If you’re looking to insulate your commercial property, there are several types of insulation available. Knowing which one is right for your building will help ensure the best performance possible and save you money on your energy bills. The types of commercial insulation include fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam. They all have different R-values and are available in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass, made of tiny glass fibers, is a widely used insulation material for residential and commercial buildings. It slows the spread of heat, cold and sound to improve energy efficiency. Besides being fireproof, fiberglass is also naturally sound-absorbent2 and reduces sound transmission in wall, ceiling, floor, and HVAC assemblies. For example, the first inch of fiberglass can increase an assembly’s sound transmission class (STC) value by three or four points in some constructions.
It is also available in blanket form, known as batts, in bags that contain pre-cut lengths and widths or loose fill, which can be blown into attic, wall, and floor cavities. It is most commonly installed in new home construction, gut renovations, and commercial building renovations, but can be used in other types of buildings as well. And while fiberglass insulation has proven to be an affordable option for homeowners, fiberglass is not as durable as other insulating materials and can become ineffective if it gets wet. It is also prone to air gaps, which can drive down performance.
Loose-Fill
Loose-fill insulation, also called blown-in insulation, is an excellent choice for residential and commercial properties. It uses recycled materials like cellulose and fiberglass to create a solid barrier that prevents air leakage and provides superior insulation. Cellulose is made from recycled paper products, such as discarded newsprint and cardboard. It is treated for fire resistance and pest-resistant properties, making it a good option for those who are concerned about the environment.
Cellulose
Cellulose insulation is an environmentally friendly form that can be installed on many commercial buildings. It is made from recycled paper products, primarily newsprint. The cellulose fibers are treated with borate compounds to resist fire, insects, and mold. It is also considered a green product since it uses much less energy than fiberglass. It is a highly recyclable material, containing as much as 80% post-consumer waste. Cellulose can be blown into open attics and enclosed cavities or sprayed into wall cavities. It can be used for both new and retrofit construction.
Spray Foam
Spray foam insulation is a great option for commercial buildings that have unique shapes and size constraints. This type of insulation can be used to seal cracks and gaps and help maintain a comfortable temperature inside the property. It also helps to soundproof a building, reducing noise from outside the property and ensuring a peaceful work environment. Using this type of insulation can improve the value of your property while also lowering your energy costs.
Compared to other types of insulation, spray foam is extremely flexible and can be easily sprayed into small spaces. It can be used in new construction, rim joists, and even in attics. It is an excellent choice for commercial buildings because it can help to save money on energy costs and ensure a comfortable work environment. It can also help to protect equipment in sensitive rooms such as server rooms and prevent damage from temperature fluctuations.
Insulation slows down the flow of heat by blocking it from entering or escaping your home. This keeps your home more comfortable in both winter and summer and lowers your energy bills. Insulating your home also helps you stay healthier and prevents the buildup of mold indoors. Similarly, insulation also helps to keep outdoor contaminants out of your home, such as pollen and dust.
Energy Savings
Insulation keeps your home warmer during the winter and cooler during the summer, which can save you money on utility bills. It also decreases the number of times your heating system has to work hard. Insulating your home is one of the most effective ways to make your house more energy efficient!Homes with poor insulation and air leaks can cost up to 15% more to heat and cool than homes that are properly insulated. Getting rid of air leaks and adding insulation to your attic, floors over crawl spaces and basements can make an enormous difference in your energy bill. Insulation comes in many different materials, including fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam. It’s a simple home improvement that can pay for itself over time.
Increased Comfort
Insulation helps to keep the temperature in your home at a consistent level, regardless of the time of year. This ensures that your family’s comfort levels remain high while your heating and cooling costs stay low. Insulation also reduces drafts and air leakage in your home. These drafts can be uncomfortable and lead to energy loss, contributing to lower heating and cooling bills. You can add insulation to your home in a number of places, including exterior walls, ceilings/attics, foundation and windows.
Healthier Home, Healthier Planet
Insulation is a smart way to save money and help the planet. It also can improve the overall health of your home by helping keep allergens, dust, and toxins out of your living space. In addition, it helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature that decreases the chances of you getting sick. And that’s a big deal. It also helps prevent mold from growing, which can lead to mildew and odors in your home. And because insulation reduces heat loss and improves your home’s energy efficiency, it’s also an effective way to reduce the carbon footprint of your home. In fact, if all homes were properly insulated worldwide, we could cut greenhouse gas emissions by 293.5 billion pounds per year, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. It’s an easy upgrade to make and one that will pay for itself in energy savings over time. But before you do, be sure to choose the right type of insulation for your home.
Having good insulation in your home is very important. When your home is properly insulated, it can help keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. This can make your home a more comfortable and safe place to live and help you manage your monthly energy bills. When looking for new insulation, it is important to consider the various types of insulation. In most cases, property owners invest in blown-in insulation or spray foam insulation. It is important to understand the differences between the two.
What Is Blown-In Insulation?
With blown-in insulation, the space between joists and wall studs will be filled in with various loose materials. These typically include fiberglass particles, cellulose, and other insulating materials. Typically, the entire space between beams will be filled in with insulation.
What Is Spray Foam Insulation?
Spray foam insulation will use a polyurethane material and is sprayed into the gaps in your home’s structure. It can then expand once installed to fill in any gaps or cracks. This insulation is popular due to its strong insulating materials and durability.
Differences Between Options
Once you understand what each insulation option is, it is important to understand the differences and benefits of each option. There are various important differences to consider.
Lifespan of Insulation
One of the biggest differences between the two types of insulation is that spray foam insulation can last a lot longer than the other options. With spray foam insulation, you could expect that it will last and continue to protect and insulate your home for a century or longer. With blow-in insulation, the lifespan is typically a couple of decades. After that point, it will not be as effective, and you might start to notice your energy bills increasing.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency should also be considered a top priority when choosing an insulation option. Overall, both options will drastically help manage your home’s temperature and reduce your energy costs. However, spray-in foam could be more effective overall. As it is able to fill in gaps more efficiently, it can help you retain the proper temperature in your home with less energy provided by your HVAC system.
Cost of Installation
With any project at home, the cost must be considered. When it comes to your insulation options, the blown-in option tends to be more affordable up front. However, as its useful life is shorter and not as efficient, spray foam may be a better long-term option. The payoff tends to be based on how long you will continue to reside in your home.
Insulating your home is a very major part of overall home construction and care. There are various options to consider when looking for new insulation materials. The most common options continue to be blown-in and spray foam insulation, and understanding the differences and benefits of each option is quite important.
While it might be tempting to try and remove attic insulation on your own, it’s usually best to contact an insulation specialist instead. Doing this job on your own might save some money, but it’s not worth the safety issues you might experience. In fact, sometimes it’s actually more cost effective to have a professional remove the insulation anyway.
If you need to have your insulation removed, contact a local, reputable insulation service provider who will offer great service at fair prices. Read on to learn why this is the best option.
Inexperience can lead to disaster
If you’re not experienced in the process of insulation removal, it can be quite dangerous. Insulation removal requires the use of several different pieces of equipment. If you’re inexperienced with this equipment, you could end up hurting yourself or others. Removing attic insulation also requires working in a cramped, dimly-lit space. Moving through this space is difficult if you aren’t used to being in the attic.
Potential exposure to hazardous materials
Some attics contain hazardous materials that can negatively affect your health. That’s why it’s important to wear a dust mask and other proper safety gear if you insist on removing the insulation yourself. Attics in older homes are especially dangerous, as they may contain asbestos, which can cause lung damage. It’s recommended that no one handle asbestos unless they’re professionally licensed to do so and have the proper equipment.
You could disturb the air supply
Improperly removing or installing insulation could negatively affect the air supply in your home. When disturbed, some of the hazardous materials from your attic’s insulation could sneak into the air supply. This could cause major problems when it comes to the health of people living in your home.
Disturbing the air supply is especially a problem if there’s mold or mildew in your attic. No one should ever breathe in either of these substances, as they can cause coughing, sneezing, sore throat and more. If you notice mold or mildew in your attic, you should call a professional to have it removed right away.
There may be rats
While you might not see them at first glance, rats could be living in your attic. When trying to remove insulation, you could be exposing yourself to viruses carried through rat feces. Even worse, you might accidentally spread contaminants in rat droppings all over your home.
Working with the right insulation company
Save yourself time, energy and a big headache by contacting a professional to remove the insulation from your attic. Doing so will help ensure the job is done right the first time. You’ll also save yourself from the muscle pains that go along with crawling around an attic for long periods.
When it comes to finding the right insulation service provider in your area, make sure the company has plenty of experience. It’s a good idea to check reviews and see what past clients have had to say. Contact Ace Insulation Inc. today if you’re looking for top-quality insulation service at competitive prices!
Nearly 85 percent of a home’s heat loss happens through the attic. When your attic is not insulated, you lose heat, which escapes your home and raises your utility bills as your HVAC system works harder. However, even the best-insulated attics need maintenance to stay efficient. Here are five tips on how to make your Northern California attic more energy efficient:
Seal cracks: Attic air leaks are a common culprit when energy efficiency drops. Cracks, holes and weak points throughout the attic allow outdoor air inside, where it works against your HVAC. Start by sealing these cracks and gaps and filling any spaces where insulation has worn out. If you notice extensive deterioration of your insulation, contact an insulation contractor.
Improve ventilation: Installing a venting system in your attic allows warm air to escape. While this approach seems counterintuitive in winter, it reduces damage to your home. If there is a bad winter, keeping your attic cool prevents melted snow or ice on your roof, which lead to ice dams and gutter damage. In summer, proper ventilation allows heat to escape, so it does not damage roof shingles. Moisture is another common problem of built-up attic air, which leads to mold growth. However, venting is not an energy-efficient solution for all homes, so consult with a roofing contractor to make sure it’s the right decision.
Install fans: Attic fans are an excellent investment. They regulate your home’s temperature and improve airflow. If you have a well-insulated attic, they enhance efficiency by pushing out hot air while bringing in cool air from soffit and gable vents. Keep in mind that these are specialty fans designed for attics, and regular ceiling fans do not work the same way. You need to hire a knowledgeable contractor who installs the correct fans and ensures proper sealing. Otherwise, the fans will not help you with efficiency.
Purchase radiant barriers: Radiant barriers prevent the electromagnetic transfer of heat by reflecting sunlight. They are comprised of aluminum or other highly reflective materials. By reflecting the light, attics maintain constant temperatures, no matter the preferred temperature indoors or the weather conditions happening outside. In warm climates, radiant barriers drape from the attic ceiling or are squeezed between roof beams. In cold climates, radiant barriers are placed inside the attic on the floor to reflect heat from inside the house. Once installed, cooling and heating costs drop by up to 10 percent per year.
Upgrade insulation: If you have a leaky attic and high heating and cooling bills, it may be time to consider an upgrade. Insulation improves with new technologies and manufacturing processes, and if you have older insulation, it may not be as effective. Good insulation reduces heating and cooling costs up to 20 percent, so that upgrade may pay for itself quickly!
Want to learn more about how to make your attic more energy efficient? Ace Insulation Inc. can help. We are your Northern California insulation experts, and we can seal up your attic and make your heating and cooling costs decrease. Call us today to schedule an estimate.
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