Insulation News

Many factors determine how thick spray foam insulation needs to be. All insulation is rated by R-value which is a rating of thermal resistance. The higher the R-value, the higher the thermal resistance. When installing fiberglass insulation, cellulose insulation or mineral wool insulation R-value is clear. Understanding the R-value of spray foam insulation is a...

Spray foam insulation insulates and seals air leaks in one application. Spray foam insulation is comprised of two products that react when combined. This reaction causes the foam to expand and, when installed, fill cracks and crevices. Spray foam insulation also dampens sound transfer and deters mold growth. There are two types of spray foam...

Fiberglass insulation is a traditional insulating material and the type most people think of first. It is comprised of thin glass filaments that are woven together to create fiberglass batt insulation. Fiberglass insulation is also manufactured as loose product. Fiberglass insulation acts as a thermal barrier to prevent heat from moving to a colder area...

Spray foam adds thermal protection and seals air leaks in one application. Spray foam insulation is made up of two materials. When combined, the reaction causes them to expand and harden. There are two types of spray foam insulation: open cell and closed cell. Closed cell spray foam is more dense than open cell spray...

There is no “one” answer to the question of how much insulation your home needs. The short answer is that your home needs enough insulation to properly protect it. There is a lot more involved in determining how much insulation your home needs. Your climate is the biggest factor that determines how much insulation your...

Cellulose insulation is one of the oldest types of home insulation. Cellulose insulation is plant fiber that is manufactured mostly from recycled newsprint. Cellulose insulation is manufactured as a loose-fill product and is installed with a machine to either blow in or dense pack. Cellulose insulation can be blown into attics to add R-value to...

Insulation is any material that is used to fill spaces in your home including gaps and crevices. The purpose of insulation is to reduce heat flow by stopping heat transfer or reflecting heat. Insulation is also used as a sound barrier. Different types of insulation are best used for different purposes for electrical, thermal and...

When thinking about insulation, the attic is the first area of a home that comes to mind. Many homeowners never think of the energy lost through an uninsulated or under-insulated basement. Basements are a major source of energy loss. Basement box sills, located around the perimeter of the basement ceiling where the walls of the...

Controlling the moisture in your crawl space is a priority for keeping it dry. Improper drainage can lead to more significant problems including structural damage, infiltration of pests and mold. Moisture control begins around the exterior of your home and many problems can be avoided here early on. Installing gutters is fairly inexpensive compared to...

If you are eager for spring and already in the middle of house projects, there is one task to add to your list: checking your attic. Most attics get little attention. It is important to inspect your attic regularly, especially after a hard winter. Spring is the best time for this activity because any winter...

Many people consider their unfinished basement cold and creepy and rarely venture down there unless forced. Basements are naturally cold and damp because they are underground but that doesn’t mean you have to be wary of them. Your basement is an extra floor to your home that can be utilized in many ways. It is...

Because your home is one contained unit, each system directly impacts another system. Your home can be more efficient and more comfortable by taking a whole-house approach to energy efficiency than by looking at systems individually. If you are interested in increasing your home’s energy efficiency, invest in these two home improvement projects — your...