Tag: Attic Insulation

DIY Attic Insulation

DIY Attic Insulation Pitfalls

Posted on | by John Blackwelder

Insulating your attic can be a great way to increase energy efficiency and reduce your energy bills. Although it is best done by a professional, if you’re equipped with the right tools and knowledge, you can turn your attic insulation Houston TXproject into a DIY project. However, as with any DIY project, certain pitfalls can lead to costly repairs and wasted time if the DIY attic insulation needs to be corrected. 

In this blog post, we will discuss the potential pitfalls of DIY attic insulation and how to avoid them. We’ll also enlighten you about the numerous benefits of attic insulation. Read on to learn how to ensure your attic insulation project is a success. Let’s get started.

What Is Attic Insulation?

Attic insulation is a layer of material that is installed in the attic area of your home in order to create a barrier between the home and the outside environment. This barrier helps to keep the air inside your home at a comfortable temperature, as well as keep moisture from entering the attic and causing damage. Attic insulation is typically made from materials such as fiberglass, cellulose, or foam and can be installed either as a loose fill or as a batt or blanket.

Benefits Of Insulating Your Attic

Now that you know what attic insulation is, let’s take a look at some of the benefits of installing insulation in your attic:

Improved Energy Efficiency

Installing attic insulation can reduce the amount of energy used to heat and cool your home, which in turn can help you save money on your energy bills.

Enhanced Comfort

By keeping the air inside your home at a more comfortable temperature, attic insulation can help to reduce drafts and provide an overall sense of warmth and comfort.

Increased Durability

Since attic insulation helps to keep moisture out of the attic area, it can help to protect your home from potential damage due to extreme temperatures and moisture.

Improved Indoor Air Quality

By creating a barrier between the home and the outside environment, attic insulation can also help to reduce the levels of pollutants and allergens in the air inside your home.

Soundproofing

Installing attic insulation can also reduce the amount of noise that enters your home from outside.

Common DIY Attic Insulation Pitfalls

The key to enjoying the benefits of insulating your attic is to ensure that you avoid errors when insulating, especially if you’re taking up the project by yourself. In light of this, here are some common DIY attic insulation pitfalls and how you can avoid them during your DIY attic insulation project

Not Using the Right Insulation

The type of insulation you use in your attic is important. If you use the right type for your climate and needs, you could avoid ending up with a huge energy bill. Make sure you research the type of insulation that’s best for your area and read up on the R-value ratings and other technical details. 

Failure to Properly Seal the Vents and Gaps

Heat and air can escape through vents and gaps in your attic, increasing energy bills. To prevent this, make sure all vents and gaps are properly sealed with the insulation material. This can be done with caulk, spray foam, expanding foam, or other types of sealant.

Failure To Insulate The Attic Floor

Attics are often used for storage, but if the floor isn’t properly insulated, it can lead to heat and air escaping. Make sure you check the floor for any gaps and cracks and then fill them in with insulation

Not Checking for Moisture

Moisture is an enemy of insulation and can lead to mold and mildew. Before insulating your attic, make sure to check for any signs of moisture and repair any leaks in your roof

Not Installing Enough Insulation

Most attics require at least 12 inches of insulation to achieve the desired R-value. Installing enough insulation can lead to a comfortable home and wasted energy.

Be sure to understand these common problems and follow the tips for avoiding common DIY attic insulation pitfalls. However, if you still need to figure it out, it’s best to hire a professional to inspect your attic and ensure it’s properly insulated.

Benefits Of Hiring Professionals To Install Your Attic Insulation

They Have The Right Tools And Experience

Professional insulation contractors have all the necessary tools and know-how to do the job right. They have the expertise to ensure that the insulation is installed to the highest standards, and they can troubleshoot any problems that arise during the installation process.

Early Detection Of Any Potential Issues

A leaky roof, damaged HVAC system, and other issues need to be fixed before proceeding with the attic insulation. If these problems are left unattended, it’ll cause quick damage to your insulation. Thankfully, professionals understand these, and they know where to look to detect problems that can affect the effectiveness of your attic insulation.

They Can Help You Choose The Best Materials

Insulation materials are not created equally, and a professional can help you choose the best materials for your home. They’ll inspect your home and then choose the insulation materials that will keep your attic well insulated.

Quick Attic Insulation

With all the necessary tools and knowledge at the fingertips of the expert insulation contractor, you can be sure that your attic insulation will be done quickly and efficiently. This can save you time and money, and you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of your insulation sooner.

Correct Insulation

Professionals will ensure that the attic insulation is installed correctly and properly sealed and ventilated. This helps ensure that your home’s energy is efficient and that the insulation is doing its job.

Warranty Protection

Most professional insulation installers will offer a warranty on their work. This can provide you with peace of mind that if anything goes wrong within the warranty period, it’ll be rectified by the installer without having to pay any extra fee.

By hiring professionals to install your attic insulation, you can rest assured that all the pitfalls peculiar to DIY attic insulation will be avoided. You can learn more about attic insulation here; https://fdinsulation.com/attic-insulation/spray-foam/. We also offer spray foam insulation financing opportunities, to make your investment less stressful.

 

Name, Address, and Phone

First Defense Insulation, 

12 Greenway Plaza Suite 1147 Houston, Texas 77046, 

713-808-9853

 

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diagram of the home after installation of spray foam in Houston

Residential Insulation: Why Choose Spray Foam

Posted on | by John Blackwelder
For homeowners considering residential insulation upgrades, spray foam provides an outstanding option for superior energy efficiency and comfort. As a company, we offer insulation financing to make your life easier. Not only does it act as a complete air barrier, sealing everything from small cracks to larger spaces in walls and floors, but spray foam has one of the highest insulation R-values on the market. In this article, the attic insulation contractor in Houston will explain why you should choose spray foam for your next residential insulation project. Let’s start by first understanding what spray foam insulation is.

What Is Spray Foam Insulation?

Spray foam insulation is a thermal insulation polyurethane foam (SPF) product spray-applied in liquid form into wall cavities, attics, and other parts of a home. As the foam expands, it forms an airtight seal that helps to keep heated and cooled air inside the home while preventing drafts, heat loss, and air infiltration. A spray foam insulation’s high R-value makes it one of the most efficient and effective insulations. The R-value measures the insulation’s capacity to withstand heat flow, and the higher the R-value, the greater its insulating power. With an R-value of up to 6.5 per inch, spray foam is much higher than traditional insulation materials like fiberglass and cellulose.

Types Of Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation comes in two types – open cell and closed cell. Let’s look at them in detail.

Open-cell foam

Open-cell spray foam is a lightweight, flexible insulation material filled with air, giving it a spongy texture. It’s typically used in residential projects and has an R-value of 3.5 per inch.

Closed-cell foam

Closed-cell foam has an R-value of 6.5-7 per inch and is made up of tightly packed cells that are highly resistant to air leakage and water vapor penetration. It’s much more rigid than open-cell foam, so you should go for it if you’re looking for extra air sealing and insulation.

Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation

Now that you know what spray foam insulation is, let’s look at its benefits.

Its Moisture-Resistant

Pipe fittings and vents are vulnerable areas for moisture accumulation due to the open spots that may be present around them. Thus allowing water to seep in. Fortunately, spray foam insulation can form an effective barrier against moisture buildup. Due to its ability to penetrate tiny cracks and crevices, spray foam is thus highly effective. Besides, it remains functional even when wet, unlike other insulating materials that may need replacing when they get wet.

Improve Building Strength and Durability

As an inert material that firmly adheres to the roofing structure of a property, spray foam insulation will help to strengthen your property by helping to keep the roofing components together. This is quite helpful if you live in an area prone to strong winds that can lead to the uplift of the roofs. Spray foam insulation can also enhance the slope of your roofing structure, thus improving water drainage and reducing the likelihood of water damage.

It’s Energy Efficient

A home’s running costs can be significantly impacted by heating and cooling expenses. By choosing spray foam insulation, you can help reduce these costs as it provides a superior air barrier that helps to retain heat in winter and cold air in summer. For instance, you can expect energy savings of about 50% if you install closed-cell foam insulation in your attic.

Easy To Install

The ease of applying spray foam insulation makes it appealing. You only need a specially designed gun attached to a hose connected to a foam-containing press container. However, it’s prudent to use a professional installer’s services to ensure the process is done correctly.

Long Life Span

Spray foam insulation is composed of biologically inert materials. This quality makes it durable and resistant to biological growth like mold, which can compromise its integrity. This makes it an excellent option for long-term air sealing and insulation. With minimal maintenance, spray foam insulation can last 80 to 100 years, thus helping you save money on energy bills year after year.

Improves indoor comfort

By creating an airtight seal around your home, spray foam insulation can help to eliminate drafts and cold spots. Thus creating a comfortable living space that doesn’t have the challenges of fluctuating temperatures. In addition, limiting drafts of air also improves the air quality in your home. This can be beneficial to those suffering from allergies and respiratory problems.

Improve sound resistance

Imagine the noise pollution of living along a busy street or having neighbors who like their music too loud. Fortunately, spray foam insulation can help you create an effective barrier against external noise. The foam’s sound-absorbing properties can help to reduce the overall noise levels. So spray foam insulation is an excellent option if you want to enjoy more privacy or peace and quiet in your home.

It’s good for the environment

Due to its longevity, homes with spray foam insulation will require less use of consumable insulation materials over time. Thus making it ideal for reducing your carbon footprint. Moreover, its ability to prevent air leakage also helps reduce the energy needed to heat or cool a home. As a result, fossil fuel-based energy emissions can be reduced.

An Investment For Your Home or Building</h3>

Depending on where you stay, installing spray foam insulation may qualify you for rebates and tax incentives. And the reduction in utility bills over the long term will help offset the upfront costs. Besides, a well-insulated home also attracts a better resale value. Investing in spray foam insulation makes your home more durable and energy efficient. It also offers soundproofing capabilities and improved indoor comfort. Additionally, its environmentally friendly properties make it a great option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. If you’d like to upgrade your Houston spray foam insulation give us a call now! You can enhance your home’s comfort by working with us.

Name, Address and Phone

First Defense Insulation,  12 Greenway Plaza Suite 1147 Houston Texas 77046,
Common Attic Insulation Problems And How to Solve Them

Common Attic Insulation Problems And How to Solve Them

Posted on | by John Blackwelder

Attic Insulation is very vital for lowering your home’s energy bill and keeping you comfortable all year round. So, if it’s lacking, you should consider contacting a company offering Attic insulation in Houston, TX to help you insulate your home. However, if you notice your energy bills are still on the rise despite having insulation, there are likely to be some faults with your insulation. 

Your home’s Insulation may develop some issues over time due to age, environment, or lack of proper maintenance and become less effective. Here, we’ll explore common faults homeowners experience with their insulation and how to fix them. Quality should always be primary especially if you want to benefit from grants and insulation financing opportunities.

Common Attic Insulation Problems and How to Solve Them

Missing or Inadequate Attic Insulation

Not installing your insulation properly can increase the humidity in your attic, enhance mold growth, allow pests to enter your attic, and so on. It can also cause your home to be uncomfortable during cold and hot seasons since hot or cold air can easily seep into your home. In addition, your HVAC will have to work harder to regulate your home’s temperature, which will significantly increase your energy bill. Some areas where insulation may be inadequate include attic entrances, vents, windows, skylights, etc. 

  • Solution 

To ensure that insulation is not lacking or inadequate in any part of your attic, have a local insulation contractor examine your home. Experienced contractors will know the weak areas in your attic and ensure that they are properly insulated for maximum effectiveness. 

Uneven Attic Insulation

When installing your attic insulation, you should make sure that the material is properly laid in every area. If you’re using blown-in insulation, you should pay attention to how it is laid. That is because, despite blown-in insulation being easy to install, they are rarely distributed evenly across the attic. This can reduce its effectiveness and also increase your energy bill. 

  • Solution

Although some homeowners can try installing their insulation themselves, there are higher chances that it won’t be installed properly. The best way to avoid unevenly layered insulation is to hire an insulation contractor to do the installation.

When you work with an insulation contractor, you can be assured that the insulation will be distributed evenly and work effectively to maintain your home’s temperature. 

Blocked Attic Ventilation

If you’re using the traditional insulation type, your attic needs to be well-ventilated. 

If the vents in the attic are blocked, there will be inadequate airflow which may lead to mold or mildew growth. This is extremely hazardous as mold spores can cause several health issues when inhaled. 

  • Solution

When installing your insulation, make sure they are not obstructing the air vents in the attic. If they already are, you can have an insulation contractor rework your insulation. 

Collapsed Insulation

Attics make for good storage spaces. However, the kind of items you store in your attic can affect its effectiveness. For instance, stacking heavy boxes or bulky items can compact your insulation or cause it to collapse completely. When your attic insulation gets compacted or collapses, it reduces its  R-value. That is, it becomes less efficient in maintaining your home’s temperature, which makes your home less energy efficient. Alternatively, with a high R-value, your insulation will be able to maintain your home’s temperature throughout the different seasons of the year. 

  • Solution 

The best way to prevent your insulation from collapsing is to avoid storing heavy items on top of the insulation. You can invest in other attic storage options that won’t impact your insulation over time. You can also consider storing heavy items on solid flooring rather than atop your insulation. 

Pest Infestations

Your attic can become a perfect space for pests to nest, especially if your attic is not finished properly or the insulation is inadequate. Common pests that you can find living in your attic are Birds, Rats, Squirrels, Raccoons, Spiders, Mice, etc. Pests such as rats, squirrels, and raccoons can be detected easily as they can create sounds that can be heard from outside the attic. Other pests, such as insects, are not easily noticed and are more challenging to deal with. 

  • Solution 

Pest infestation in your attic is mostly due to gaps or holes in your insulation. To solve the problem, first, contact a local pest extermination company to get rid of the infestation. Then find the areas where insulation is missing, and block them off with replacement insulation barriers or spray foams to prevent pests from entering the attic or consider changing the insulation entirely. 

Ice Damming

People that live in colder climates are more likely to experience ice damming. Although ice damming doesn’t happen in your attic, they can be a sign of faulty attic insulation. Ice damming happens when the snow melts on your roof and re-freezes at the edges of the roof. Asides from creating hazardous icicles on your roof, ice dams can also cause extensive damage to the roof itself. 

  • Solution 

Ice damming often occurs when there is inadequate attic insulation. Attics can get too cold during the winter if it is not properly insulated. This contributes to frozen sheets and icicles forming on your roof. To get rid of the ice dams, you can contact professionals that provide ice dam steaming to remove the frozen sheets for you. Once the winter is over and the weather becomes more favorable, you can look into improving your attic’s insulation. 

When the temperature in your home becomes uncomfortable for you and your family, and your energy bills begin to skyrocket, it’s a sign that there’s a problem with your attic insulation. Look no further; take the next step by getting an insulator contractor to solve your insulation problems. When you work with insulation experts, you can trust your insulation to serve you well in the coming years. 

Suppose you don’t know where to turn to for help with your attic insulation; you can visit https://fdinsulation.com/. 

 

Name, Address, and Phone

First Defense Insulation, 

12 Greenway Plaza Suite 1147, 

Houston, Texas 77046, 

713-808-9853

 

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