Category: Spray foam insulation

As you look through your insulation options for your home, you’ll find you have a number of different choices for the type of insulation and the processes used to install it. Two of the most popular types are blown-in and spray foam insulation in Petaluma, CA.

If you’re going to go with one of these types of insulating materials, you’ll need to understand how they stack up to each other to choose the best for your particular needs. With this in mind, here’s a quick overview of each of these insulation materials, their strengths and how they differ from each other.

Blown-in insulation

Blown-in insulation typically comes in the form of fiberglass and/or cellulose, and gets installed in smaller chunks with the use of a machine and a hose that runs up into the attic. This is a process you cannot take on yourself—you’ll need professional insulation contractors to get the job done correctly, safely and efficiently.

Neither fiberglass nor cellulose has particularly good R-values when compared to the R-values of spray foam insulation. Typically you’ll find R-values of about three or four per inch, and sometimes even a little less than that.

That doesn’t mean blown-in insulation can’t be effective, though—you’ll find it does not leave as much of a gap as other types of insulation do, including batt insulation. It is also more environmentally friendly than other types of insulation, because cellulose is made from recycled paper. This helps you cut back on your environmental impact when performing a new insulation job. It is also more cost-effective than a material like cotton.

If you use fiberglass insulation with the blown-in method, there are some potential health risks—breathing in fiberglass particles could result in respiratory conditions. In addition, the insulation isn’t meant for lifetime use—it’ll usually only last about 10 to 25 years, and prolonged exposure of the insulation to moisture could lead to decaying and mold growth, which could also cause respiratory issues.

Spray foam insulation

Like blown-in insulation, spray foam insulation installation requires the services of experienced contractors to complete the job effectively and safely. This type of insulation is usually made of polyurethane. It fills cracks and gaps in spaces to create a hermetically sealed barrier. In fact, when you spray it out, it expands to become up to 10 times its previous size, which is what makes it so beneficial for filling these cracks.

Another big benefit of spray foam insulation is its R-value, which is the highest you’ll find in the world of insulation. Closed cell spray foam delivers an R-value of about six or seven per inch. What’s more, this benefit will last a lifetime—up to 80 years, so long as the insulation is done properly.

Finally, closed cell spray foam offers an effective barrier against moisture, and prevents mold and mildew growth.

For more information about how blown-in and spray foam insulation in Petaluma, CA compare to each other, contact Ace Insulation Inc. today. We look forward to helping you!

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!

Summer is a popular time for homeowners to consider adding new insulation to help lower their energy bills and prepare for colder weather in the upcoming winter months. One of the toughest choices is determining which type of insulation is the right one.

More and more homeowners are opting for spray foam insulation over other types of insulation products because it is considered to be the most effective type of insulation on the market. However, spray foam insulation in Petaluma, CA can get a little complicated.

Here are some of the most important things to know about spray foam insulation before you commit to the investment for your home.

What is spray foam insulation?

Spray foam insulation is a chemically based insulation product that is created by mixing two synthetic materials together. The result is a thick layer of thermal insulation that is extremely effective at blocking heat.

Unlike other types of insulation, spray foam insulation will expand to fill all the nooks and crannies it is sprayed into, leaving no room for gaps or leaks and creating a thick air barrier.

There are two types of insulation: open-cell and closed-cell spray foam. Which one you choose will determine how effective the insulation is in your home.

Open-cell insulation is less common and offers a lower R-value (or resistance to heat flow) to homeowners. This type of insulation is much softer and squishier, making it better for hard-to-reach spaces because it expands, but it is not ideal for installation in the entire home. It’s also not dense enough to be totally waterproof, so it can let water seep through.

On the other hand, closed-cell insulation is a very popular type because of its increased density and higher R-value than both open-cell foam and other insulation types on the market. Closed-cell insulation is more durable, and can even aid in the structural integrity of your house.

Both open- and closed-cell spray foam insulation in Petaluma, CA will be more expensive to install right away. However, homeowners often experience a significant return on investment due to the more efficient insulation.

Who should install the insulation?

Installing spray foam insulation is not exactly an easy DIY project. This process is probably best left to the professionals because the chemicals need to be mixed perfectly to produce the best results.

Spray foam insulation can be installed during new home construction or within an existing home, usually in the attic. Because of its versatility, it can be applied in both vertical and horizontal openings.

Major benefits

Spray foam insulation offers a number of benefits. Here’s a closer look at four of the biggest advantages it provides:

• Tight fit: Both open- and closed-cell insulation can be installed essentially anywhere, even in the smallest spaces or corners of your home, leaving no nook unprotected.
• Lower energy bills: Spray foam’s higher R-value and increased efficiency at sealing small holes and cracks usually results in significant cost savings for the homeowner through their energy bill.
• Water-resistant: Closed-cell insulation is water-resistant, meaning mold will not grow on it and the insulation and surrounding structures won’t get damaged by leaking water.
• Durable: Spray foam insulation is very durable, with the ability to last over 20 years without needing to replace sections. This results in a greater return on investment for you.

If you would like to learn more about installing spray foam insulation in Petaluma, CA, call Ace Insulation Inc. Our experienced team of experts can handle any of your insulation needs, whether you require fiberglass, spray foam or loose fill in your home or commercial space. Call us today!

When it comes to insulating your new commercial building, you know choosing the right type is an important decision. Installing insulation with too low of an R-value, or resistance to heat flow, can lead to higher energy bills and uncomfortable conditions inside the space. Commercial insulation also needs to be top-notch when it comes to fire resistance, noise reduction and more.

While there are many options for insulation available, one of the most popular in the commercial world today is K-13, a special type of spray insulation in Petaluma, CA.

About K-13

Created by the International Cellulose Corporation (ICC), K-13 is a spray-applied cellulose insulation that offers a wide variety of benefits. It’s used primarily in commercial buildings to insulate ceilings because it acts as an exposed finish and can be applied to almost any surface that is properly prepared, including wood, metal and glass. No other materials are necessary to complete the interior look of walls and ceilings when K-13 is spray-installed.

K-13 spray insulation is made from recycled natural cellulose fibers mixed with chemical treatments and a binding adhesive. When it is sprayed into the insulation area, the insulation creates dead air space between the fibers and fills cracks and seams to provide ample insulation.

This type of insulation is ideal for thicknesses between ¾ inch and 5 inches and provides R-values between 3 and 19. Additionally, K-13 has a High-R system for higher R-value insulation options.

K-13 offers both thermal and acoustic benefits, which makes it an excellent choice for commercial spaces that need to be cognizant of their energy usage as well as the noise that travels through the building.

Additionally, K-13 offers condensation control, enhanced durability, interesting texture and a number of color choices to fit perfectly in your commercial space. Even better, its installation cost is typically lower than that of similar alternative insulation products on the market.

Due to the complex process of mixing the fibers and chemicals with the adhesive, K-13 must be installed by a factory-licensed professional with required specialized machines and nozzles. This is not a DIY type of insulation project.

Benefits of installing K-13 insulation

K-13 insulation offers commercial building owners numerous benefits when they choose to use this spray insulation in Petaluma, CA:

• Durability: K-13 insulation does not need mechanical support to hold itself in place, but is very strong and long lasting. Most installations can last decades.
• Different colors: While most other insulation products on the market are hidden behind walls and only come in one color, K-13 is available in numerous colors and can even be customized to match the building’s interior.
• Versatility: Because K-13 can be applied on virtually any prepared surface, it is extremely versatile in terms of application and building construction use.
• Noise reduction: The fibers in K-13 absorb sound rather than reflect it, helping to reduce noise levels within the building.
• Eco-friendly: K-13 is made with 80 percent recycled materials, making it a “green” alternative to other types of insulation. Additionally, the adhesives don’t decrease indoor air quality, and the production of K-13 uses lower amounts of energy.

If you are interested in learning more about spray insulation in Petaluma, CA, call Ace Insulation Inc. Our experienced team of experts can handle any of your insulation needs, whether you require fiberglass, spray foam or loose fill in your home or commercial space. Call us today!

Insulation is insulation, right? Wrong! There are tons of different types and brands out there. Some types of insulation are better than others, and are better for different areas in your home. If you’re building a house or if you’re thinking about adding more insulation to your current home, the following information will help you figure out which type of insulation is best for you and your home.

What types of insulation are there?

Before we dive into which insulation you should install, it’d be helpful to learn a little bit about some of the most common types of insulation:

• Spray foam: By and large, spray insulation in Petaluma, CA is some of the best insulation on the market. It expands to fill even the smallest cracks, so you can rest easy knowing that you shouldn’t have to deal with any outside air creeping in.
• Batts: Insulation batts are precut sections of fiberglass or rock wool insulation. Even the most inexperienced folks can install these batts, so they’re great for homeowners who have a DIY itch.
• Rolls: Insulation rolls are another option. Similar to batts, they’re easy to install for anyone with a can-do work ethic and a bit of extra time on their hands.
• Blown-in insulation: Made of fiberglass or rock wool, blown-in insulation is a solid choice if you’re insulating hard to reach places. We’re experts at installing blown-in insulation—get in touch with us today if you think this might be the best option for you.

Budget

Obviously, your budget is something you’ve got to keep in mind for any home improvement project. If you just want to add insulation on the cheap, spray foam isn’t your best bet. Spray foam is fairly expensive, and typically requires professional installation. On the other hand, it’s also the most effective insulation, so it’s one of those “you get what you pay for” situations. If you’re just looking to add some insulation without breaking the bank, consider batts or insulation rolls; they’re not too expensive, and you can install them yourself. Give us a call today to get a quote for spray foam or blown-in installation!

Location

Where your insulation is going is just as important as your budget. Different types of insulation are more effective in different locations around the house:

• Small cracks: Spray foam is your go-to insulation for filling any small cracks. As mentioned above, it expands upon installation and blocks any air from coming in or going out. Though it’s great for small cracks, people across the country are starting to use it for all of their insulation needs. Its high R-value along with its fireproof and waterproof qualities make it a fantastic choice.
• Attics: Insulating your attic is a must. Unfortunately, it can be difficult in those hard to reach areas. That’s where blown-in insulation can come in to play! Blown-in insulation quickly fills in all of those nooks and crannies in the back of your attic, where other types of insulation can’t reach.
• Walls: Though spray foam is getting more and more popular, batts of insulation are still the number one choice for walls. As long as they’re cut properly, they fit like a glove in between the studs of your walls.

Whether you’re looking to install blown-in insulation or spray insulation in Petaluma, CA, let Ace Insulation Inc. install it for you! We have years of experience in the business, so you can trust that the job will be done right the first time.