Home Blown-in Insulation MA, Spray Foam Blanket Insulators, Stoves, Fireplaces, Gutters Worcester

Call Us 508-488-9999

Over 38 Years in Business

Call Us Today!
508-488-9999

Home Blown-in Insulation & Gutter Solutions

Custom Insulation Boston Worcester Blog

The Proper Insulation will Keep your House Cool

8 June 2011

As the days get warmer you might start dreaming of air conditioning. But, there are some other ways to keep your house more comfortable during hot summer days that are easier on your wallet and the environment.

Attics can reach temperatures over 140 degrees F on hot summer days. If there isn’t much insulation between the ceiling and attic a lot of this heat is going to be transferred into the house.  Increasing attic insulation can make a big difference in the comfort level of a home and will also cut your heating costs in the winter. By adding R40 insulation to a poorly insulated attic the temperature inside the house will drop by 6-8 º F on hot days.

Proper attic ventilation is also important in keeping your house cool and extending the life of your roof. Without it, as the sun goes down your attic won’t cool off as much and will continue to heat your house throughout the night.

The use of spray foam insulation has been rapidly growing as Architects, Builders and Homeowners become aware of the long term energy savings and comfort benefits associated with using spray foam. However, if you have a walk up attic, blanket insulation would be fine to use.

Improving Home Efficiency is Most Important to Homeowners

1 June 2011

Homeowners concerned about high energy bills have put energy conservation home improvements at the top of their must-do list this year. They are looking for green living upgrades that save money without sacrificing space or style.

Because heating costs are typically one of the highest and most variable home expenses, homeowners are considering energy-efficient zone heating options when embarking on home renovation projects.

Overall we have seen an increase in fireplace makeovers in the last few years. Finding and eliminating wasteful drafts and more efficient heating solutions has lead homeowners to install efficient pellet stoves and wood burning inserts that transform inefficient open fireplaces into high performing heating zones.

Wood burning fireplace inserts and pellet stoves are excellent zone heating options for those in the process of building or renovating a new home and who are looking to outfit their homes with advanced heating technology.

Buying an insert or stove is much like buying furniture, you will find a wide-choice of models that match every lifestyle and design. While evaluating the right size, heating capacity and look of your future stove or insert, also consider these three eco-wise tips:

  1. Only evaluate pellet stoves that meet or exceed EPA standards and are currently tax credit qualified.
  2. Look for an eco-friendly seal and a recycled ingredients label that lists the many ways that a manufacturer has gone the extra mile to produce the highest quality and most energy efficient wood stove, possible.
Today is a great time to invest in a wood stove so you can actually keep some green cash in your pocket. The Federal Bio-Mass Tax Credit extension provides a 10 percent tax credit up to $300 for the purchase of a new biomass heating appliance in 2011. This tax credit helps homeowners save on energy costs by utilizing renewable biomass fuels such as wood and wood pellets.

Original article on PR News Wire

Two Home Improvement Projects to Increase the Value of Your Home

25 May 2011

With the difficult conditions and volatility of the real estate market, investing in home improvement projects to keep your home in its best shape will give you the upper hand in a housing market where competition is fierce. For the home seller, there are a couple of tasks that you can take care of to significantly add value to your home.

Focus on the curb appeal
The front of your home is the first thing that can be seen from street. It is important to put effort into updating this part of your home. Assess your property from the street. One great improvement option is the installation of copper gutters.  For your home, only the best will do.  Copper gutters are a popular choice for new and remodeled homes, and they are growing in demand because they look beautiful and they are unique and durable.   But most of all they are also very low maintenance.

Improve your home's energy efficiency

Those home improvement tasks that are focused on improving the energy efficiency of your home will turn in significant gains with reduced energy consumption and lower energy bills. For instance, you can reduce your energy loss and raise the level of comfort in your home by improving the insulation quality of your home.

By improving your home’s insulation, you can also extend the life of your home itself, reducing repair and maintenance costs. To improve home energy efficiency the “thermal envelope” must be improved. This is the barrier to winter heat loss and summer heat gain, which protects and separates the indoor living space from the outdoor climate.  Insulation is the heart of the thermal envelope, so improving insulation is the first step.

2011 Federal Tax Credits For Consumer Energy Efficiency…But For How Long?

17 May 2011

We suppose that by now you all know that our national debt is maxed out and that the politicians of both parties are digging deep to deal with the crisis.  One thing is for certain, Federal Tax Incentives of all kinds are an endangered species so think strongly of capitalizing on them while you still can.

The current tax law allows for a tax CREDIT of 10% of the material cost (up to $500 tax credit) on all types of insulation to include our Blanket Insulation, Blown-In Insulation, and Spray Foam Insulation.   We guarantee that adding Custom Insulation products to your home will save you money in home energy costs. 

We can’t guarantee the duration of Uncle Sam’s energy tax credit. Right now, it does not look long in the offering. Contact us today and we'll blow-in your new insulation before Sam blows away one of the few remaining tax breaks.

Blown In Insulation is Perfect if you do not Want to Take Down Drywall

10 May 2011

There are a lot of people in and around Worcester, Massachusetts who are finally having their home repairs taken care of from this past winter’s ice dam damage. We have found that people who are having their interior ceilings and or walls pulled down and replaced are finding that their insulation is more than lacking. However, who wants to rip down interior ceilings and walls in undamaged rooms, just to replace old and ill fitting insulation? No one!

Blown in insulation is really about the only way to insulate existing, closed-up walls and ceilings. Tthe only other option is to start pulling off siding or rip out interior drywall.

Consider this if you are a DIY and are considering renting a machine. One reality of blown in insulation is that it is an imperfect process. It is not easy get cellulose fibers to pass through a two-inch wide hole and settle uniformly and completely all throughout a wall cavity. Especially in older homes, wall obstructions are everywhere in criss-crossing electrical wires, plaster "keys", blocking, etc.

Those who work with blown in insulation consider it almost an intuitive process. Most insulation technicians are experienced at finding blockages and wires, and know how to work around them. Contact Custom Insulation today to improve your home’s insulation and energy efficiency.

Gutter Cleaning Can Help You Avoid Expensive Home Repairs

3 May 2011

If you think a few leaves and twigs in your gutters are harmless, think again. Regular gutter cleaning is the single most important key to avoiding major and expensive home repairs.

Gutters perform one duty: controlling the water around your home. If debris keeps gutters from doing their job, you can wind up with some serious problems. Here are just a few:

Clogged gutters are the number one cause of basement water problems. When gutters are clogged, roof water overflows and accumulates around the foundation. If this happens, basement leaks can be right around the corner.

Water backing up from clogged gutters will cause moisture damage to the wood fascia around the house. The rotted area will quickly get worse if the leak is not eliminated by cleaning the gutters.

Misdirected and clogged gutter spouts often cause driveways and walks to sag and crack.

Any newly planted flowers, plants, grass or trees can be killed by excess water from clogged gutters. Overflowing gutters can also cause erosion and put an early end to young plantings.

Bugs love moisture. Keeping gutters free of clogs and keeping the soil dry around the foundation perimeter can force bugs to go elsewhere rather than snack on your dampened two-by-four.

Protect Your Roof from Water Damage with the WaterFall Gutter Guard System

26 April 2011

One of the most tedious yard cleanup jobs is cleaning out the gutters. Even worse is paying someone else to clean out your gutters. Put an end to the time and expense. Custom Insulation has a product, the WaterFall Gutter Guard System that actually does what it is supposed to do: keep your gutters free of debris.
 
The WaterFall Gutter Guard System is a time saver and a cost saver.  WaterFall has an innovative “step” design which keeps gutters clean of leaves and twigs while allowing water to flow into the gutters and away from your home.  It’s innovative “step” design can hold up to 10 inches of rain per hour.

This gutter guard system has a patented design. It slides under any shingled roof, clips firmly to K-style gutters, and won’t blow away.  It is very secure in all types of weather. And unlike many gutter systems which are unattractive, WaterFall Gutter Guard System does not change your roofline, you won’t even know it is there.

No more digging leaves and twigs out of your gutters; maintenance free WaterFall Gutter Guards are a great investment for your home and wallet.  Prevent water damage, rotting fascia and roof damage by keeping your gutters clean with WaterFall. Contact Custom Insulation for a free quote.

Everything about Copper Gutters

19 April 2011

Every homeowner needs gutters and downspouts on their home. One style of gutters that are gaining in popularity is copper gutters. Here's a look at everything about this type of rain gutter.

Copper Gutters will never rust or rot. Better than any other type of gutter systems, they can stand up to most weather conditions.

Copper gutters add style and flare to your home which is different from standard gutters. Their style is immediately noticeable and recognizable. They add visual appeal that can only be found with copper. But, they also add value to your home and require less maintenance than aluminum gutters or gutters of other materials.

Unless you treat them, copper gutters will oxidize and turn green over time. There are several sealants available that can be applied to keep your copper gutters looking golden and shiny. However, most people prefer the greenish look, of oxidized gutters, especially in older homes.

Copper gutters are generally more expensive than standard aluminum gutters. However, due to their longevity you will make the money back over time because there is no maintenance with copper.
 
If you are looking for a beautiful gutter system that will stand up to the elements and last a lifetime, copper gutters may be your best solution. Give Custom Insulation a call.

Copper Gutters Look Great While Protecting Your Home

12 April 2011

Copper Gutters are our specialty. Custom Insulation offers copper gutters in K Style which is the traditional style used in North America and Half Round, the traditionally European style, which will give your home or business that old-world feel. Half Round gutters are a timeless look that will set your house apart from the neighborhood.

For your home, only the best will do, and you need look no further than Custom Insulation for all of you copper gutter needs.  A popular choice for new and remodeled homes, copper gutters are growing in demand not only because of their appearance, durability,  and functionality, but because they are also very low maintenance.

At Custom Insulation, all of our copper gutters are made from the highest quality copper available. Copper gutters protect homes from water damage, and look great doing it.

Copper Gutters are Beautiful and High Performing

5 April 2011

There are so many reasons to consider copper when you are considering gutters for your home. Visually copper gutters are very versatile, they look great and fit in visually on any style home, from period Victorian homes to contemporary. The color of copper gutters naturally changes over time, and in many ways this is part of their visual appeal.

Copper gutters are one of the most durable forms of gutters on the market. When you are thinking of installing copper gutters on your property, consider Custom Insulation Company. They will analyze your property from every perspective in order to get your new gutter system performing at an optimal level for water proofing.

When you are considering a gutter system for your home, of course your main concern is what will perform the best regardless of the intensity of the weather.  With copper gutters you will have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have one of the most resilient materials protecting your rooftops, siding and brickwork.

And of course, your next concern is appearance. Copper is a distinctive choice and that is visually striking. They will be a gorgeous and functional addition to any property; it’s little surprise that they are one of the most commonly purchased types of gutters on the market today.

Gutters are available in different materials and it comes down to a matter of personal preference. Copper has what many homeowners require from a functionality, aesthetic and performance perspective. Speak to Custom Insulation about a copper gutter rainwater system if you are thinking of changing the guttering on your home.

Insulation helps keep your house cool in the summer!