
A resource for those seeking information on organizing and transforming spaces.
Does Your Roofing Need Insulation?
Whether you oversee a large factory or a small woodworking shop, employee comfort is one of your most important concerns. On top of that, you want to make sure to maintain an indoor environment with temperatures that stay within the operating limits of each piece of machinery. While many people simply turn to large and expensive HVAC systems to maintain the temperature in a facility, there is another variable that you can control: the energy efficiency of the roof. By adding insulation to this facility component, you can do a lot to help keep your facility safe and comfortable.
Whether you oversee a large factory or a small woodworking shop, employee comfort is one of your most important concerns. On top of that, you want to make sure to maintain an indoor environment with temperatures that stay within the operating limits of each piece of machinery. While many people simply turn to large and expensive HVAC systems to maintain the temperature in a facility, there is another variable that you can control: the energy efficiency of the roof. By adding insulation to this facility component, you can do a lot to help keep your facility safe and comfortable.
Other Comfort Options
One factor that determines whether or not you need to add insulation to your roof is to think about the other comfort options available at the facility. For example, if your facility has good overall cross-ventilation, then you may not need to add insulation to help keep the facility cooler. Likewise, if you're using geothermal heating to keep the facility warm in the winter, adding insulation may or may not be the best use of funds for your particular situation.
Type of Work Performed
Suppose the work that's performed in your facility is largely hands-off. In that case, roof insulation might not be much of a concern since machines can typically handle more extreme temperatures than people. However, every facility requires human interaction at some point, and many facilities utilize human resources every day. Therefore, if you want your facility to be inviting to workers and contractors, then commercial polyurethane spray foam insulation is definitely worth considering. Taking care of your employees will ensure that they help take care of your company.
Overall Utility Costs
Rising utility costs are a major concern for companies wanting to remain profitable. If your facility's utility costs make up an outsized portion of your budget, adding insulation to your roof could help take care of this problem. Roof insulation helps keep the facility warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, thus greatly reducing the amount you need to run your HVAC system while still maintaining comfort.
Age of Facility
Improving your roof's insulation can help take care of other problems at the same time. For example, before adding insulation, contractors will often inspect your roof to ensure there are no leaks that could damage the insulation. Therefore, if you manage an older facility, adding roof insulation is a great way to take charge of the condition of the facility without spending an overwhelming amount of money.
Future Planning
If your company is planning on expanding, gaining an understanding of roof insulation can greatly help you as you build new facilities. When you install roof insulation in a new facility, you can do a lot more to integrate that insulation with the structure of the building. This means that the insulation can provide even more efficiency so that the lifetime operating costs of the building go down.
4 Materials You Can Insulate Your Wall With
When considering which internal wall insulation for your home would be best, there are a few criteria that can help you to make the right decision. The most important to keep in mind are the maximum thermal performance, or R-value, of the insulation and which area of your home you are insulating.
There certainly are many different types of insulation to choose from. The particular characteristics of each variety make each one suited to different spaces and surfaces. As such, here are four of the best choices for insulation and what each one does best:
When considering which internal wall insulation for your home would be best, there are a few criteria that can help you to make the right decision. The most important to keep in mind are the maximum thermal performance, or R-value, of the insulation and which area of your home you are insulating.
There certainly are many different types of insulation to choose from. The particular characteristics of each variety make each one suited to different spaces and surfaces. As such, here are four of the best choices for insulation and what each one does best:
Stone Wool Insulation
Because stone wool is so porous, it works to trap air as it passes through the material. However, it is tough and thick, so it is also a fantastic option for insulating from noise. It is also quite safe, as it will not spread flames and it is not combustible itself should you experience a house fire.
Rigid Insulation
This type consists of rigid boards that are packed inside the building structure, effectively insulating the inner spaces between the outer and interior walls. The panels just need to be cut perfectly to fit against the wall’s inner surface.
This works quite well to provide powerful insulation to smaller spaces. This choice is also damage-resistant, strong, and possesses a high R-value. It also provides structural integrity in addition to thermal and acoustic insulation.
Foil Insulation
Though foil is not as popular as other options on this list, it is still a wonderful insulator. What is the secret to its success? Well, heat has no chance of radiating because the material simply reflects it back to where it came from.
Blown-In Insulation
Blown-in insulation is great for so many reasons. It is fast and simple for you to install yourself, or you can hire a wall spray company or a company that sells the particular insulation you’re looking at. For example, if you were looking at polyurethane foam you could get in contact with someone like Everest Systems to take care of the job for you. It also provides spectacular thermal performance and will definitely lower your energy bills.
Installing it is really simple. You just spray the fiberglass, polyurethane, or cellulose foam in a uniform blanket over all surfaces requiring insulation.
This variety is super-effective at keeping air out since you can fill all cavities and easily fit spaces with odd shapes. It even aids in keeping moisture out, works as a de facto pest repellent, and it is non-combustible for safety reasons.
In conclusion, there are several distinct types of insulation, and in order for you to choose the best option for you, you must first assess your needs. Learning about these varieties and others in greater depth will give you a better understanding of the appropriate type of insulation for your particular job.
What Holes In Your Insulation Mean, And How To Fix Them
As you know, the purpose of insulation is to help keep your home warm in the winter and cooler in the summer. However, should your insulation be full of holes, this can be easier said than done. Ultimately, damaged insulation will mean higher energy costs. Unfortunately, there are numerous reasons why your insulation may contain holes. If you're curious about why your insulation is in poor shape and how it can be fixed, here is all you need to know.
As you know, the purpose of insulation is to help keep your home warm in the winter and cooler in the summer. However, should your insulation be full of holes, this can be easier said than done. Ultimately, damaged insulation will mean higher energy costs. Unfortunately, there are numerous reasons why your insulation may contain holes. If you're curious about why your insulation is in poor shape and how it can be fixed, here is all you need to know.
Rodents
In most instances where insulation is full of holes, the culprits are rodents such as mice or rats. These pests especially love fiberglass insulation, since it is warm and soft, making it a perfect nesting material. To solve this problem, you first need to get rid of the rodents, which can be done by using traps. As you get rid of the rodents, you'll likely need new insulation to replace what was damaged, especially if it was fiberglass insulation.
Foundation Issues
In some cases where a building's foundation has issues, this can result in insulation within walls getting holes in it due to the structure shifting over time. So it’s important to fill the holes first, then seek a foundation check. If you need to replace the foundation you will want to find out as soon as possible.
Insulation is Very Old
If you have an older home or other building, it is always possible the current insulation may just be too old to continue being effective. When this occurs, many experts recommend using polyurethane spray foam as a quick fix. This spray foam insulation will expand as it is sprayed, meaning it can fill a large area quickly. However, if the damage is combined with other factors such as rodents or insects, it can sometimes mean an extensive insulation renovation may be needed. Yet before doing so, always have your current insulation checked by a professional, since they may be able to offer specific repairs in place of total replacement.
Wildlife
Finally, while rodents can do their fair share of damage to insulation, so too can wildlife such as squirrels, raccoons, and bats. If you find holes in your insulation, as well as evidence wildlife, has penetrated your attic. Look for things such as holes in your roof or fascia, you'll need to repair these areas first using either wire mesh or concrete. Once you've done this, you can use foam-a-fill or cut out square pieces of fiberglass insulation to replace damaged areas.
If you don't want to have insulation that winds up looking like swiss cheese, keep these tips in mind. They will surely help you as you wage battle with rodents, wildlife, insects, and Mother Nature to repair your home's insulation.
Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation for Your Home
Spray foam is one of the best modern materials you can choose for home insulation. Discover the many benefits of spray foam insulation for your home.
Spray foam insulation is one of the best modern options on the market for home insulation. But why is this material be so superior to other options? Discover some of the many key benefits of spray foam insulation for your home and the ways it can improve your home below.
Added Cooling & Heating
Spray foam is one of the best options for home insulation because of its added heating and cooling benefits. Spray foam is a heat-resistant material, meaning it effectively keeps out heat during the hot summer months and traps it indoors during the winter. With this heat resistance technology, you won’t need to rely on your thermostat as heavily, and you’ll save money on energy bills.
Prevents Mold Growth
Certain types of spray foam insulation, such as closed-cell foam, are excellent at preventing moisture from accumulating indoors. Moisture is the source of indoor mold and mildew growth, which is dangerous to your health and safety—especially when the mold or mildew grows in hard-to-notice spots such as your attic or crawl space. Spray foam insulation minimizes this threat and protects your home.
Long Life Span
Spray foam insulation has the potential to last a lifetime when applied correctly. With the right maintenance, it can last upwards of 100 years. This may include reapplications, due to some foams shrinking over time, but spray foam is incredibly easy to maintain and reapply in these cases. When well-applied, spray foam insulation should last for decades.
Adds Resale Value
If you plan to sell your house someday, adding spray foam insulation is a great way to invest in the resale value of your home. It adds resale value to any home or building due to all the above benefits. Potential homebuyers may be looking for a well-insulated home, especially in areas that experience hot summers or cold winters. Spray foam insulation is a great option for any modern home, and any home buyer who does their research will recognize this.
If your home is starting to feel drafty or overdue for new insulation, remember these benefits of spray foam insulation for your home. Spray foam insulation will keep your home comfortable and safe for decades to come. Plus, who doesn’t love saving money on energy bills?