Custom Insulation Boston Worcester Blog

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency With New Insulation

23 August 2019

Every moment that your home suffers from a lack of (or dated and ineffective) insulation you are wasting money to unnecessarily high energy bills. Not only will your long-run costs be greater you will be painfully reminded of the uncomfortable temperatures that your home cannot keep at bay. Insulation maintains the temperature in your home throughout the year. And doing so, your HVAC system will work less and yield greater results, meaning increased energy savings - permanently!

To choose the best insulation for your home from the many types of insulation on the market you will need to know what type and where you need it to be installed and the R-value you want the installation to achieve. Other considerations may include indoor air quality impacts, life cycle costs, recycled content, embodied energy and ease of installation.

There are mainly three kinds of insulation:

• Blown-in insulation, such as fiberglass or (more commonly) cellulose, does an excellent job of spreading the insulation, especially into tight places. On the whole, cellulose tends to cost less than fiberglass. Both cellulose and fiberglass R-values are affected by settling over time and density so it is important to consider the minimum settled thickness when calculating the amount you need to buy.
• Fiberglass batts or rolls offer a lot of convenience, though, it comes at a higher price and slightly less R-value per inch versus cellulose. This can be installed quickly without using any additional installation equipment. The insulation must be pushed firmly together and if you are installing more than one layer, each layer must be installed at perpendicular angles to each other. Fiberglass rolls and batts can be placed directly over cellulose insulation. They will work fine together.
• Sprayed foam insulation combines both air sealing and insulation with a higher R-value per inch ranging from R-3.5 for open-cell to R-6.5 for close cell. Unfortunately, sprayed foam is expensive (though prices are slowly declining), requires special equipment (resins, spray hoses, gun, cleaner, protective clothing) and experience using the stuff to make sure the foam gets applied properly.

Insulation in your home provides resistance to heat flow and lowers your heating and cooling costs. Properly insulating your home not only reduces heating and cooling costs, but also improves comfort. Just remember that air sealing and moisture control are important to home energy efficiency, health and comfort.

We believe in the value of energy efficient homes because of the endless benefits it provide to the families and the environment.

For more information about insulation, contact Custom Insulation Company Inc.

Source: firstchoicepower.com

Insulation Considerations To Best Fit Your Needs

14 August 2019

When you know that your home is in need of insulation upgrade, how do you decide what to choose. Choosing the right home insulation can be a daunting task when you take into consideration the cost of material, effectiveness of material, an durability. We offer you information here about each area of the home and which insulation materials work in those spaces.

Below are the existing parts of the house starting at the top and going all the way to the bottom.

• Best Attic Insulation: Cellulose vs Fiberglass vs Spray Foam. If you are looking to cut down on the amount of money pouring out through your roof, attic insulation is the way to go. High energy bills and the inability to maintain a constant temperature are just some of the signs your attic needs new or updated insulation. The best insulation options for an attic are open cell spray foam, fiberglass and cellulose.

  Cellulose insulation is the oldest insulation material used for not only the attic, but other areas of the home as well. Cellulose can be either a loose-fill or blown-in material and is primarily made of recycled newsprint or denim. The fiberglass is another traditional insulation material that consists of extremely fine glass fibers. And if you ask about the open cell spray foam insulation is an air barrier material that creates a seal against air movement. It can expand up to 100 times its original size, filling every nook and cranny in the attic. The main ingredients are water-blown and organic chemical compounds derived from petroleum extracts making it environmentally safe.

• Best Existing Walls Insulation: Blown-In Cellulose vs Injection Foam. When it comes to the existing walls of your home there is no easy way to tell you this, but the insulation must be installed by an experienced Insulation company. The good news is you can add insulation to the existing walls without removing your drywall and the extra expense of a full remodel. The Injection foam insulation and blown-in cellulose can be installed in the existing walls. When insulation does its job, it impacts the conduction (heat transfer) and the convection (air flow), which can both impact the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. More traditional forms of insulation, like cellulose, is resistant to heat that is transferred through conduction. During the winter months, the heat transfer is from the inside of your home to the outside and vice versa in the summer.
• Best Rim Joist Insulation: Fiberglass vs Spray Foam. The rim joist is one of the most overlooked areas of the home when you are looking for the culprit causing drafts around your floor boards. The insulation options for the rim joist is spray foam or fiberglass. Fiberglas is inexpensive but it does not do as good of a job insulating the rim joist. The material when installed in the rim joist is prone to mold issues as it holds condensation against the wood which leads to mold and decay formation.

If you are looking for the best long-term solution, foam insulation products will create the air seal in your home that will make it more comfortable while saving you money on your monthly energy bills. Foam insulation does not settle or sag and it fills all the nooks and crannies where it is installed.

At the end of the day, the choice is yours when it comes to selecting the best insulation for your existing home. You have to see what makes the most sense for your family. You will need to take into consideration the kind of material, the goals you are looking to accomplish and your budget.

For more information about insulation, contact Custom Insulation Company Inc.

Source: retrofoamofmichigan.com

Blanket Insulation Will Lower Your Energy Bills All Year Long

7 August 2019

Summer and winter alike bring forth challenges to managing one’s energy cost. At this time of year, people tend to switch on their cooling system non-stop to keep their living space cool. However, when you do this, expect to be shocked when the energy bill arrives. You can lower that financial pain while keeping your home cool and comfortable despite extreme heat outside. Install blanket insulation.

Blanket insulation in Worcester, MA, also known as Batt insulation, provides countless advantages. They are cost-effective thermal and acoustical barriers for energy-efficient construction. Their consistent quality, low dust, and clean-cutting resilient fibers make fabrication easy and installation quick. The products can be used in new and retrofit wood and metal frame applications in residential and commercial structures, as well as in manufactured housing applications. These applications include thermal and acoustical treatments to walls, ceilings, and floors.

Batt insulation will substantially lower the energy requirement to cool and heat a home. It can lower your energy consumption by as much as 50%. Proper installation is crucial to maximize its efficacy. If you seek for an insulation expert that can perform quality installation, contact Custom Insulation Inc.

Benefits of Professionally Installed Gutter Systems

30 July 2019

Rain gutters are your ultimate home protection from water damage. It’s foundationally important (literally) to have a gutter system installed outside your home. Most homeowners who attempt to install gutters end up regretting the decision. Gutter system installation can be a complicated and is always a dangerous task. Below are reasons why you should seek a professional to handle the job for installing rain gutters system:

1. Professionals have the right technique, tools and equipment for installing seamless gutters. If you want to ensure they are properly installed and they won't easily leak, hire a professional to install it for you.
2. It's dangerous to work on a roof since you are prone to slip and fall accidents. In the event of mishaps in the job, professional contractors are covered with an insurance.
3. They are able to easily see minor issues during the installation which you may unable to detect immediately. Professional gutter installers can thoroughly check the set-up to ensure it is properly set.

So if you need a professional gutter installers, contact Custom Insulation in Worcester, MA.

WaterFall Gutter Guard System: The Affordable Way To Maintain Seamless Gutters

25 July 2019

Have you had enough of de-clogging your obstructed gutters sometimes twice a year in spring and fall? Simplify your life by applying a WaterFall gutter guards to your rain gutter system.

Gutter guards prevent leaves and other debris from clogging your gutter system. They are lightweight vinyl with a cascade shape. With gutter guards in place, only rain water can move down the roof over each two portions and seep in the gutter through tiny holes. The end result is that leaves, twigs and other debris are denied access to the gutter system. Our gutter guards supplied here in Worcester, MA are secured with sturdy clips so they are not easily detached from the gutters even when exposed to harsh weather.

The WaterFall gutter guard system will protect your seamless gutters at low cost. It will save you the need to climb your roof so you can enjoy your time doing more enjoyable and productive activities. To find out more about the WaterFall gutter guard system, contact Custom Insulation Company.

Why Copper Gutters Are Your Home’ Ultimate Protection Against Water Damage

18 July 2019

There are several rain gutter options available in the market. For some it’s hard to choose the best type and the best company to deal with. While gutters made from wood or plastic are invented for specific purpose, gutter professionals advise that copper gutters as the resounding best option for all areas and styles of homes. Here are the key benefits of copper gutters:

• Gives your property an enhanced look and elegant, vintage touch.
• They match well with any architectural home style, whether rustic, traditional or contemporary structural design.
• They are durable and can last for more than a hundred years even when situated in areas that are frequently experiencing acid rains and smog.
• Only yearly cleaning and minimal upkeep service is required.
• Copper rain gutters don’t rust. Overtime, a green patina will form around the metal after long exposed to air and moisture. This will help protect the metal from corrosion while it provides a vintage look to the home.
• It is malleable and can be customized to form based on the property’s dimension or owner’s desired shape and design.
• Special equipment for seamless installation are used. So expansion joints are no longer needed during assemble. This means leakage issues are reduced.

Copper gutter systems simply present the best performance, longest lasting, and overall best value for your gutter dollar. Contact Custom Insulation Company here in Worcester to learn more about your gutter options.

The Pitfalls of DIY Insulation

11 July 2019

Some homeowners fail to realize the importance of tapping an insulation expert before marching off on a DIY project. We all take great pride in our DIY projects, but something as important as home insulation at least justifies a professional consult before marching out on a DIY home insulation project. In this blog post we’ll tell you why.

Installing spray form insulation is simply more complicated than you might think. They might look easy on TV, but it actually requires skills and a great deal of expertise. Here are few good reasons why you need to leave the task to the professionals:

• Insulation Professionals Have The Knowledge - Contrary to what you see on the internet, installing a home attic insulation is not a “spray and forget” exercise. There are specific strategies that vary with each and every individual property construct. Chances are you will miss key areas that need insulating but simply are not visible to the untrained eye.
• It Requires The Right Tools - Certain tools are required when insulating a home which DIY-er's don't have. So you will end up spending more for buying or renting tools.
• There Are Tricks of The Trade for Installation - Insulation makes a thermal barrier between the climate outside and within your living space. Professional installers make sure there's a sufficient air circulation in your home. Thus, they install ventilation devices for adequate air flow. They are trained to discern what other things to be done to ensure your home is efficiently insulated.
• Proper Inspection Must Be Done By A Professional - Prior to insulating a home, inspection must be done to detect infestation, mold and mildew growth. Structural damages must be taken care first as well. Only a professional can thoroughly search for these flaws and they know where to look for them.
• Limited Insulation Material Options - Your insulation material options are limited to what is available at your local hardware shop. You may fail to experience the savings and efficiency that comes with latest insulation materials.

All things considered, it likely will save you time, energy, and ultimately money by contact us here at the Custom Insulation Company, Inc. You’ll be glad you did!

Signs of Insufficient Insulation

28 June 2019

Insulation is a critically important component of your home’s protection. Most homeowners are unaware of the importance of insulation and the cost of tolerating degraded insulation protection. Here are the signs of insufficient insulation that can easily be addressed via spray foam home attic insulation:

1. Discomfort
   

   Without insulation, you will likely feel uncomfortable at your home. Either you will feel too cold during winter or too hot in summer since your thermal barrier can't keep heated or cooled air generated by your HVAC system within your living space.

2. Uneven Temperature
   

   When you notice that a certain room is constantly much colder or hotter than the other areas of the house, it indicates that your current insulation is insufficient and fails the job.

3. Spike Energy Charges
   

   When you have insufficient insulation, your HVAC system is likely constantly turned on to keep your home temperature regulated. You are overspending on energy charges only to have your costly conditioned air seep out through your attic, walls and windows.

4. Bug Infestation
   

   Aside from regulating temperature, it keeps small bugs from getting inside your home by completely sealing even tiny holes that can potentially serve as access.

5. Ice Dams
   Ice dam is a winter household problem that can further create damages to your home. To prevent it from forming on your roof, quality insulation must be installed to keep your attic warm especially during frigid winter months.

For more information about insulation, contact us here at the Custom Insulation Company, Inc.

Spray Foam Insulation To Reinforce Insulation in Older Homes

23 June 2019

Older homes appeal to buyers due to their unfading charm. Sometimes what drives the appeal is a the affordable upfront price. However, sometimes the downside of purchasing an old house is often a late realization. While the exterior and interior structure might appear intact, the concealed damages they acquire overtime won’t be noticed easily during your first visit. Things like holes and cracks in the attic, crawl spaces, windows and doors. If you think they are just minor issues, wait until you get your hands on your first repair bills due to rodent infestations or much more noticeably, utility bill.

Energy loss is a common concern in older homes. Chances are that its attic insulation is worn out and has deteriorated. Fortifying the old insulation is a priority renovation project in older homes. When you need to augment older home's thermal barriers, spray foam insulation can do the right job. It's glue-like content makes it easier to adhere in an existing insulation. The bond it forms reinforces the integrity of the old insulation, sealing gaps and crevices excellently. It can entirely fill cavities or rather difficult to reach areas in the attic or crawl spaces.

In addition, the spray foam insulation that we install in Worcester, MA strengthens building's resistance to wind as it increases protection against air, water and mold infiltration. With spray foam’s remarkable ability to close leaks and high R-value, you'll better manage your energy consumption. The efficiency of your spray foam insulation will significantly reflect on your next energy bill.

Need to consolidate the insulation of an old home? Contact Custom Insulation Company.

Sound-Proof Your Home with Home Attic Insulation

7 June 2019

Most homeowners insulate their homes for the single purpose of thermal control, but did you know that home attic insulation also delivers noise reduction benefits. It can significantly minimize outside noise within the home.

This is particularly true for those residing near the city or other urban areas. Urban dwellers will benefit the most from the soundproofing capability of home insulation. It functions as a barrier that absorbs sound vibrations thus directly controlling the transmission of outside noise into the dwelling. However, not all insulation are effective at delivering noise reduction. Reflective insulation which is installed under the roof has excellent thermal control capabilities but it cannot control noise. Insulation that can be installed in the walls and ceiling such as blanket or batt insulation. blow-in attic insulation, spray foam, and wet spray cellulose are great options with significant sound barrier protections.

If you want your home sound-proof from outside noise and in between rooms, contact Custom Insulation Company, Inc. We can help you choose the right insulation for your home.