Vapor barriers are a type of plastic film designed to be impermeable so as to prevent moisture from seeping through. They’re frequently used as part of a building envelope in walls and ceilings, and can also be used underneath certain flooring installations.
One of the most common questions Northern California residents have when remodeling a room or finishing off a basement concerns in which situations vapor barriers are needed after putting in the insulation. Not every wall requires a vapor barrier—keep in mind that it’s used to prevent water vapor from getting in through the protected surface. To determine whether you will need a vapor barrier, you must consider:
Your climate: Certain climate zones are more likely to need a vapor barrier. Areas that see a wider range of temperatures and humidity levels throughout the year are more likely to need a vapor barrier than areas that see pretty consistent climates. Zones 4C, 5, 6, 7 and 8 should all have vapor barriers installed.
Cladding type: Many homes are clad with brick, stone, stucco, fiber cement or wood, which can retain moisture and create moisture challenges. Therefore, homes with these types of materials are more likely to need vapor barriers.
Wall location: If it’s an exterior wall and either of the above characteristics indicate that you need a vapor barrier, then it’s a good idea to place the barrier in that exterior wall.
Using the vapor barrier
Vapor barriers are often an automatic part of any wall construction in certain climates. However, if installed incorrectly, the vapor barrier could actually create extra moisture problems than what you would otherwise have encountered, which is why it’s a good idea to leave the installation up to the professionals if you’re not sure what you’re doing.
There are a variety of available options with vapor barriers. Smart vapor barriers feature material that is able to react to changes in surrounding humidity by creating corresponding changes to its physical structure. This results in letting moisture out of the wall, whether the humidity levels are higher outside of the wall or inside of the wall. This makes it an ideal solution for areas that see a mixed climate and varying humidity levels throughout the year as the seasons turn.
Vapor barriers should be installed after the insulation, but before the finished part of the wall (such as drywall). The material will likely only be a couple millimeters thick, but that is more than enough to prevent moisture from getting through and into some of the materials of your home, where it could potentially cause buildups of moisture resulting in mold or mildew and weakened structural integrity of the walls.
Are you interested in learning more about the various types of vapor barriers available and how to use them? Ace Insulation Inc. encourages you to contact our insulation contractors in Northern California for more information about in what situations vapor barriers are likely to be needed. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.
When you take the plunge and purchase your own home, you will quickly discover that, as rewarding as homeownership is, there are numerous threats that will do their best to undermine your investment. Pests try to crawl in through the attic. Appliances break down. Plumbing malfunctions. One issue that you may not be aware of, however, is the threat that moisture can pose to your home. While you’re worrying about other problems, moisture invades your home and causes a massive number of issues.
Fortunately, there is a solution: moisture barriers. The practical benefits and uses for moisture barriers in Northern California are innumerable.
Be a friend to the environment
At its most basic level, a moisture barrier is a form of insulation. That means besides its primary function, it can also be relied on to regulate the flow of heat through your home. When your moisture barrier is in place, you will ensure that hot and cool air stay where they’re supposed to—that means you’ll end up using less power from the grid to keep cool.
Stay comfortable
When moisture creeps into your home, it can wreak havoc with the overall temperature. You may be spending hundreds of extra dollars a year keeping your home cool when a moisture barrier could have prevented any issues to begin with.
Save your pipes
One of the most commonly overlooked uses for vapor barriers in Northern California is their benefit to your pipes. Moisture that seeps into the ground or crawlspace underneath your home will inevitably pool around utility pipes. Over time, this can lead to erosion and the breakdown of the pipes. That can quickly turn into an expensive and messy proposition.
Keep things rosy
Long-term moisture buildup in your home will cause all kinds of structural problems. Of course, the first thing you’ll notice is also one of the most inconvenient: the smell. When moisture gets into your home, it can cause the growth of mold and mildew, which, in addition to exacerbating allergies and spreading disease, will also smell extremely unpleasant.
Pest control
All kinds of pests throughout California love nothing more than finding a quiet, moist spot to eat food and make babies. When you take the time to install a moisture barrier in your home, you can make sure you’re not tempting pests to make your home their own.
Insulation you can count on
Are you intrigued by the uses of moisture barriers in Northern California? Then come to Ace Insulation Inc. Our highly-skilled team will come to your home or office, identify your needs and then craft a custom insulation solution to meet them.
Since we opened our doors in 2011, Ace Insulation Inc. has developed a long-lasting relationship with our customers based on mutual respect and professionalism. When you enlist our help, you can be confident that you are getting expert service from a team that is devoted to your satisfaction. That’s our promise to you. Visit us online or give us a call today to learn more!
Fall has arrived, which means the weather is going to be getting progressively cooler over the next couple months, bringing with it more wind and rain. If you want to make sure you’re able to stay comfortable throughout the changing of the seasons, especially once winter arrives, then you should consider making some upgrades to the insulation in your home as needed.
If you intend to upgrade your home’s insulation, then you can do no better than spray foam insulation. This is the best solution on the market to stop drafts and to create a more effective seal, keeping your warm air in your home where you want it. Spray foam insulation will expand across a surface area as soon as you spray it, filling up even tiny cracks and gaps that you might not otherwise be able to cover with other traditional types of insulation.
Here are just a few examples of some of the biggest benefits associated with working with a spray foam insulation contractor in northern California to get new insulation in your home:
Energy savings: Because spray foam insulation is so highly effective, it stands to save you a significant amount of energy, allowing you to cut down how much money you’re paying each month on your bills. Depending on the effectiveness of your previous insulation solutions, you may be able to save 50 percent or more on your energy bills by investing in spray foam insulation.
Airtight: One of the reasons spray foam insulation is so highly effective is that it creates a truly airtight barrier against the outside world. Air leaks through small cracks and holes are the biggest reason for air loss and the resulting high energy bills. Because spray foam insulation seals them up, you’ll find that your HVAC doesn’t have to work nearly as hard to regulate the temperature in your home at your desired levels.
Moisture barrier: Holes and cracks found in your walls aren’t just a way for air to transfer into and out of your home. It’s also a spot where water and moisture could potentially get in. Because spray foam insulation is impermeable to water, you don’t have to worry about water getting through those cracks and into your home. If flooding does occur in a specific area, spray foam insulation won’t soak up the water, unlike natural fiber insulation. This also makes it an effective mold deterrent—if it’s not soaking up any moisture, you don’t have to worry about mold or mildew forming in it.
Long lasting: Spray foam insulation will last for decades without losing any of its high-quality performance. This is just another way you can save money over time with spray foam, because it lasts longer than other types of insulation.
If you’re interested in learning more about why you should consider installing spray foam insulation in your home this fall, reach out to Ace Insulation Inc. to speak with an experienced spray foam insulation contractor in northern California today. We look forward to assisting you soon!
We’ve officially reached fall, which means winter is going to be here before you know it. While we might not see quite as severe of weather in the wintertime as they do in the mountains or in the Midwest, cold weather will still definitely be hitting sooner or later, and it’s important to make sure your home is prepared to handle it.
One of the best things you can do to your home to help you stay comfortable year-round is to ensure you have high-quality insulation lining all of your exterior walls and rafters. If you notice your energy bills are high, it can be a good idea for you to check your insulation and consider making some improvements. With this in mind, here’s a quick overview of the various types of insulation you can choose from when working with a spray foam insulation contractor in Northern California to prepare your home for fall and winter.
Spray foam
Spray foam insulation has been rapidly becoming more popular over the past decade or two, and today it’s the most effective insulation you’ll find on the market in terms of R-value (the measure of air temperature retention in a space). It provides a high-quality seal and moisture barrier, and when sprayed onto an area will expand to fill all little nooks and crannies, which makes it an ideal solution for areas that might otherwise have obstacles that would get in the way of traditional insulation rolls.
The major downside of spray foam insulation is that it’s the most expensive option on the market. However, its greater effectiveness and long-lasting nature make it worth the additional cost in most cases.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass insulation is still the most common choice for homeowners. It’s effective and inexpensive, with a reasonable R-value and a price point that lowers how much of an investment you have to put into it.
The downside is that it’s not quite as versatile as spray foam. It’s best used in large, flat areas without multiple cross beams, outlets or wires. In some cases, people will combine the use of fiberglass and spray foam insulation materials to ensure effective coverage.
Natural fiber
Natural fiber insulation is still pretty common, and usually comes in the form of cellulose (from recycled plant fibers) and cotton (often from recycled denim). This insulation has a similar R-value to what you’d find from fiberglass, and it’s a common choice for people focusing on eco-friendliness, as it uses recycled, natural materials. It is another type of blown-in insulation, which makes it popular for insulating areas that have a lot of obstacles, such as wires and outlets.
However, this type of insulation should never be exposed to moisture, which means it should not be used to insulate areas that are likely to see any leaks. It will develop mildew or mold if not dried out thoroughly after water exposure.
For more information about the various types of insulation on the market, or to schedule an appointment with a spray foam insulation contractor in Northern California, reach out to Ace Insulation Inc. today.
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.
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