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Home Blown-in Insulation & Gutter Solutions
22 September 2023
There will be no gaps because every gap will cause heat loss and increase heating and cooling costs. Blanket insulation is the normal insulation being installed in spaces without any obstructions such as unfinished walls, floors, and ceilings. It is one of the most widely installed types of insulation being used for both new home construction and retrofit jobs.
As everyone knows, blanket insulation comes in the form of batts or rolls. The batt insulation is available in pre-cut panels while the roll insulation comes with and without facing, and continuous rolls will be cut and trimmed to fit the space you need to fill. These two types of blanket insulation are made of fiberglass, but it is also made from minerals from rock or slag and other materials. The significant advantage of blanket insulation is the thickness. High-performance fiberglass blankets and batt insulation have R-values between R-3.7 and R-4.3 per inch of thickness. And to be more effective, the blanket insulation installed under a house will fit snugly between the joists. With this insulation, it will serve as a strong barrier against everything that will come into your home through the soil underneath, which is the cold temperatures and moisture.
Blanket insulation will help improve the energy efficiency of your home and in turn, reduce the energy costs. Using this insulation will help build a more comfortable and energy efficient home that explores the most common insulation options and provide a how-to-guide for under concrete insulation. Without this insulation, the cold or heat from the ground will enter your home through the floor.
For more tips on Blanket Insulation, contact Custom Insulation Company, Inc.
15 September 2023
Blanket insulation, often referred to as batt insulation, is a popular choice for improving energy efficiency and comfort in homes and commercial buildings. When installed correctly, it can provide excellent thermal insulation. However, there are common mistakes that homeowners and contractors can make during installation that can compromise its effectiveness.
Let's explore some of these common mistakes and how to avoid them to ensure your blanket insulation performs optimally.
Mistake: Failing to install enough insulation can lead to inadequate coverage, leaving gaps that allow heat transfer.
Solution: Measure the insulation requirements for your space carefully. Ensure that the batts are cut to the right size and fit snugly in the framing cavities. Avoid compression, as it reduces the insulation's R-value. `
Mistake: Gaps or voids between insulation batts and compression of the material during installation can reduce the insulation's effectiveness.
Solution: Carefully fit each batt into place, ensuring it completely fills the cavity without being overly compressed. Seal any gaps or voids with additional insulation material or use foam board or spray foam for a more airtight seal.
Mistake: Failing to properly air seal the building envelope before installing blanket insulation can allow for drafts and air leakage.
Solution: Seal any gaps, cracks, or openings in the walls, ceilings, and floors before installing insulation. Use caulk, weatherstripping, or spray foam to create airtight barriers around doors, windows, and other openings.
Mistake: Neglecting to install a vapor barrier in areas prone to moisture can lead to condensation issues and damage to the insulation.
Solution: Install vapor barriers on the warm side of insulation in areas where moisture is a concern, such as in colder climates or in walls with potential moisture sources. Ensure proper installation techniques to prevent moisture infiltration.
Mistake: Installing blanket insulation in the attic without addressing ventilation and maintaining proper clearances around vents and fixtures can lead to inadequate attic insulation.
Solution: Ensure proper attic ventilation and maintain clearances around fixtures like recessed lighting. Use baffles to maintain airflow from soffit vents and avoid compressing insulation.
Mistake: Ignoring electrical wiring and plumbing pipes can lead to insulation gaps around these fixtures.
Solution: Carefully cut and fit insulation around electrical wires and plumbing pipes. Use protective covers, such as plastic or metal conduit, for safety.
Mistake: Skipping safety precautions during installation can lead to accidents or health hazards, such as exposure to fiberglass particles.
Solution: Wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves, long-sleeved clothing, safety glasses, and a dust mask, when handling blanket insulation. Follow manufacturer instructions for safe handling and disposal.
Mistake: Attempting complex insulation projects without consulting professionals like Custom Insulation Company can lead to costly errors.
Solution: When in doubt or for larger projects, seek advice and assistance from insulation professionals who have the knowledge and experience to ensure proper installation.
In conclusion, blanket insulation is a cost-effective and efficient way to insulate your home or building, but it must be installed correctly to reap its benefits fully. By avoiding these common mistakes and following best practices, you can ensure that your blanket insulation provides the desired energy efficiency, comfort, and long-term performance in your space.
To learn more about blanket insulation, contact Custom Insulation Company, Inc.
9 September 2023
spray foam insulation is an excellent choice. It provides extreme effective insulation properties and can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs. However, like any other building material, spray foam insulation requires proper maintenance to ensure it continues to perform at its best for the long term.
In this Custom Insulation blog post, we'll explore some essential maintenance tips to help you get the most out of your spray foam insulation.
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to maintain your spray foam insulation is through regular visual inspections. Check for any signs of damage, such as cracks, gaps, or areas where the foam has deteriorated. Pay special attention to areas where the insulation meets windows, doors, and other structural elements, as these are common areas for wear and tear.
Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of insulation, and spray foam is no exception. Inspect your insulation for any signs of water infiltration, such as discoloration, mold, or a musty odor. Address any moisture issues promptly, as they can not only compromise the insulation's performance but also lead to structural damage over time.
Over time, the building structure can settle or shift, potentially creating gaps or cracks in the spray foam insulation. These gaps can allow air infiltration and reduce the insulation's effectiveness. Use compatible sealants to fill any openings, ensuring a tight and continuous seal.
Pests can be a nuisance and cause damage to your insulation. Insects and rodents may chew through the insulation, creating openings for air and moisture to enter. Regular pest control measures can help prevent such problems.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can break down the outer surface of spray foam insulation. If your insulation is exposed to direct sunlight, consider applying a UV-resistant coating or paint to protect it. This will help extend its lifespan and maintain its insulating properties.
Ensure that air vents and ducts in your home or building remain unobstructed. Proper airflow is essential for maintaining indoor air quality and preventing moisture buildup. Inspect and clean vents and ducts as needed to prevent blockages.
While many maintenance tasks can be handled by homeowners or building managers, it's advisable to consult an insulation expert like Custom Insulation Company for a more thorough inspection and maintenance on a periodic basis. Professionals can identify hidden issues and provide expert guidance on maintaining your spray foam insulation.
Remember that proper maintenance not only extends the life of your insulation but also keeps your energy bills in check and your indoor environment comfortable. Contact Custom Insulation Company and let us help you ensure your spray foam will have a long-term performance.
31 August 2023
Every time it is compared with other insulation products, spray foam insulation will allow for the ultimate in thermal protection (R-value). There are no other insulators comparable to the performance of spray foam. Spray foam insulation during the application will expand to fill whatever space it is insulating.
It is proven that homes with spray foam insulation reduce energy usage compared to the same home insulated and air sealed with other insulation. It is the best insulator because the foam material polystyrene is used. This polystyrene has high thermal resistance which means it resists heat transfer. And the characteristic of this spray foam contains millions of tiny air bubbles within its structure and air is a poor conductor of heat. Further, this foam or the polystyrene insulation material has excellent moisture resistance. It is already compacted, and very little moisture will be able to penetrate, preventing mold from developing and ensuring a consistent and durable R-value. It is a great money-saver by helping to lower energy bills through reducing air leaks and improving your home’s energy efficiency and it will make your home stronger and more resilient.
Likewise, spray foam insulation and air barriers reduce the carbon footprint from your home’s energy usage. It significantly helps fight climate change. And the highest advantage, spray foam is energy efficient and resilient. It is one of the most durable insulation materials available which is a lifetime of insulation that will totally improve the comfort of your home.
For more tips on Spray Foam Insulation, contact Custom Insulation Company, Inc.
28 August 2023
You should know that both types of spray foam insulation (closed cell and open cell foam) are incredible insulators. Both create the air seal that will make your home structure more comfortable and energy efficient. Today, our focus is upon closed cell foam insulation.
Closed cell spray foam is built tough. Its rigid spray foam performs great in flood-prone areas since it will reject bulk water. It provides an air seal and continuous insulation. The durability of closed cell foam is optimized when the foam is exposed. This makes it ideal for exposed walls because it will not be damaged if it is bumped by machinery or tools.
Closed cell foam is rigid and very dense compared to open cell foam insulation which is lightweight. It is the reason why the closed cell has very minimal expansion when applied as it is dense material. However, it still creates the same air barrier and has the same great benefits spray foam is known for. Both open cell and closed cell spray foams used are safe to have in the home, class one fire rated and are environmentally safe. Lastly, with closed cell foam it is 100-percent moisture impermeable.
Closed cell spray foam is a good fit in attics, crawl spaces, rim joists, pole barns, existing homes, vans, and new construction. This is because it helps to maintain a constant temperature in the structure and creates an air seal. It is classified in FEMA as highly resistant to floodwater and damage due to its ability to reject bulk water.
To learn more about Spray Foam Insulation, contact Custom Insulation Company, Inc.
25 August 2023
Most decisions in life come down to a value assessment. As it pertains to investment decisions regarding your home, spray foam insulation passes the value test with flying colors. Sure, we all must cut certain corners when building or improving our homes, but your choice of insulation should not be a corner to cut. This is because high quality and professionally installed insulation returns a positive return on your monetary investment over time in the form of lower energy costs.
When your choose to insulate your home with spray foam insulation, you can expect to save between 15 to 20 percent on your monthly energy bills. Here’s a suggestion. Take a moment and research your last electricity and natural gas energy bills. Add them together and then multiply the number by 0.2. That is the dollar savings that you might expect to enjoy on your next energy bill. Multiply that number by 12 and you arrive at a reasonable number representing your annual energy savings.
If your ready to start saving real dollars on energy costs, then contact Custom Insulation Company, Inc.
15 August 2023
Live on a flight path, near a busy road, or near countless other sources of outside noise that penetrates your home? Blanket insulation is effective in reducing sound transmission and can change the quality of your home life in multiple ways.
Blanket insulation, often made from materials like fiberglass, mineral wool, or natural fibers, is primarily designed to control temperature and provide thermal insulation. However, due to its fibrous and porous nature, it also has sound-absorbing properties. When sound waves pass through the insulation material, they can be partially absorbed, scattered, and reflected, which can help in reducing the overall sound transmission.
Knauf EcoBatt QuietTherm® Insulation has excellent acoustical properties that can reduce sound transmission when properly installed in partition walls, ceilings, and floor assemblies.
Custom Insulation Company offers Knauf EcoBatt QuietTherm® Insulation installation. Contact us if you want a blanket insulation installed in your home.
9 August 2023
The spray foam insulation in newer homes or well insulated homes will see a reduction in their heating and cooling costs compared to an older home with little existing insulation and homes with fiberglass batt insulation. It is a very effective and energy efficient choice for home insulation and lowers your monthly utility bill.
Spray foam insulation is lightweight and will fill in all the little cracks and crannies. There is no better way to improve energy efficiency and save money on your heating bills than with spray foam insulation. Many people think that spray foam insulation emits toxic chemicals that will be harmful to your health, but as proven by American Chemistry Society it is just a myth and proves otherwise. Spray foam insulation provides an air barrier wherever it is applied to remove air leakage. It increases comfort, reduces noise from outside, lessens pollen and dust. And it outperforms other insulation materials in terms of R-value. There are two types of spray foam insulation, closed cell insulation and open cell. The most used is the closed spray foam insulation because it has higher R-value. It greatly improves your home’s energy efficiency. The closed cell spray foam does have waterproofing abilities and acts as a thermal, air and vapor barrier. It offers more structural reinforcement. While the open cell spray foam has a lower R-value and is not waterproof and will not be used on the exterior.
If you are trying to make a decision on insulation, go with spray foam! It is well worth the initial investment. It is one step ahead that creates the highest R-value over any other products as well as creating a monolithic seal around your foundation keeping the moisture out and your house warm.
Contact Custom Insulation Company, Inc. for professional spray foam insulation.
31 July 2023
Knauf EcoBatt Insulation is a type of thermal and acoustical insulation product manufactured by Knauf Insulation, a leading global manufacturer of insulation materials. EcoBatt Insulation is designed to provide energy efficiency and soundproofing for residential and commercial buildings.
Here are some key features and characteristics of Knauf EcoBatt Insulation:
Eco-Friendly Material: EcoBatt Insulation is made from a combination of natural and recycled materials, including sand, post-consumer glass, and a significant portion of pre-consumer recycled content. This composition makes it a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional insulation materials.
Formaldehyde-Free: One notable aspect of Knauf EcoBatt Insulation is that it is formaldehyde-free. Formaldehyde is a common chemical found in some insulation products and can be a concern for indoor air quality. Knauf's EcoBatt is engineered to be low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), contributing to healthier indoor environments.
Fiber Structure: EcoBatt Insulation features a unique fiber structure that gives it a soft, consistent texture. The fibers are naturally brown in color due to the absence of added dyes or chemicals.
Thermal Performance: Like other insulation materials, EcoBatt provides thermal resistance, or R-value, which helps in reducing heat transfer through walls, attics, and other building surfaces. Higher R-values indicate better insulation performance.
Acoustic Insulation: In addition to thermal insulation, EcoBatt also provides sound absorption properties, making it effective for reducing noise transmission between rooms or from outside sources.
Ease of Installation: EcoBatt Insulation comes in pre-cut widths to fit standard wall stud and attic joist spacing, making installation more convenient for contractors and DIY enthusiasts.
Fire Resistance: Knauf EcoBatt Insulation is non-combustible and provides fire resistance, adding an extra layer of safety to buildings.
It's essential to note that while Knauf EcoBatt Insulation offers several benefits, the overall insulation performance will also depend on proper installation and how well it is sealed within the building's envelope. Let the Custom Insulation Company do the installation to ensure proper setup of your batt insulation. Properly installed insulation helps to maximize energy efficiency and comfort while minimizing heat loss or gain.
25 July 2023
Blown-in insulation, also known as loose-fill insulation, is a method of insulating buildings to improve energy efficiency and maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. It involves blowing loose insulation material into wall cavities, attics, or other enclosed spaces to create a thermal barrier that reduces heat transfer.
The process of installing blown-in insulation typically involves the following steps:
Preparation and Safety Measures: Before starting the installation, the insulation crew will take necessary safety precautions, such as wearing protective clothing, masks, and goggles, to avoid direct contact with the insulation material.
Inspection and Assessment: The installation team will inspect the area where the insulation will be installed, such as the attic or wall cavities, to identify any potential issues like air leaks, moisture problems, or damaged areas that need to be addressed before proceeding with the insulation.
Material Selection: The most common materials used for blown-in insulation are fiberglass, cellulose, or mineral wool. Each material has its advantages and characteristics. Fiberglass is made of tiny glass fibers, cellulose is composed of recycled paper products, and mineral wool is made from natural or synthetic minerals.
Preparation of the Insulation Blower: Blown-in insulation is installed using specialized equipment known as an insulation blower. The insulation material is loaded into the machine's hopper, which is then connected to a long hose used to deliver the insulation into the desired spaces.
Blowing the Insulation: The insulation crew starts blowing the loose-fill material into the designated areas. For attics, they usually work from one end of the attic, gradually spreading the insulation to achieve a uniform and consistent layer. In wall cavities, small holes are drilled at the top or bottom of the wall, and the insulation is blown in through these holes. Once the cavities are filled, the holes are patched up.
Leveling and Distribution: As the insulation is blown into the area, the crew ensures that it is evenly distributed and leveled to achieve the desired R-value (insulating effectiveness) and prevent settling over time.
Post-Installation Inspection: After completing the installation, the crew inspects the work to ensure that all areas are adequately insulated and there are no gaps or voids in the insulation.
Blown-in insulation is an efficient and cost-effective method of insulating homes and buildings, offering benefits such as improved energy efficiency, reduced heating and cooling costs, and increased comfort for occupants. It is crucial to hire professional insulation installers to ensure the insulation is properly installed and meets the required building codes and safety standards. Contact Custom Insulation Company, Inc.
16 Jacques Street - Rear
Worcester, MA 01603
Phone: 508-755-2315
Fax: 508-756-1941
E-mail: info@custominsulation.com
