clear, especially considering that there is apparently no end in sight to the devastating California wildfire season. If you live in the line of fire, consider replacing your insulation with fire-resistant Roxul batt insulation today.
Insulation installation in Northern California
Ace Insulation Inc. has been offering high-quality insulation installation in Northern California since 2011. Having the right kind of insulation for your home will not only save you money on your utility bills, but it could also help save your vulnerable home from fire damage. Our family owned and operated business is passionate about providing great service at affordable prices, so you can save money all year long. Are you interested in learning more about how Roxul batt insulation can protect your home from wildfires? Get in touch with Ace Insulation Inc. today to learn more and get a quote on new insulation for your home.
Homeowners choose to install insulation in their Northern California homes for one main reason: to protect their living spaces from outside air. You might be thinking to yourself that your walls and attic are already insulated, so you don’t need to install insulation. However, this may not be the case. Keep in mind that many older homes can actually benefit from new or additional insulation material, while the owners of newly-built homes need to carefully consider their options during the design phase.
However, poor insulation is not the only cause of cold drafts in the winter. Drafts can be found around doors, windows, pipes, attics and crawlspaces. And cold air is not the only thing that can get inside your house through the smallest openings and uninsulated spaces— moisture and pests can, too.
Don’t let ice-cold winter wind chills get you down—get ahead of them instead! Here are some tried and true ways to draft-proof your home’s windows and doors:
New weather-stripping: The type of weather-stripping designed for use on windows and doors keeps outside air out and inside air in. It does this by sealing drafty door and window borders, and starts working as soon as it’s applied. Just about all brands of weather-stripping are inexpensive and very easy for homeowners to install themselves.
Door sweeps: Replacing old or damaged door sweeps with new ones can make a huge difference in the draft department. Door sweeps attach to the very bottom of exterior-facing doors. They can look like thin little brooms, almost bristly, or be more like a gentle scraper or shield made of rubber. You can also get wooden door sweepers to match your door.
Foam tape: While weather-stripping is ideal for sealing around doors and windows, it can be difficult to use on doors that are slightly warped. A good weather-proofing alternative is a sticky foam tape. All you have to do is cut it to size and secure it in the areas that are drafty.
Insulate around frames: Assessing insulation behind enclosed walls is not as easy as glancing around at the insulation in an attic. But, if you feel cold drafts coming from around window or door frames, it could be worth the time and money to have your insulation checked and possibly replaced.
DIY window film: Single-, dual- and triple-pane window glass can all benefit from window film. This film resembles plastic wrap before being adhered to the glass and heated with a hair dryer—it shrinks and seals over drafty windows. When installed correctly, this DIY window film works great.
Hang insulated curtains: Insulated curtains, also called thermal curtains, can help retain heat in your home during the cold winter months, but they have to be drawn shut to be effective. This may not be a good option for you if you prefer natural light shining into your house.
If you are ready for the pros to come out and install insulation in your Northern California home, make sure your first call is to Ace Insulation Inc. Contact us anytime for more information!
You generally can’t see your wall and ceiling insulation, unless you’re up in the attic. Insulation is out of sight, so you might not give it much thought, unlike the condition of your doors, windows or floors, since you can see these features. But there are other factors aside from insulation material that play a role in how well your house is insulated against the elements. Come winter, you may notice cold drafts or your heater seemingly not warming up your home as it did in winters past. Your personal comfort is important, and high heating bills are no one’s idea of a good time.
Having adequate home insulation in Northern California is not the only way to insulate the inside of your house from cold winter temperatures. Here are some top tips and DIY suggestions to help you stay warm this season:
Maintain your HVAC: In order for your heater and air conditioner to function properly, you need to change the air filter at least once a month or according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. This is especially important during the heavy-use winter months. A clean filter improves indoor air quality while keeping your HVAC system running efficiently. Move furniture away from vents to maximize airflow.
Insulate your attic: Make sure your attic is insulated well this winter. Although this can be a pricier home improvement, it’s worth it for the sake of year-round comfort. And you have options in terms of both materials and installation services. If you choose a type of roll sheet insulation, you can install it yourself. Or, hire a qualified installation technician to add this or another material of your choosing. Having quality insulation in your attic provides maximum protection to keep the heat in your house.
Hang thicker curtains: Drafty windows will make any room uncomfortable to be in, especially on cold winter nights. To avoid drafts, swap out your lighter curtains for a more heavy-duty window treatment option. Use either heavier drapes or solar/cellular shades to keep the warm air in and cold air out, and remember that they need to be closed to work. Pick something that matches the style of your home’s décor, or opt for a simpler, more neutral and universal option.
Evaluate temperature zones: If you home has more than one heating zone, keep in mind that they don’t all have to be programmed to the same setting. Adjust each thermostat based on how much time you spend in a room or level of your home. Turn off or lower the temperature in unoccupied or infrequently-used heating zones. Another tip is to close doors to less-used rooms to keep the warmth circulating where you need it most.
Replace weather-stripping: Go around and check the weather-stripping on all your home’s windows and exterior-facing doors. If seals are worse for wear, replace them. These are components that helps keep cold air out and warm air in.
When you need to add extra home insulation in Northern California, you can count on the expertise of the professional technicians at Ace Insulation Inc. Call us today to schedule an appointment!
Your attic may be the ideal space for storage, but it’s also meant to protect your home from the elements—that is, assuming it’s properly insulated. Here are some benefits of investing in professional attic insulation installation in Northern California this fall.
Less heater wear and tear
Older homes and homes with insufficient insulation tend to be drafty year-round. Cold air can seep inside in the fall, while warm air escapes. Not only does poor insulation create a less comfortable environment, it’s also a top cause of wear and tear on heating and cooling systems. The HVAC system ends up working overtime to maintain an even temperature throughout your home. The good news is that proper attic insulation keeps cool air from lingering, while heat rises, giving your heater a break.
Lower energy bills
Using less energy is good for the environment and kinder on your wallet. Everyone welcomes lower energy bills, but these can be difficult to achieve when you’re having to run the heater constantly throughout the cooler months. Investing in attic insulation installation in Northern California to seal up your home can save you money on heating and cooling costs—up to 15 percent! In many cases, this equates to hundreds of dollars a year.
Safer home structure
Believe it or not, insulating your attic can prevent gradual damage to your home’s structure caused by heat and moisture accumulation. Insulation can help a lot. It stops water vapor from seeping in and destroying your walls. Insulation also slows down heat buildup in your attic and crawl spaces, conditions which can cause roofing shingles to swell and crack or the roof deck to soften. Another thing attic insulation is good for is preventing moisture buildup that often leads to mold growth.
Better indoor air quality
A lack of attic insulation may be the reason for excessive outdoor pollutants like dust, dirt, pollen and mold spores entering your home. This is not surprising, since poor insulation is the main culprit for air leaks. Over time, these airborne toxins can accumulate inside the house and significantly compromise your indoor air quality. Insulation in your attic may stop outdoor pollutants from spreading throughout your living spaces, which means everyone in your household will be able to breathe easier all day long. You might also consider removing old, pollutant-riddled insulation material and replacing it with fresh, brand-new attic insulation.
Increase indoor comfort
No matter how old or how new your HVAC system is, a home that is under-insulated (or not insulated at all) will experience severe indoor temperature fluctuations. The rooms in your home can become cold or hot more quickly when the temperature changes outside—especially the rooms and spaces on upper floors and closer to the attic. If you notice a temperature difference of 10 to 15 degrees between the stories in your home, it’s a sign of a home with too little insulation.
Anyone in need of new or additional attic insulation installation in Northern California is encouraged to call the professionals at Ace Insulation Inc. to schedule an appointment!
It’s important for every homeowner to take stock of preventative home maintenance needs at least a few times a year. Every season can bring new weather-related challenges your way, but be prepared and things will be fine. Consider your home insulation, for example—insulation can refer to more than just the materials placed inside walls and attics to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. It’s also possible to insulate your house against the weather in other ways.
With this in mind, here are some tips to help improve the insulation in your Northern California home this fall:
Check the insulation: Chances are, your home is insulated, but you should have it checked periodically. Sufficient insulation is important for anyone wanting to maintain an energy-efficient home. After all, insulation is your first line of defense against extreme outdoor conditions. Insufficient insulation or compromised areas within the insulation can negatively impact the integrity of the home’s structure, which can lead to costly home repair needs. As a homeowner, you might consider installing new insulation in the attic and elsewhere to keep energy costs down.
Check for air leaks: It’s worth the time it takes to evaluate your home for air leaks. Checking the windows, door frames, attic, basement, exposed pipes and other features at risk for air leaks is one of the best things you can do to help identify areas in need of sealing or insulating. Ultimately, a properly sealed home contributes to both insulation and HVAC efficiency.
Replace weather stripping: The windows and exterior facing doors of your home should have blemish free weather stripping around them. If the weather stripping is damaged or missing, you will feel drafts seeping in this fall and winter. These protective seals are inexpensive insulation solutions that will keep cold air out and warm air in.
Seal and insulate ductwork: Whether your ducts are new or old, have them tested for leaks. Sealing ducts can boost indoor comfort during the cooler months and increase the efficiency of your furnace, saving you money on energy bills. Insulating ductwork is another step to prevent leaks. Ductwork insulation in Northern California is available in blankets and sleeves for easy wrapping.
Upgrade windows: Take a look at your home’s windows and note which ones are made with single-pane glass. During fall, windows with this older glass will let cold air enter and warm air escape. If your budget allows, consider investing in a window upgrade to more energy-efficient double- or triple-pane glass. Keep in mind that the quality of the window installation is just as important as the type of new windows you choose.
Hang curtains: Hanging heavy curtains is another way to insulate your home this fall. Curtains act as an extra layer of defense against cold air drafts. You can also install cellular shades that insulate windows and filter sunlight to keep your home warmer during the day.
For more information about your choices for home insulation in Northern California, contact the team at Ace Insulation Inc. Reach out to us today to speak with a knowledgeable insulation expert!
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