Insulation Services
Insulation services help prevent air from leaking into or out of homes and buildings. This reduces energy costs and increases comfort.
Find an insulation contractor that has experience working on your type of home. Ask how long they have been in business and if they offer a lifetime warranty. For professional assistance, call Insulation Contractors Houston.
There are several types of insulation to choose from, including rolled fibreglass, cellulose, spray foam, and mineral wool.
Fibreglass is one of the most common insulation materials used for homes and commercial buildings. It is made from sand and glass particles that are heated and spun into very thin fibres. The insulation can be moulded into various shapes and sizes to fit the space it will be installed in. Some versions of fibreglass insulation also contain a fire retardant to meet code requirements and reduce the risk of smoke inhalation in the event of an accident or fire.
This type of insulation is available in rolled batts and loose-fill varieties. It can be installed in open walls and attics to help reduce the amount of energy needed to keep a building warm or cool. It is typically less expensive than other types of insulation and has a very long lifespan when properly installed.
It is important to work with a professional when installing fibreglass. This will ensure the correct installation methods are used and all considerations have been taken into account. In addition, it is recommended to wear a respirator when handling fibreglass, as the particles can easily penetrate the skin and cause irritation.
Fibreglass can be used to insulate a variety of spaces, including walls, attics, and floors. It is particularly popular in new construction projects as it can be quickly installed between studs, joists, and other framing members before the finishing walls are added. It can also be installed in finished walls and attics to improve energy efficiency and decrease utility bills.
This insulation is also water-resistant and can withstand damage from a variety of sources, including rain. It will not retain moisture, so it is a good choice for areas that are susceptible to mould and mildew growth. In the event of a flood, fibreglass can be easily dried and returned to normal.
The main benefit of this type of insulation is its ability to resist heat flow. It can be applied to various surfaces and is often the most affordable option for residential spaces. However, it does not provide as much protection against sound transmission as other types of insulation. This is especially true for areas of a home that are frequently used, such as kitchens and living rooms.
Cellulose
Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper and is a popular choice among green builders and energy efficiency experts. It can be blown into both open attic areas and wall cavities, allowing for complete coverage and a high R-value, meaning your home will be more comfortable and energy efficient all year. In addition, cellulose is treated with a non-toxic borate solution, giving it a Class 1 fire safety rating—the highest available. This ensures your family’s safety and also makes cellulose insulation mould and pest-resistant.
A specialized blower is used to distribute the cellulose in an even layer across the attic space, ensuring there are no gaps or voids. Unlike fibreglass batts, which are not as effective when installed in open attic spaces, blown-cellulose insulation is more effective and provides better air sealing. This means your attic will not only be more insulated, but it will also be much easier to maintain and keep clean.
Insulation services are typically performed by trained professional installers who use a specialized blower to deliver the material in an evenly distributed layer. They will carefully review the completed insulated area to ensure that all areas have been properly covered and that the thickness of the insulation meets recommended R-values. In addition, a cellulose insulation contractor will inspect the entire attic space to check for any issues that could affect the effectiveness of the new blown-in cellulose insulation.
Blown-in cellulose is also very popular for retrofit walls and cathedral ceilings. For these installations, installers remove a strip of exterior siding approximately waist-high; drill a row of three-inch holes, one in each stud cavity; insert a special filler tube; and then blow the cellulose into the building cavity to a density of 1.5 to 3.5 lb. per cubic foot. The holes are then sealed with a plug, and the siding is replaced.
In general, blown cellulose is more expensive than fibreglass batts, but it’s worth it for the superior quality and high R-value that it offers. In addition, cellulose is more environmentally friendly than other types of insulation because it is mainly made from recycled newspaper.
Foam
Spray foam, a popular choice for insulating homes, provides an airtight seal and reduces the transfer of heat and sound. It also prevents mould growth, reduces condensation, and lowers energy costs. Foam insulation can be installed in a variety of ways, including in attics and walls or as an exterior wrap for wood-framed buildings. In addition to reducing energy costs, spray foam can also protect the foundation of a home from moisture and help prevent water damage.
There are several different types of spray foam, including open-cell and closed-cell. The difference between the two lies in their density and chemical makeup. Closed-cell spray foam is more expensive, but it is an effective thermal and acoustic insulator. It is also water- and vapour-resistant, making it suitable for use on the exterior of a building.
The type of spray foam insulation you choose depends on the size and complexity of the job. It is important to discuss the insulation options with a professional and get a price quote. It is also helpful to have the contractor perform a blower door test to pinpoint problems that may need to be addressed before applying the insulation.
When hiring a spray foam insulation company, find out how long the applicators have been with the business. Avoid companies that hire inexperienced workers because they may end up providing shoddy work. You should also ask about their training and whether they are certified to handle hazardous materials.
When looking for a spray foam insulation contractor, look for a company with multiple accreditations. The National Insulation Association and the Spray Polyurethane Federation are organizations that offer certifications for contractors. Choosing a contractor with these accreditations shows that the company is committed to its industry and has a proven track record of success. A good contractor will also provide you with references and photographs of homes they have insulated, as well as a detailed description of the procedure it uses to address insulation issues. It is also a good idea to ask about the company’s warranty coverage. This will ensure that the contractor will fix any problems that arise from the work it does.
Mineral Wool
A popular option for insulating a home is mineral wool insulation. This type of insulation is made from rock or slag that has been heated and spun like cotton candy to create fibres. It is then put into battens and used in new construction or added to existing homes. It has a high R-value and provides excellent energy efficiency, especially in homes with wood framing. It also has a fire-retardant property, which makes it ideal for applications that demand a high degree of fire safety.
Unlike fibreglass batts, which are limp, soft blankets that must be stapled or hung, mineral wool batts are stiffer and easier to install. They are also better at filling a wall space than any spray or blown-in product. This is the best way to maximize the R-value of a stud wall, and it creates an airtight envelope for the home.
It is also environmentally friendly and non-toxic. Its production process uses 85 percent recycled slag and 15 percent raw basalt. It is odourless, and EPA testing confirms that it does not contain harmful chemicals. It is also non-combustible, making it a great choice for avoiding toxic smoke and gases during a house fire. It is resistant to mould and fungus, and it has superior acoustic properties, keeping sound out of the home.
When installing mineral wool, it is important to follow proper safety procedures. These include wearing a dust mask, gloves, and protective clothing. Fibreglass insulation can cause irritation to the skin and eyes, and inhaling the microscopic slivers can lead to respiratory problems. It is also recommended to wash your clothes after working with fibreglass insulation.
