Category Archives: Spray Foam Insulation

Whether you are building a new house, or just need to remove the old insulation and install a newer more energy efficient option Barrier Insulation is Phoenix’s first choice in home and commercial insulation and solar services. We proudly provide the valley’s more comprehensive insulation service that helps you stay more comfortable and save on energy. Click here to schedule on our website, or just give us a call at 602-499-2922.

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Written by webtechs

18 April 2023

How To Remove Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation is typically only removed during a remodel or prior to the installation of a new material. Removal of this insulation is a difficult task, and is best left to the professionals.

Removing Spray Foam Insulation

It should be known that removing this form of insulation is certainly no easy task. The properties that make this such a quality insulation are the same that make it difficult to remove. Spray foam insulation will expand upon insulation, forming tight seals and eliminating all voids to create an impenetrable barrier.

When installing and removing the insulation, safety is paramount. Always wear protective clothing and masks during these processes.

Removing Spray Foam Insulation Step-By-Step

Before performing this task, make sure there are no electrical wires, pipes or plumbing lines below the insulation you intend to remove. Use this step-by-step guide below.

Step 1. Wear protective gear, including a mask.

Step 2. Cut the insulation with either a knife, saw or claw hammer.

Step 3. Tear the insulation away from the spaces it was installed.

Step 4. Repeat the second and third steps until the majority of the insulation has been removed.

Step 5. Scrape away any remaining materials with a paint scraper, flathead screwdriver or similar tool.

Step 6. Use lacquer thinner to remove any debris that you are unable to scrape off.

Do not use any water on this insulation, as it will only make the material harder. Using heat in order to melt or burn away the insulation will also not work. It is extremely dangerous to attempt to use heat for removal.

Schedule Your Insulation Services Today!

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Written by webtechs

30 November 2022

Does Spray Foam Insulation Reduce Noise?

Yes, spray foam does have a reputation as one of the best insulation types to reduce noise.

Spray Foam Insulation Reduces Noise

One reason why this type of insulation is considered great at reducing noise is because it not only blocks out unwanted noise but it keeps in good noise. For example, if you are watching a movie, you’ll want those sounds to be held within the room.

Spray foam insulation will hold in the desired noise while blocking it from outside rooms, at the same time. Unlike standard fiberglass insulation, spray foam insulation will expand into every crevice of an interior wall, which blocks out all unwanted noise.

Spray foam insulation is sprayed on wet and it expands rapidly into gaps, cracks, and solidifies as a hard, thick foam. This insulation type can be used to insulate the walls of new build and existing homes. One of the best features of spray foam insulation is how well it conforms automatically to all of the odd shaped cavities and air leaks.

The R-value of spray foam depends on the chemical makeup as there are two variants, closed and open cell spray foam insulation. Spray foam insulation does require a slightly greater investment, but it does offer superior performance.

Different Types Of Noise

It’s crucial to remember there are many different types of noise when choosing the best sound-proof insulation. This includes airborne noise that can come from either the inside or outside. Inside noise can include music playing or a television show. Outside noise can range from ongoing construction to traffic.

Impact noise is sound that comes from vibrations like working appliances. Spray foam works better when dealing with airborne noise, while fiberglass can defend well against impact noise.

Pros & Cons Of Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation is unique in that not only does it act as an insulation barrier, but expands into tiny gaps and cracks. This seals off many of your home’s air leaks, to keep you cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Open cell spray foam expands to an incredible 100 times its original volume in just seconds.

The primary components of spray foam are an organic chemical compound made from petroleum extracts and water. It is mixed and blown onto the inner wall and attic surfaces to seal the home and insulate it.

Pros Of Spray Foam:

These are just a few of the pros for spray foam insulation.

Rated for fire safety for walls and attics
It’s an environmentally safe insulation
Spray foam doesn’t attract insects or pests
Will not retain water from roof leaks
Helps create a semi conditioned space in attic
Seals off air leaks to help reduce energy bills

Cons Of Spray Foam:

Spray foam insulation does cost more than traditional insulation up front, yet it is a more effective insulation option. Over time the difference will get paid back with superior performance.

Spray foam costs more up front
Spray foam must be installed by a pro
Some brands might have an odor for a short time

Barrier Insulation Offer Batt And Roll Insulation in Phoenix

If you live in the Phoenix Valley and are considering bat and roll insulation, Barrier Insulation can help! Barrier Insulation offers spray foam insulation installation in Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Glendale, Gilbert, Tempe and more.

As the leading bat and roll insulation installer, our team is dedicated to providing the best insulation installation, complete customer satisfaction, and meticulous application of your insulation. To get your cost to install spray foam insulation at your home or business please visit our contact page, or give us a call at 602-499-2922.

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Written by webtechs

14 October 2022

Spray Foam Vs Batt Insulation

Which type of insulation is best for your home: spray foam or batt? Let’s take a look at the similarities and differences of these two insulation types.

Spray Foam Insulation

Pros & Cons Of Spray Foam Insulation

Pros Of Spray Foam:

These are just a few of the pros for spray foam insulation.

Rated for fire safety for walls and attics
It’s an environmentally safe insulation
Spray foam doesn’t attract insects or pests
Will not retain water from roof leaks
Helps create a semi conditioned space in attic
Seals off air leaks to help reduce energy bills

Cons Of Spray Foam:

Spray foam insulation does cost more than traditional insulation up front, yet it is a more effective insulation option. Over time the difference will get paid back with superior performance.

Spray foam costs more up front
Spray foam must be installed by a pro
Some brands might have an odor for a short time

Batt Insulation

Batt insulation is commonly referred to as “batts” or “rolls”. This type utilizes a flexible blanket-like insulation that is best suited for easily accessible areas. Batts and rolls can be used in non-standard areas, so the material will have to be cut to size.

The blankets come in high, medium and standard-density constructions, made from fiberglass, rock wool and other similar materials. Batt insulation can be fitted quite easily to the specific areas, but it may be hard to fit in unusual or hard-to-access areas.

Pros & Cons Of Batt Insulation

Batt or blanket insulation is typically made of mineral wool or fiberglass. Most often, you will find batt insulation sold in rolls, with pre-cut sizes offered in some cases. Batt insulation is usually used in exposed walls, ceilings, attics or floors. Here is a look at some pros and cons associated with batt insulation.

Pros Of Batt Insulation:

This material is fire-resistant.
Can hold up against water damage.
This is the easiest material for any DIY projects.

Cons Of Batt Insulation:

Hard to fit in oddly-shaped areas.
Material will compress over time.
Requires the use of personal protective equipment.

How Much Does Spray Foam Insulation Cost?

This cost includes many new build homes that don’t require insulation removal or any demolition to install new insulation. For older homes that want to remove old insulation and install new spray foam insulation in the whole home, attic, walls, or crawl space the costs are higher.

How Much Does Batt Insulation Cost?

On average, batt and roll installation costs between $0.80-$2.60 per square foot. This equates to an average of $1,100-$3,900 for installation, according to HomeGuide. A roll of insulation typically costs $20-$90, which will cover anywhere between 40-75 square feet.

Spray Foam Vs Batt Insulation Comparisons

Now let’s compare the two types of insulation head-to-head.

How It Works

Batt insulation will trap air inside tiny glass fibers, which slows the overall transfer of heat. Spray foam insulation comes in two forms; open and closed cell. Open cell is used specifically as an air barrier.

Energy Efficiency

Batt insulation is less energy efficient than spray foam insulation.

R-Value

The R-value of batt is 2.2 per inch non aged R-value. This insulation type will lose its R-value over time, though. Spray foam, meanwhile, will not lose R-value over its lifespan.

Flammability

Batt is potentially flammable due to the presence of kraft paper. Spray foam is flammable, with a barrier featuring a fire rating a necessity.

Lifetime

If the batt insulation stays dry, it can thrive anywhere from 10-25 years. Spray foam insulation has been known to last 80+ years.

Barrier Insulation Offer Batt And Roll Insulation in Phoenix

batt insulation vs spray foam, batt vs spray foam insulation, spray foam vs batt insulation cost

Regular Post

Written by Barrier Insulation Inc

6 December 2021

Where Should Insulation Be Used?

While insulation is a sure-fire technique to save money on energy and make a home more pleasant, many homeowners are unsure if they have enough. Some people are concerned that there are areas that should be insulated but aren’t.

A Crucial Definition

There are many different types of home insulation materials, but their ability to insulate is determined by the R-value, which stands for resistance to heat movement. The higher the R-value, the more effective the material is at preventing heat from passing through it.

Fiberglass, cellulose, and mineral wool are the most prevalent home insulating materials in residential buildings. All of the materials have similar R-values of 2.5 to 4 per inch of thickness. Fiberglass is available in batts and rolls that fit into common building openings like wall stud bays and ceiling joist gaps. Builders and contractors like the product because of its availability, low cost, and ease of installation. R-values for fiberglass batts are printed right on the container, so for a 3.5-inch-thick batt suited for wall studs, you might notice an R-13. Loose-fill materials include cellulose and several forms of fiberglass. Special machinery is used to blast them into place. In addition, rigid foam boards and spray-on foams have specific home applications.

The minimum R-values for attics, walls, and floors are specified by building codes. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program specifies R-value thresholds based on temperature zones that are more stringent than building codes. These suggestions serve as a solid starting point.

Attic Insulation Upgrade

Because most insulation is covered by a finish layer, the attic, which is usually unfinished, is the best area to start evaluating insulation levels in many homes. There is certainly some insulation in the attic already, but if the tops of the ceiling joists can be seen or there is only an inch or two of insulation covering the joists, you definitely don’t have enough.

Fortunately, attics are a relatively simple place to add insulation, whether it’s fiberglass or cellulose. Perpendicular to the present batts, further batts can be added. Insulation with loose fill can quickly fill in around impediments. When insulating or reinsulating an attic, there are a few factors to keep in mind.

The importance of air sealing is equal to that of insulation. Conducted heat loss, or the passage of energy from one molecule to the next, is slowed by common insulation materials. The term “R-value” refers to the resistance to heat flow. Consider a cast-iron skillet that has been placed over an open flame. The handle of the pan becomes too hot to touch after a while—this is conductive heat flow. However, many insulating solutions are ineffective at preventing heat transfer through moving air. As the temperature rises, heated air searches for ways to escape into the attic or to the outdoors. There are numerous of ways for conditioned air to enter the attic, including electrical and plumbing penetrations, as well as flue and chimney openings. As part of a larger insulation effort, such openings must be sealed.

Recessed lighting necessitates extra care. Some recessed light fixtures have protruding housings that cannot be covered with insulation, necessitating a three-inch gap between the fixture and the insulation—a scenario that wastes a lot of energy. Choose lights rated for insulation contact (designated IC) as an alternative, which implies the fixture can be in touch with, or even covered in, insulation. ICAT-rated fixtures go a step further by incorporating airtight housings.

Pay attention to the ventilation in the attic. So that wet air does not condense on the building components, the space above the attic insulation must be aired to the outside. A mix of ridge vents and soffit vents is an excellent method. The soffit vents pull in outside air while the ridge vents exhaust it. Insulation must be kept out of the soffit openings. The air is channeled by baffles inserted between the roof rafters.

Increasing the thickness of the walls

It’s difficult to determine the quality of wall insulation without drilling a series of holes into your home’s external walls. Working with a contractor or energy auditor who employs a thermal imaging device is one possibility. These are portable instruments that detect radiation in the form of heat loss from solid objects. They can assist in identifying insulation gaps or the absence of insulation.

A contractor can remove portions of outer siding and drill holes between the wall studs to add insulation to a finished wall. He’ll fill the stud bays with a loose-fill substance.

Use insulated sheathing under the siding if you plan to live in the house. Although the sheathing is normally only one inch thick, it helps to insulate the walls. Perhaps more importantly, the sheathing aids in the prevention of thermal bridging, or heat loss through the wall studs. The insulation between the studs conducts heat more faster than the wooden or metal studs, therefore the insulated sheathing helps to prevent heat loss.

Areas That Are Often Overlooked

The heated and cooled living room should be wrapped in insulation in an energy-efficient home. The attic and the outer walls are obvious places to start, but there are others as well:

Walls in the basement. Finished basement walls should be insulated. One method is to apply firm foam insulation to the concrete walls, then drywall over the insulation. Another option is to put the foam first, then construct a 2×4 stud wall with fiberglass or cellulose insulation. Plumbing and electrical lines can be run through the 2×4 wall.

Rim joists are joists that go around the outside of the building. These joists, also known as perimeter joists, form the framework for the flooring joists. They commonly connect the foundation and framing of a house. Install stiff foam board cut to fit between the floor joists to insulate them. Seal the edges with expanding foam from a can, which will insulate and air-seal the space at the same time.

Crawl spaces that aren’t heated. There is some disagreement regarding how to proceed with this project. Crawl areas were once aired to the outdoors and insulated with fiberglass batts on the floor above them. However, many people now believe that subterranean areas should be sealed and outside walls and rim joists should be insulated with rigid foam board. In addition, the crawl area should be integrated into the house’s conditioned space. Consult a skilled contractor about this project. If you have any current problems, he or she will identify them and recommend solutions.

Insulation put correctly and in the right places can aid in the energy efficiency of a home.

Barrier Insulation Offers Insulation Services In Phoenix!

Home Insulation, Saving Energy, Spray Foam Insulation

Barrier Insulation Inc. is the premier provider of quality insulation in Phoenix. You can trust your insulation to the professionals at Barrier Insulation Inc. knowing your house will be optimized with the finest quality insulation in the marketplace. For all of your insulation needs call us today at 602-499-2922.

Whether you are building a new house, or just need to remove the old insulation and install a newer more energy efficient option Barrier Insulation is Phoenix’s first choice in home and commercial insulation. We proudly provide the valley’s more comprehensive insulation service that helps you stay more comfortable and save on energy. Click here to schedule on our website, or just give us a call at 602-499-2922.

Regular Post

Written by Barrier Insulation Inc

22 January 2021

How Much Does Spray Foam Insulation Cost 2021?

The average cost for spray foam insulation is $2,000 dollars based on a 1000 sq ft home. *These are not our actual costs. Contact Barrier Insulation to get an actual quote today. The cost for spray foam insulation installation is lower for smaller areas and higher for larger homes. If you’re thinking about saving money by installing insulation, spray foam is one of the most popular and effective options.

Home Insulation, Spray Foam Insulation

Cost Of Spray Foam Insulation

The cost of spray foam insulation installation will also vary depending on if you’re planning to do your whole home, or just certain areas like the attic, exterior walls, or crawl space. According to improvenet.com the average installation cost for spray foam insulation in the United States is $2,000. *These are not our actual costs. Contact Barrier Insulation to get an actual quote today. This cost includes many new build homes that don’t require insulation removal or any demolition to install new insulation. For older homes that want to remove old insulation and install new spray foam insulation in the whole home, attic, walls, or crawl space the costs are higher.

Spray Foam Insulation Areas

There are various areas of your home or business that can benefit from the addition of spray foam insulation. Spray foam insulation has the superior insulating properties like other insulators, But goes further to seal up air leaks. This keeps your home more comfortable without having to run the AC or heat all night and day. The less you need your HVAC the more your save!

Attic Insulation

The attic is one of the primary areas that need to be insulated to keep your home comfortable and energy efficient. As heat hits your roofing it heats up and transfers the heat into your attic. Spray foam insulation installed in your attic will slow the heat transfer, keep your attic cooler, and reduce strain on AC ducts running through the area.

Exterior Wall Insulation

The walls of your home whether it’s brand new or years old play a big role in your home’s comfort. The sun heats them along with gaps and cracks allowing air to move through them to and from the outdoors. Having spray foam added will make rooms more comfortable and help save you money!

Crawl Space

Crawl spaces are the hollow areas under some homes in the valley. They exist to allow technicians like plumbers access under the home to do their work. Installing spray foam in the crawl space will help keep floors more comfortable and seal up gaps and cracks that cause drafts in your home.

Whole Home

Homeowners wanting to get the maximum effect and savings from installing insulation choose to get their whole home insulated. Spray foam is the premium and most effective insulation type for nearly all areas of your home. It is best to be installed in new build or during remodeling that involves the tearing down of sheetrock and removal of old insulation.

Spray Foam Insulation Cost Factors

Every home and business is a different size, layout, age, and quality of construction. This variety of conditions makes it impossible to give a “one-size-fits-all” cost for spray foam insulation. Homes that are smaller cost less than bigger homes and projects that only have the attic insulated cost less than whole home spray foam insulation.

Area Being Insulated

The bigger the area being insulted, the more spray foam will be used, and the longer it will take a crew to properly install. This has a direct correlation to the cost of the spray foam insulation installation project.

Type Of Spray Foam

There are two main types of spray foam insulation, open and closed cell. Closed cell spray foam does have a higher insulation value, but also costs more. Most homeowners choose to use open cell spray foam insulation.

Thickness Of Spray Foam Layer

The thicker the layer needed for your insulation project the more spray foam mixture will be needed. The water blown product is mixed at the spray tip and comes from our truck. The thicker the layer the most it will cost.

Brand Of Spray Foam

There are various brands of spray foam insulation. Barrier Insulation proudly carries the top quality spray foam insulation brands. We install the durable and long lasting Icynene spray foam insulation for our customers.

Material Being Sprayed Onto

Various types of material are either easier or harder to install spray foam insulation onto. If spray foam is to be sprayed directly onto brick, vinyl, wood, or aluminum the prep and application may take more time which affects cost.

Receive A Free Spray Foam Insulation Quote In Phoenix

If you live in the Phoenix Valley and are considering spray foam insulation, Barrier Insulation can help! Barrier Insulation offers spray foam insulation installation in Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Glendale, Gilbert, Tempe and more. As the leading spray foam insulation installer our team is dedicated to providing the best insulation installation, complete customer satisfaction, and meticulous application of your insulation. To get your cost to install spray foam insulation at your home or business please visit our contact page, or give us a call at 602-499-2922.

Regular Post

Written by webtechs

28 May 2020

Spray Foam Insulation Pros and Cons

Spray foam insulation is more costly than other types of insulation; fiberglass batts and/ or blown-in cellulose, for instance, and it requires installation by a professional. Why do a lot of home-builders and homeowners trust it so much? One word, performance.

Spray polyurethane foam has two types: open cell and closed cell. Each type fills gaps and crevices throughout walls and ceilings a lot more productively than batt insulation, easily pouring around pipes and wires to produce an efficient air barrier when it cures.

Spray foam is produced at the project site from 2 chemicals, the “A” side, and “B” side. They each mix at the nozzle of the spray gun, foaming up as the components are mixed together. The professional installers are fashioned in protective clothing and respirators as they spray it.

Open Cell Foaming is Vapor-Porous

Open cell foaming weighs less and is the less costly of the 2. Having R-values of around R 3.5 and R 3.6 each inch, open cell foam’s weight is around 1/2 lb. per cubic foot. Even though costs differ, anticipate on paying $1 up to $1.20 per square foot as they are spraying a 2×4 studded area. Professional installers usually overfill stud areas or rafter bays using the foam and trim the excess off after the foam is done curing. This will leave the cavity totally filled.

Open cell foam is a great air barrier, but it’s vapor- porous. Meaning water vapor can make its way throughout the foam even as a large movement of air is obstructed. This becomes an important point as the foam is sprayed among rafters on the underside of the roof sheathing to produce a conditioned attic in colder climates. During winter months, water droplets inside the attic air could make their way through the foam and gather on the other side of the sheathing—a possible mold and decay issue. In cases like this, a separate vapor inhibitor or vapor-hindering paint needs be covered over the foam.

Closed Cell Foam is a Vapor Blocker

Closed cell foaming has a greater R-value than open cell foaming — around R 6.5 per inch — and it’s a vapor blocker in addition to an air blocker. Some manufacturers even have higher R-values. Closed cell foam is a lot more dense, about 2 lb. per cubic foot, and is not affected by water. It creates tough, dense insulating layers and reinforces the structure of ceiling and wall cavities.

Closed cell foaming also is a lot more expensive than open cell foaming, with prices around $1.75 to $3 per square foot in a 2×4 pocket. That is money well spent in many situations. In walls or roofs where there is limited space for insulation, for instance, closed cell foam provides greater thermal performance in a lot more thin layer than a lot of other types of insulation.

Cured closed-cell foam is a lot more difficult to trim than open cell foaming, so the professional installers do not overfill the studded and rafted areas. It’s hard to work trimming it back after the foam has cured. Installers also need to be careful to not spray too much foam on a single pass, or lift. The reasoning for this is that the foam produces heat when it cures—an exothermically reaction. When the foam is too thick, it could catch on fire. Even though this is uncommon, it has occurred, and inadequately installed foam has been at fault for many house fires.

Saving Money

With its considerably high R-values, closed cell foaming would appear to be the perfect insulation for external walls. Theoretically, filling in a 2×6 studded area could yield an R-value of 37.75, close to double what a conventional density fiberglass batt could offer.

Firstly, the installer will most likely not bring the foam all the way to the outer edge of the studs. They’re more likely to leave a 1/2-inch buffer so they will not have to trim more back after the initial installation. After the installation, the insulation layer is in fact 5 inches, not 5-1/2 inches.

At that point, there is a framing factor— the area of the wall that is not insulation: wooden or metal studs, wall headers, and top and bottom plates. As the R-value of wood is added into the equation, the entire wall R-value is more around R 15.4. That’s just around R 1.9 more than you would get with open cell foaming, but more costly.

Considerations for the Environment

Although some indisputable performance benefits, many home-builders, and designers will not use spray foam. Proponents of foam-free construction do not like the petrochemical background of spray foam or the potential, however few and far between, that incorrectly mixed foam will produce chemical hazards or residual odors in the home.

And in cases of closed cell foaming, there’s the issue of the blowing medium—the chemical additive that makes the foam sudsy and gives it, its high R-values. Open cell foam utilizes water or CO2 as the blowing medium, but the standard industry blowing medium for closed cell foaming has been a hydrofluorocarbon with a global warming potential that is possibly 1,300 times more than CO2.

As the risk of global warming and climate change are becoming more understood, this by itself is enough to make many builders go in a different way. Nevertheless, next-generation blowing mediums created by Honeywell, known as Solstice, is a distinctive chemical, a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO). It has a global warming potential of one or less, making spray foam creations that utilize it no more harmful than that in regard to open cell foaming. The spray-foam industry is progressively moving toward to this newer blowing medium, and the SPFA anticipates the transition to be finished anywhere between the next year or two.

Source:

“Spray-Foam Insulation.” Fine Homebuilding, 13 June 2019, www.finehomebuilding.com/2019/06/13/spray-foam-insulation.

Phoenix Spray Foam Insulation Contractors

If you have a home or commercial property in Phoenix that’s costing you an arm and a leg to cool or heat; Barrier Insulation is here to help! We offer the best spray foam insulation installation service in the state and provide it to all the cities in the Phoenix Valley. From Phoenix to Mesa and Gilbert to Glendale we have you covered with the very best insulation and professional installation.

Call Today For A Free Spray Foam Insulation Quote 602-499-2922

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Written by Barrier Insulation Inc

21 June 2019

What Is Cellulose Insulation?

When installing insulation in an attic or closed wall, the most popular choice is blow-in cellulose insulation. Other popular options include blown-in fiberglass and fiberglass batts. However, loose-fill cellulose is still the most cost-effective and practical solution.

What Is Cellulose Insulation?

Cellulose insulation is a wood and paper product used to fill empty spaces to prevent the transmission of cold and heat in a house. With a consistency similar to feathers, it is dense, clumpy and thick. It can be installed into enclosed areas and can go around obstacles such as ducts or wires. Commercial cellulose insulation is derived from materials like cardboard, recycled newspapers, office paper, and other common waste paper products. Therefore cellulose insulation is a very eco-friendly product.

How Cellulose Insulation Is Blown Into The Home

Homeowners most often use loose-fill cellulose insulation. It differs from other kinds of cellulose insulation that is designed to be blown onto open walls in a similar way to spray foam. With loose-fill cellulose insulation, moisture gets introduced into the spray assists in sticking cellulose to the wall. But with loose-fill insulation, the cellulose is dry. When filling finished walls, holes are drilled into the drywall or plaster permitting access of the blower nozzle. In attics, it is blown in alongside the joists. it can also be utilized to fill in existing cavities in the joists that have no insulation or added as a layer on top of fiberglass insulation or batts.

Cellulose Insulation Pro’s

Cellulose insulation stands up well to vermin and insects
With finished walls, loose-fill cellulose insulation is one of the very few ways you can successfully add insulation
Loose-fill cellulose insulation settles to conform around obstructions in attics and walls.

Cellulose Insulation Cons

Over time once the insulation has settled, it can form pockets where there is no insulation.
Cellulose soaks up moisture when placed in enclosed areas and takes a great deal of time to dry out.

Is Cellulose Considered Green?

To a certain extent…Up to 85 percent is made from recyclable materials. But the remaining 15 percent is less than ideally green as it contains chemicals such as borate to treat the insulation. As a rule of thumb, it would be fair to say it cellulose loose-foam insulation is not perhaps as green as it is sometimes made out to be.

Barrier Insulation Offers Insulation Services In Phoenix!

Home Insulation, Saving Energy, Spray Foam Insulation

Whether you are building a new house, or just need to remove the old insulation and install a newer more energy efficient option Barrier Insulation is Phoenix’s first choice in home and commercial insulation. We proudly provide the valley’s more comprehensive insulation service that helps you stay more comfortable and save on energy. Click here to schedule on our website, or just give us a call at 602-499-2922.

Regular Post

Written by Barrier Insulation Inc

6 June 2019

How To Insulate Finished Walls

Modern homes usually come with insulation contained within the cavities of the walls as standard. But for houses built through the 1980s, this was not always the case. Older houses often have no insulation whatsoever, resulting in extremes of temperatures inside the house should you happen to reside in harsh climates with extremes of temperature. this can mean the heating or cooling system in the house is being overworked causing wear to the system and increased energy costs. With no insulation, energy seeps through uninsulated ceilings and wall cavities that are hollow.

Retrofit Wall Insulation

This is a much-discussed subject as there is no one correct answer. The only way to decide is via a cost-benefit analysis. Sometimes the cost of the addition of insulation may exceed the cost of the energy you save. Although uninsulated walls are never eco-friendly, it may be the only viable solution to remove the drywall, insulate, install the drywall and paint, once again.

Injection Foam Insulation

The main advantage of foam insulation versus fiberglass insulation is foam resists mildew and mold better than batt roll fiberglass or loose fill. Another plus is it’s strong expansion properties mean it can be forced into difficult areas. it is similar to those individual cans of foam insulation you can purchase from a hardware store but it is a lot more efficient. However, it also has the advantage of being the best choice to avoid wall damage. That said you will have to create holes for the foam to be injected in too. They will need to be filled, patched and painted to finish the job.

Remove Drywall & Install Roll Fiberglass

This is a very messy procedure but it is simple and does a very thorough job at an inexpensive cost. The gypsum has to be hacked away, removing the drywall nails and screws, installing R-13 or greater fiberglass roll insulation and then performing a re-installation of the drywall. However, the benefit is you can be assured your walls are fully insulated.

Loose-Fill Blown-In Insulation

Cellulose insulation (blown in cellulose in this case) is actually a paper product with boric acid added foe dire resistance. It is injected into the cavities of walls in a series of holes drilled either inside or outside the walls. Many companies ff this kind of insulation but the drawback are it can settle and get caught up on obstructions in the inner-wall like boxes, plaster keys, and wires.

Blow-In-Blanket Wall Insulation

This a new patented construction process utilizing blower injected pellets made from fiberglass that can be used for either closed or open walls. On open walls, a sheath of fabric is attached to studs, forming a kind of cage that contains blown in fiberglass pellets. The pellets then form in a tight and dense manner, creating a highly effective seamless blanket that is ideal at stopping air infiltration. This is a professional process and at the moment is only offered by one manufacturer and sold by approved outlets.

Barrier Insulation Offers Insulation Services In Phoenix!