If you’re looking for a great way to keep your home insulated and your utility bills down this winter, it might be time to think about installing spray foam insulation in Petaluma, CA. An experienced insulation company can get the job done in no time, and you’ll be enjoying a warm home all winter long before you know it.
What is spray foam insulation?
Spray polyurethane foam, often abbreviated as SPF, is created through a mixture of chemicals that, when activated, turn into foam. This foam in turn provides an effective barrier against air and moisture that can often seep in through small cracks, joints or seams.
It is particularly effective for walls, curved surfaces and corners, as it can fill in even the smallest areas effectively.
How is it created?
There are two liquids that come in different containers (usually referred to as “A” and “B” sides). The “A” side generally has methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (pMDI). The “B” side generally contains a variety of ingredients, including surfactant, polyols, flame retardant, catalysts and a blowing agent. This side also has ingredients to help the reaction produce good foam bubbles in the required specifications.
When the drums of liquid are mixed together, they react immediately and produce foam that rapidly hardens.
How can it help me?
More and more homeowners each year are finding that SPF is a very efficient option for insulation, as it cuts down on energy costs and makes their homes more comfortable. If you want to ensure that all the little crevices of your home are covered, and that you are getting good quality insulation, SPF just might be your top option.
What else should I know?
If you decide to go with SPF, you have a variety of options! This is where it’s a great idea to call in a professional company that has experience with spray foam insulation in Petaluma, CA. They will be able to advise you on your best options.
For example, SPF can come in both high-pressure and low-pressure varieties, and can be closed-cell or open-cell foam. Closed-cell spray foam has a higher rigidity strength, and medium density. Open-cell foam has lower rigidity and is best applied in spaces where water won’t get in. Both types are good for absorbing sound and blocking air from leaking into the house. Your insulation company can give you all the details and make an informed recommendation for you.
A note on safety
Spray foam is incredibly effective insulation option, but it’s also one that must be treated with respect. Due to its chemical nature, it is best to have a professional perform its installation. The process involves special equipment and ventilation, and you’ll want to plan ahead to leave the home for as long as your contractor recommends while they perform the installation and cleanup.
Ace Insulation Inc. is here to meet all of your insulation needs, including spray foam insulation installation. Give us a call or stop by to find out more about what we can do for you.
Spray foam insulation in Petaluma, CA is quickly becoming one of the most popular insulation options, especially in homes with zero net energy potential. Before you commit to this type of insulation, it is beneficial to know both sides of the coin, so that when you are ready to insulate your home, you are well informed.
While spray foam insulation offers a number of benefits, two of the most important are its potential for cost savings and its ability to bring new-home efficiency to older structures:
- Cost savings: The biggest benefit of spray foam insulation is the amount of money you will save each year. Because the insulation will become the fortress that locks in the perfect temperature for your family year-round, you will immediately see the savings on your energy bill. You will spend far less on heating your home in the wintertime, and your air conditioning will operate much more effectively during the summer, because you won’t have to push the thermostat to the limit to achieve the desired coolness.
- Making the old new again: If you are living in an older home, you probably know a thing or two about drafty winters, or having to crank the AC all the way up in the summer to keep the house cool. Spray foam insulation is the perfect solution for aging homes. Instead of having to spend big bucks replacing an older HVAC system, you can have spray foam insulation installed to seal up any cracks and crevices in your attic, around your doors and windows and in your basement. This will add a boost to your current HVAC system and it will continue to run with efficiency without having to tear the whole thing down and purchase a brand new one. With this insulation, your HVAC system can work nearly as well as it did when it was first installed, and your home will retain warmth in the winter and trap the cool air in the summer.
At the same time, there are some aspects of spray foam insulation in Petaluma, CA that might make you second guess whether this is the best option for your home:
- Cost of installation: While spray foam insulation will undoubtedly save your family money over the long term, it should be considered an investment, as it is pricier than some of the other types of insulation on the market. Because it is a long-term solution that will produce energy savings for years to come, it is an expensive process to have it installed. The materials used are also of a higher quality than other insulations, so the installation will cost more up front.
- Chemicals: The spray foam insulation is petroleum-based, and because of this, it must be treated like all other products with similar qualities. As with anything petroleum-based, there is a risk of a fire escalating once it comes into contact with these materials. Because of this heightened risk, fire-retardant chemicals have been added for safety, but these chemicals themselves can come with added health and environment risks.
The highly trained professionals at Ace Insulation Inc. will make sure your spray foam insulation is installed correctly and safely to minimize any risks you and your family might face. Installing spray foam insulation in Petaluma, CA is a cost-saving decision that you will not regret. Call us today to learn more!
A balanced and comfortable indoor temperature is the main reason homeowners use quality insulation products. But while selecting home insulation in Petaluma, CA may seem easy enough to do, there are indeed differences between the types of materials. Let’s look at spray foam and fiberglass insulation, which are two common options.
Spray foam insulation
- Versatility: Spray foam is the one insulation material that offers great versatility in your home. Did you know that this type of lightweight insulation was originally designed for and applied to military aircraft? Spray foam easily adheres to the surfaces it is sprayed onto, and unlike other insulation options, spray foam also stops air leaks—hence its popularity for aircraft use. Because of its spray-on application, it can be applied to open ceilings or in closed attics and walls.
- Energy efficiency: With proper installation, spray foam insulation is exceedingly effective at keeping in cool air or warm air and aides in reducing noise. Comfortable temperatures, little to no air leakage and less noise is all thanks to the insulation spray reaching and settling into every nook and cranny of a space. And according to studies dedicated to understanding energy savings, spray foam can help you save up to 40 percent on your home energy costs, leading to reduced monthly bills.
- Cost: The costs associated with new construction of a home or commercial building can add up quickly, especially since spray foam requires professional installation. While spray foam insulation is inexpensive, it is just as effective (if not more effective) as many other types of insulation materials, and it almost immediately proves to be a quality choice for your home or business. Also, if you have this insulation installed, check with the county you reside in to find out about a possible tax credit.
Fiberglass insulation
- Versatility: Since fiberglass is rolled out or blanketed into a space, it can be laid over an area and then cut to fit directly into different sized spaces. But an installer should be careful with their cutting so the shaped fiberglass can create a tight fit for temperature and noise control between beams, electric sockets and ductwork.
- Energy efficiency: Although less energy efficient than spray foam, fiberglass insulation is rather effective for homes that are not in areas where extreme cold is common. You can use it in the attic and interior walls for a moderate level of energy savings, making it a better option than having no insulation at all.
- Cost: Fiberglass continues to be a popular choice for home and commercial building insulation. The material itself is cheaper than spray foam, plus homeowners who prefer to do their own home improvement work have had success installing rollout fiberglass insulation themselves. When you do the labor, you save money on installation, but it’s important to consider your capabilities. Can you do the job right without having to call for help halfway through? Don’t use this project as practice—you may end up adding on the costs instead of saving.
When it’s time for new home insulation in Petaluma, CA, give the team at Ace Insulation Inc. a call for more information on insulation options like spray foam and fiberglass.
There are many different decisions that come into play when completing a construction or remodeling project for your home or business. One of the most important choices you will have to make is what type of insulation to install. Insulation is the padding between a structure’s walls that stops the transfer of air from the inside to the outside, and vice versa. This important part of your property helps regulate temperature and energy efficiency.
While there are several popular forms of insulation, each type offers unique benefits. Whether you’re looking for fiberglass or spray foam insulation in Petaluma, CA, it is important to know the differences between various types so that you can make the right choice for your property.
Spray foam insulation
Spray foam insulation in Petaluma, CA is a relatively new type of material that can be used as a primary or supportive method of insulation for a property. The insulation process starts with the foam being sprayed onto open walls and ceilings. There, the polyurethane material expands, making an air-tight and sometimes moisture-tight seal. This type of material can be applied in small areas around windows and door frames, or throughout the interior of every wall and ceiling in a building. For larger projects, professional help is essential in correctly installing the insulation.
Spray foams can be expensive when compared to other kinds of insulation, and their installation can be messy or difficult if you try to do it yourself. However, this type of foam is one of the best choices if you are looking for an energy efficient and long-lasting insulation option. Because it expands once it touches a surface, the foam is able to fill corners and cracks that other insulation cannot reach. This means, when properly installed, it offers more protection against air leaks.
Fiberglass insulation
Fiberglass insulation is a more traditional option for property owners. Most people are familiar with this type of insulation, and it is especially common in residential properties. Fiberglass contains many glass fibers and is available in blankets or rolls that can be placed into new construction and attics. During its installation, the insulation is carefully cut and fitted to the frame of a building, and provides a loose fit into its structure.
Fiberglass is one of the most affordable types of insulation, and is comparatively easy to install. Also, many people choose this type of insulation because they are most familiar with it, and have used it previously. However, there can be certain drawbacks to fiberglass insulation. In some cases, fiberglass is not as effective as spray foam at preventing leaks in the flow of air in and out of your home. Also, this type of insulation disintegrates at a faster rate after installation than polyurethane spray foam.
If you are working on a construction or remodeling project and need to decide which type of insulation is best for your property, it is wise to consult a professional for guidance. For more information on insulation installation, please call the professionals at Ace Insulation Inc today.
