Insulation Advice

Muna wa Wanjiru asked:


Styrofoam is an important part of the modern economy. It is a versatile product used for cups, plates and as insulation products. Architects often use Styrofoam in concrete forms because it has air pockets that make it excellent as an insulator. In roofs and slabs, it works as lightweight and durable panels that prevent the element from entering the interior. Whether it is cold or heat, Styrofoam is an excellent insulator.

Styrofoam insulation is a rigid polystyrene foam material. It is waterproof, efficient and lightweight in preventing the transfer of heat. For production of styrene seventy five percent benzene is used. The polystyrene is a monomer of Styrofoam. Styrofoam has unique capacity of maintaining the temperature of things as it is. The Styrofoam is used in form of pipe insulation, sheeted wall insulation, ground flake insulation etc.

Styrofoam has great R-value, thermal efficiency. R-value defined “a measure a substance’s insulating value or resistance to heat flow, the insulating ability”. Styrofoam has cavity insulation between the studs. It provides rigid insulation of entire wall and energy efficiency. Styrofoam insulation has highest moisture resistance than any foam plastic insulation. It provides long term insulating systems. Other insulations has many drawbacks for example, polysiocyanuarate provides nutrient source for molds. This is not the case with Styrofoam insulation. It has a high compressive strength and unparallel resistance for water penetration.

Styrofoam insulation is done using Styrofoam sheets. These Styrofoam insulation sheets are available in many different shapes. Common dimensions of these Styrofoam insulation sheets are 48 inches in width, 50 feet length and have thickness of 3 inches. .  There are two ways by which these Styrofoam insulation sheets can be installed, it can be installed outside foundation walls or can be attached to outside building frames. Over this rigid Styrofoam, the light blocking material should be installed as siding or as protective panels over the foam. This blocking material will prevent degradation of Styrofoam caused by sunlight. When these width, length and thickness ratios are in relation to all other aspects it helps in prevention of energy loss.

Styrofoam insulation has a unique closed-cell structure. it totally resists moisture and water vapour Styrofoam insulation. This insulation will not rot or allows development of fungi or mildew. It permanently retains 97% of its R-value, even if it is installed in damp environment. It gives you maintenance for your house or office. Styrofoam insulation is strong enough, so it can be used in all insulation applications like walls, roofs, ceilings and load bearing areas under the slabs and wooden floors. Styrofoam insulation will not sag or slump. No other insulation material can match strength of Styrofoam insulation.

Since Styrofoam insulation provides both vapor barrier and thermal insulation, there is no need of foil or fiberglass used together or separately. It is versatile, allows choice of wide range of construction methods can be used for ground up. Low thermal conductivity minimizes the thickness required. These Styrofoam insulation sheets are easy to handle, cut and store on site.



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Martin Applebaum asked:


Every home needs home insulation. However, there are several types from which to choose. We will go over a few of them in this article. Insulation is meant to reduce the flow of heat out of your home and into your home. Some of the particular types include fiberglass, rigid foam boards and liquid foam.

It is important to decide which the best home insulation for your house is. One factor that will help make the decision is the particular climate you live in. An effectively insulated home is an energy efficient and much more comfortable home to live in.

The best way to determine which home insulation is best for your climate is to contact your state or local energy conservation office.

Fiberglass home insulation comes in rolls or batts. These are to be installed between floor joists or in wall cavities. There are safety hazards when working with this type of insulation. Make sure you wear a dust mask or a respirator so that you do not breathe in any of the particles. In addition, wear long sleeves and gloves to protect your skin.

Rigid foam home insulation is also known as foam boards. They are more commonly used to insulate the foundation of a home because of their water resistance abilities. Another popular use of this type of insulation is for exterior insulation on walls or under siding. They must be fit tightly together to avoid any loss of energy.

Rigid foam home insulation has a higher R-value than fiberglass, which is why many homeowners and builders prefer to use it.

Liquid foam home insulation is sprayed in a thin layer onto a wall. It is then left alone to expand and fill the wall cavity before anything is added over top of the insulation. One of the main advantages of this type is that once it is applied you do not need to worry about it settling or moving. It provides an airtight seal. It is also quick to apply if you have the experience.

Most home insulation can be installed by a good do it yourselfer. However, many contractors have a lot of experience if you are not comfortable with the job.



spray insulation

Andrew Stratton asked:


Spray Foam Insulation : Industries have decided to bring the best quality products and the most affordable insulation to home-owners across the county. Traditional materials made from fiberglass or cellulose can insulate the house but can damage the environment. Many such industries have decided to create quality products with the highest renewable resource content to encourage homeowners to purchase a product that protects the environment.

The Benefits of Spray Foam

Many contractors are using spray-on insulation, made of polyurethane froth, which is the same kind of appliance that manufacturers have used in refrigerators and water heaters. It can be used as an insulating and air sealing product for residential wall and ceiling cavities. The insulation is sprayed onto the wall cavities thereby expanding it. The liquid is sprayed through a nozzle into wall, ceiling, and floor cavities where it expands to fill every nook and cranny. Because it expands into tight areas, and its froth is ideal for insulating steel framing and outlets. This product can seal and fill tiny unseen cracks and seams, eliminating energy-wasting air filtration. Excess froth is scraped off the sides to form a uniform wall cavity. It makes it easy to completely fill wall cavities with insulation and to also perform air sealing. It is applied as a liquid which contains a polymer and a foaming agent.

The foam product also helps control moisture condensation because it does not shrink or settle. It is fire resistant and reduces heating and cooling costs significantly and its thermal seal keeps cold air in and unwanted air out. Spray on insulation has also been known to improve indoor air quality, thereby decreasing the likelihood of allergies. It also has high quality sound control, and significantly reduces dust, mold and mildew accumulation. Most importantly, the froth from the spray has been known to help the economy and the environment by using recycled materials in the froth. The containers are usually also recycled. Those who use this product are committed to providing quality renewable resource based building materials.

The Costs of Spray Foam Insulation

If an individual decides to get spray foam product, they must understand that the initial product costs may be higher than with traditional devices. But this foam product is not a do-it-yourself project and therefore homeowners will have to hire a contractor certified in applying this new technology. Since this is a fairly new product, there may not be many contractors in the area who can apply insulation. This is also a complicated and messy process, so it may be easier and more effective in new construction rather than existing homes. Furthermore, froth insulation in sidewalls may cause difficulties to contractors who are not familiar with its properties. The initial cost of using this foam product is about three times more than traditional materials. Even though it is more expensive, the insulation could lower your utility bill by as much as 30 percent, paying back the cost difference in energy savings in a few years from now.



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Muna wa Wanjiru asked:


If your home is freezing cold in the winter and blistering hot in the summer, then you need an effective insulation system for your home. Many homes have old insulation system or no insulation at all. Old insulation system looses some or complete effectiveness with passing years. There are many different types of insulation systems are available, cocoon insulation is one them.

Heat enters in or out of your home walls through cracks and crevices around electrical sockets, windows, light fixtures and cracks at wall –ceiling junction. Ordinary insulation develops cracks after some years, which allows air to pass through, which destroys the insulating ability of home.

Much insulation available in market is hazardous to environment as they are made up some compound that releases some gases. These emitted gases can cause depletion of ozone layer. Cocoon insulation is made up of non-toxic natural product. Main component of cocoon insulation is 80% recovered, post-consumer paper fiber. This decreases some amount of landfill waste. Other than used paper, cocoon insulation contains fire retardant chemicals and stabilizing additives. Each 50 sq. ft bag contains equivalent about 45-50 Sunday newspapers. These wasted newspapers are preceded by electrically driven mills that require relatively little energy for operations.

Installation of cocoon insulation

Cocoon insulation can be blown on attics and crawl spaces and with carefully controlled pressure; it can be professionally sprayed on wall cavities and attics in new construction. Cocoon insulation is eco-friendly material that is installed at a high density. It provides complete coverage. There are no voids in the walls. All wires and plumbing penetration are automatically & completely sealed. Professionally installed application is comfortable, air tight, energy sufficient and safe. Cocoon insulation provides pleasant indoor environment. An entire house can be insulated in one day.  While applying cocoon insulation windows, doors and electrical boxes must be well protected with plastic sheets and tape before installation. Blowing fibers of cocoon insulation can irritate the respiratory tract and eyes so protective mask and goggles are must.

Advantages of cocoon insulation

The most important advantage of cocoon insulation is that it eco-friendly. As it is made up of used paper, it removes tons of newsprint from waste stream each year. Very less energy is required for this cocoon insulation. If compared to other insulation like fiberglass insulation, cocoon insulation requires 8 times less energy.

Cocoon insulation is very safe. Since it is made up paper, many people think that it can easily catch fire. However, this cocoon insulation is treated with some chemical that gives this insulation permanent fire resistance. Many professionals consider that cocoon insulation is more fire safe than fiberglass insulation. This is because cocoon insulation is more tightly packed, so they effectively fill wall cavities of combustion air. This prevents spread of fire through framing cavities.

Cocoon insulation provides better resistance to air leakage. Since it is made up of cellulose fibers and cellular structure of wood is naturally more resistant to conduction of heat. That makes cocoon insulation a better insulation than others do.



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Andrew Stratton asked:


Today there are tons of new products derived from recycled and renewable resources that not only help the environment, but can help you save some serious cash. If you want to do more for the planet than just recycle cans and bring reusable grocery bags to the store, consider turning your house into a green project and what better place to start changing to greener alternatives than with the very walls of your own home?

Spray foam insulation is an earth-friendly building material that not only pays for itself but can even produce a healthy profit. It is made from recyclable and renewable materials and is an investment that will make your house more energy efficient and even add value to your property.

Most homes use fiberglass sheets for insulation. These wiry, pink fibers provide minimal climate control and have been known to cause health problems. The sharp material can irritate skin when touched, and loose particles can become caught in the throat, creating scars inside of the esophagus. Although it may seem like a great deal, since fiberglass is cheaper to install than other types of insulation, it comes apart easily, often needing to be partially or fully replaced.

Spray polyurethane foam, commonly referred to as SPF, is a spray-applied insulating foam plastic that is installed as a liquid and then expands many times its original size. It is extremely energy efficient because it easily fills cracks and openings on the surface, making a solid barrier to protect against outside elements.

The tight seal it creates makes it the most energy - efficient insulation available. You won’t have to crank up the heater or air conditioner like you have to with fiberglass. And it stays put. You probably will never have to worry about repairs or replacement.

Spray foam insulation also acts as a pest, moisture, and sound repellant. Because it seals so thoroughly, spray foam insulation makes it nearly impossible for insects and other critters to sneak into your home. You’ll spend next to nothing on pest control and won’t have to fill the air with harmful pesticides.

Likewise moisture doesn’t stand a chance against the armor-like spray foam. You won’t have to worry about mold, which can destroy your house. And the cushioned walls even easily absorb excess noise, ensuring that you can’t hear your neighbors and they can’t hear you.

Polyurethane insulation is not only durable, but very versatile. It can be sprayed onto ceilings and floors to add extra protection and insulation. Due to the messy nature of the product, it is highly recommended to have professionals perform the job.

The best way to get green is to start in with your own home, and spray foam insulation is the ideal, environmentally friendly choice. You’ll not only improve your home, but you’ll help save energy and will contribute to a product that serves to protect the planet. For a small investment, you can save big money over the years with the knowledge that you are contributing to a worthy cause.



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Muna wa Wanjiru asked:


Cellulose insulation is necessary to provide thermal protection. It is also necessary to control cost of operation. This method is used to increase homeowner comfort.

Most of homes of United States are built on cellulose insulation techniques. It provides many good choices to homeowners. In this method rock wool, plastic foams, cellulose and cotton insulation are used. These insulation materials are widely available in the market and they are available in many forms. These materials are sprayed, stapled, nailed and laid in the place to provide essential insulation. These choices will be depend on the type of insulation. 

The choice of insulation will highly depend on the insulation level of materials; this measurement is called R-value. R stands for resistance of the materials from heat and water. It has been found from the study that most of the heat from home is lost through conduction. Cellulose is most common cause of this energy loses. The R-value of cellulose material is 3.5 per square inch. There are many other causes of heat lose from home such as air leakage, cracks, gaps etc. These reasons are responsible for one-third energy lose from homes.  Cellulose insulation is a superb air locking method, this method prevent heat lose of homes. Sometimes due to wild air circulation, heat of home is lost. This phenomenon is different from air leakage where the heated air accumulation is actually excluded from the home.  In Cellulose insulation, cellulose is tightly packed to provide thermal efficiency and cost effectiveness. Cellulose insulation is 200 times more energy efficient than fiberglass insulation method, more importantly this method is environment friendly.

Cellulose insulation is a safe method. All cellulose is made by papers. They are chemically treated to make fire resistance. They are useful to provide necessary insulation. They are more fire safe than fiberglass. Cellulose is hygroscopic. It is able to soak water and chemicals.

Sometimes undetected leak can wet cellulose or chemicals, which are used to protect cellulose from fire and make it acidic in wet environment.  These are some precaution of cellulose insulation method.

The R-value of cellulose is better than the fiberglass; this is one of the important things about cellulose. On other hand the conductivity of fiberglass and cellulose is little bit similar which will depend on the density of the materials. The R-values of fiberglass is 2.0 per square inch. 

Choosing right cellulose is important part of Cellulose insulation method. The quality of cellulose is also necessary to get good results from cellulose insulation method. This method needs good cellulose preparation to achieve necessary insulation.

The top and bottom part of the house are the most important areas of insulation because maximum load pressures exit there. Insulation at the top of house is necessary because warm air rises most robustly high in the house. Similarly, most frequent replacement takes place at the lowest levels of the house. 

Sealing around the junction boxes, electric lights, fan housing, pipes and wires are some common preparation of Cellulose insulation method.  It is also necessary to seal intersections of wall plates and attic floor and use non-flammable materials.



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Mark Andrews asked:


Incorporate Thermal Insulation In The Construction of Your Roof And Building

In the fight against global warming, thermal insulation is critical to energy conservation and serves as a barrier to heat during warmer temperatures and the cold in cooler months. Installing insulation in your commercial building can significantly reduce your energy costs and save you money. Keeping your building properly insulated helps you fight rising energy costs and prevents weather damage due to moisture and bacteria.

Common signs of improper insulation include high energy bills and structural damage from moisture. Don’t incur unnecessary costs and damage when thermal insulation solutions are readily available.

Protect yourself inside and out

Your building should be insulated both on its exterior and interior, to maximize the protection that thermal insulation offers. Insulation board, cavity wall insulation, foil insulation and foam insulation are all thermal insulation materials that can be used on or in your building structure, providing you with a number of solutions that can be used in multiple locations.

Start at the top

Your roof serves as the primary defense in protecting your building from the elements of weather. During summer months the temperature on your roof can easily exceed 100 degrees, and that’s in the shade! Heat reflective paints and membranes are commonly used on the exterior surface of roofs to protect them from heat damage and high temperatures. Heat reflective paints not only lower the external temperature of roofs, but also deflect harmful ultra-violent rays and can repair minor to moderate existing roof damage.

Look within

Installing thermal installation in your building shouldn’t end with your roof. Foam insulation is typically dispensed using specially made tools that spray the foam, which then fills-in cavity walls and seals in air. The foam contains polymers that expand and will fill-in even the most air tight spaces. This type of thermal insulation is ideal in eliminating weather and water damage from wind and rain.

Insulation board is another economical and easy to use insulation product that can be used throughout your building. The rigid panels add thermal insulation and added strength by reducing the conduction of heat that can be transferred through other structural materials such as steel and wooden beams.

Thermal insulation is a great way to reduce your energy costs and protect the structure of your building for many years to come. Don’t let nature have its way with you, install thermal insulation throughout your building and reap the benefits of its protection.



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Andrew Stratton asked:


Everyone is going green, and many companies are making it easier than ever. If you want to do your part for the environment, a great way to start is right in your own home. With the advent of new technologies, there are now products available that will help keep the environment healthier without having to compromise your own comfort.

Spray foam insulation is one product for your home that has recently gone green. Spray foam insulation begins as liquid polyurethane that is then sprayed onto surfaces, creating a protective, insulating barrier. Since the foam is initially liquid, it easily covers all cracks and holes in the wall, covering a more thorough area than fiberglass or cellulose.

This means that your house will be more climate efficient. The heat will stay trapped inside during the cold months and the cool air will stay in during the summer. Not only will the temperature of your house be more comfortable, but you’ll save energy on your heating and cooling.

The most common and inexpensive insulation used today is fiberglass. While easily applied and somewhat successful in climate control, it can pose numerous health risks. When touched with bare skin, fiberglass often causes redness and itchiness. The biggest risk comes with inhaling the small fibers that often break off and float into the air.

Sometimes practically invisible to the eye, these loose fibers are sharp and barbed. If inhaled, fiberglass can create scarring in the throat, which is thought to be one of the potential causes of cancer. And because it is often pink in color with an unusual texture, loose fiberglass chunks can be enticing to small children if unsupervised.

Although spray foam insulation is initially more costly than traditional fiberglass, the energy you save will eventually pay for itself, as well as the additional tax benefits that are available for homeowners who are able to document their green efforts. There is also the added bonus that homes with spray foam insulation sale for better rates on the market. So while it will be an investment, in the future your environmental concern will pay off.

Although energy saving is one of the primary environmental benefits of spray foam insulation, many companies derive their foam from renewable resources. By using renewable and recyclable resources, spray foam manufacturers contribute back to both the economy and the environment.

The foam is pest and moisture resistant, insects cannot penetrate the thick surface and neither can water, preventing both roaches and mold from sneaking into your home. So not only does it pose no health risks for you and your family, but it can help you to maintain a cleaner, more hygienic house. It is also versatile, able to insulate not only walls but ceilings and floors as well.

If you’re looking for a way to contribute to the environment while simultaneously lowering your energy bills and boosting the value of your house, spray foam insulation will help you achieve your goals. Find an insulation professional that can help you turn your house green.



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Andrew Stratton asked:


According to the US Department of Energy, more than half of the energy cost of the average home goes into heating and cooling. Furthermore, 30% of the heating and cooling cost is the result of air infiltration. One of the newest advancements in home products, expanding spray foam insulation, can significantly reduce the amount of air leakage within a house.

Air leakage is often most noticeable during winter months. This is because it is during the winter that the maximum temperature difference exists between the warm interior and the cold exterior of a house. This maximum difference in temperature causes a large pressure discrepancy between a home’s inside and outside environments. In turn, this pressure discrepancy causes the warm inside air to be pushed through any small gaps to the cold laying outdoors. Therefore, these small gaps allow the heat which you paid for to escape from your house.

Expanding spray foam insulation can plug these small holes. The spray foam insulation accomplishes this task by expanding into the small gaps onto which it has been sprayed.

However, to be effective it may be helpful to understand where these small holes may occur. One often thinks of the spaces near a door or window when thinking about the possible locations where currents may arise. However, there may be other locations which are not as apparent. These other locations are usually less apparent because they are found within the attic, basement or crawlspace.

Indeed, almost any structure which acts as a passageway or opening can be a source of tiny currents. Besides the case of doors and windows, the Energy Star website provides a PDF file which lists eight places where air may leak from the warm interior of a home.

Holes used for wiring and pipes are examples of common locations through which currents may pass. The remaining six places associated with leakage include knee walls (a small wall usually under a meter in height), the access or doorway to the attic, recessed lighting and the box in which it is contained, the furnace flue and the passage ways containing air ducts and the boundary occurring between the home’s wood frames and foundation.

As mentioned earlier, spray foam insulation can fill small holes. However, care must be taken in its application. To be more specific, it should not be used at some of the areas listed above. For example, expanding spray foam insulation should not be used on doors or windows because it may damage these items as it expands. Additionally, it should not be used anywhere at which it is at risk of combusting. For example, it should not be used near the flue or near wiring.

Filling small holes and gaps reduces heating and cooling costs by lowering the amount of energy needed to heat and cool a home. Often this energy comes from sources which emit greenhouse gases. Therefore, as an additional benefit, preventing air leakage with spray foam insulation can help protect the environment.

When applied safely by a professional, spray foam insulation can substantially reduce heating and cooling costs, as well as to help protect the environment, by filling small gaps, holes and cracks through which air may be exchanged between the interior and exterior of a home.



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Andrew Stratton asked:


Building material technology is keeping up with the changing needs of our society. Those needs encompass a range of concerns, from safety to energy efficiency. Foam insulation spray is one of the building materials resulting from advances in our technology.

If you are constructing a home or business, foam insulation spray is a smart choice. As an insulator, it is fire resistant, energy efficient and greener than most traditional materials available.

Additionally, it is easy to install and you can even do it yourself if you are trying to save on labor costs. Regardless of your space or climate needs, this is one of the most beneficial products you can use.

An important safety feature in any structure is its ability to resist burning. In fire tests, foam insulation performed far better than structures left bare.

In the un-insulated floor joist structure, the fire penetrated the plywood roof in 9 minutes and 30 seconds.

Conversely, the spray-in insulator showed only sporadic burning after 3 minutes and 40 seconds and no penetration through the top of the structure. As a matter of fact, after 20 minutes, the flames burned themselves out, leaving only minimal charring on the test material. The integrity of the structure was not even compromised after a 26 minute trial.

Spray foam insulation is also recommended by government agencies for areas that face water dangers.

If you want an energy efficient product, this is a practical solution. Unlike other insulators, when the compound is applied, it expands to fill joints, joists and crevices. It also adheres to itself so there are no air pockets within the material. This means that it is air tight. You won’t lose money because your foam insulation prevents air from seeping in or out, causing your heating or cooling units to consumer less power.

In this way, foam insulation spray is greener than other materials. However, it is also greener based on its composition. The components are agriculturally based (the actual formula is industry proprietary). It does not contain substances that can harm the ozone layer and is composed of mainly renewable resources.

If cost is your top priority, you should explore foam insulation options. Because it is sprayed in, you can apply this insulator to walls that are already constructed. The nature of the material allows it to easily fill joints, crevices, crawl spaces and hard to reach areas without tearing your walls apart. That alone is cost effective. You can also apply it yourself, saving money on labor and contractors.

When you have to decide how you are going to insulate your home or business, a variety of materials is available. However, spray foam insulation offers the most benefits.

It protects your structure from fire and water damage. It offers you a greener option because it is agriculturally based and renewable. Energy efficiency is yet another benefit - saving energy on heating and cooling needs.

In addition to all of these perks, it saves you money by reducing the amount of work you have to put in to get it in place. It also contributes to an increase in the value of your property.



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