Insulation Installation
According to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, 90% of US homes are under-insulated. So why care about your home’s insulation if you can’t see it?
Poorly insulated homes cost more to maintain and operate. Lack of insulation results in AC and heating units to run longer causing duct leakage which can lead to the introduction of airborne contaminants in your home. Insulation ensures warm air remains inside during the winter. In the summer months, insulation provides a barrier to the heat and increases the efficiency if you are using an AC unit. Insulating your structure is one of the most cost effective ways to reduce your energy bill.
Heat flows from warmer to cooler areas until there is no longer a temperature difference. In your home, this means that in winter, heat flows directly from all heated living spaces to unheated areas in your home including your attic, garage, crawl space, and especially outside. Heat flow can also move indirectly through interior ceilings, walls, and floors – wherever there is a difference in temperature. On cooler days, heat flows from outside to the interior of your house. Temperature changes can be mediated by installing insulation. Properly insulating your home will decrease the air flow providing effective resistance.
Why Install/Replace Your Insulation?
- 1. Energy Efficiency- Save money and the Earth
- 2. Temperature Control- Stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter
- 3. Increased Air Quality- Breathe safely
- 4. Acoustics- Peace and Quiet
- 5. Increase Home Value- Invest in your investment
Where Can You Install Insulation??
- Crawl Space
- Attic
- Interior Walls
- Exterior Walls
- Under the Floor
- Ducts
R-Value
An insulating material’s resistance to conductive heat flow is measured or rated in terms of its thermal resistance or R-value. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. The R-value depends on the type of insulation, its thickness, and its density. The R-value of most insulation also depends on temperature, aging, and moisture accumulation.
Installing more insulation in your home increases the R-value. The amount of insulation or R-value you will need depends on where you live in the Bay Area, your home’s heating and cooling systems, and the part of the house you are looking to insulate. Because temperatures in the Bay Area are considered fairly mild, R-values recommended are lower than other parts of the country.
At Eco Energy Bay Area, we follow Bay Area best practices which includes R-38 for attic insulation and R-19 for crawl spaces.
Types of Insulation
- Batt Insulation: There are many benefits to consider when choosing batt insulation. It is a cost-efficient option, offering varying degrees of sound absorption. Batt insulation can reduce energy costs, and is available in different materials and thicknesses to help achieve optimal energy efficiency. Batt insulation is often referred to as blanket insulation, and generally consists of mineral wool or fiberglass. It is pre-cut and sized to fit most standard building sizes and are best suited for residential houses and commercial applications. Most commonly it is used in between wall studs, attic rafters, and ceiling joists. This type of insulation can be used throughout the house, insulating floors, walls, ceiling, and attics as well as basements and crawl spaces.
- Blow-in Cellulose Insulation: Blown-in insulation consists of tiny pieces of material that are blown into walls and attics via a long hose. For eco-minded homeowners, cellulose is often the insulation of choice, because it’s made from finely shredded recycled cardboard or newspaper. This is the most common type of blown-in insulation on the market, and it’s chemically treated to resist mold and fire. A downside to cellulose is that if it gets wet (from a leaky roof or pipe), it can lose its fluffiness and become soggy and compacted, which reduces its R-value.
- Blow-in Fiberglass Insulation: Blown-in insulation consists of tiny pieces of material that are blown into walls and attics via a long hose. Blown-in fiberglass is light-as-air insulation that is manufactured from glass that is heated to a liquid and then spun into thin fibers.
- Spray Foam Insulation: Spray foam insulation is a composite material formed when two separate chemicals (isocyanate and polyol resin, typically) combine. Kept separate and transported by gas pressure or a liquid, these chemicals meet as they exit our spray gun. When they meet, they react to each other and create a foam solution. This foam then dries in place and creates an effective air and vapor barrier.
Within this foam are little pockets known as “cells.” These cells create air gaps and barriers that make it difficult for heat energy and sound to pass through the foam. And, since the foam expands to the space in which it’s sprayed, these pockets will reach even the small nooks and crannies. These characteristics make spray foam a very effective insulator.
