Beyond The Walls- Icynene, All Spray Foam is not equal

When it comes to choosing insulation, conducting a little research and asking questions are just some of the best ways to ensure that your insulation choice is safe, well-ventilated, energy efficient and can perform optimally over the long-term.  Here are some tips to consider when researching  the various insulation options including spray foam insulation. By doing some research and ensuring you have chosen to work with a licensed spray foam insulation contractor, you are taking measures to protect yourself from the risk of a poor installation or poorly performing insulation. Don't be shy about asking a contractor for references, or for information about jobs they have completed. 

Why do we like Icynene? 

For over 20 years Icynene has been the industry leader in spray Foam and spray Foam innovation and is our only choice as a vendor partner when it comes to spray foam insulation.  It is rare that a manufacturer would offer a warranty that transfers with ownership for the life of the building. At insulUSA, we can offer our homeowners piece of mind by using the best product and the best warranty on the market. 

Beyond The Walls- Weatherization, Duct Tape does NOT fix everything!

In recent years as the cost of heating a home has increased, so has the need for weatherization education. The US Department of Energy estimates that over 6.2 Million homes have been weatherized as part of the US Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), created in the late 1970s to help low income families by reducing their energy bills. Today, decades later, more and more homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their energy consumption and their lower their utility bills. Data supports that weatherization returns about $2.69 for each dollar spent on weatherizing your home.  This makes good sense no matter your income bracket.

The process of weatherization involves a variety of procedures, many which can be accomplished by the home owner with materials that can be found at the local home improvement center. Others will require the services of experienced professionals. Lets begin with some of those we can tackle on our own. Best place to begin is by sealing bypasses, any type of gaps, cracks or holes where air can move through. Our natural instinct is to grab that roll of duct tape and get busy  and although duct tape is used for a lot of household fixes, it is not suitable for weatherization. Some materials that may be needed include caulk, foam sealant. weather stripping, electrical receptical gaskets  and door sweeps. Bypasses will be found around doors, windows, pipes and wiring- anywhere that penetrates the ceiling and floor. 

Weatherization Shopping List

Another substantial source of air leakage occurs through can lights. Sealing recessed lighting fixtures prevents large amounts of conditioned air from escaping into unconditioned spaces. Covers for these can be made, or purchased through home improvement centers. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, it pays to do some research before making your own because there are specific dimensions that should be adhered to to  prevent contact with the fixture itself. 

Most home improvement stores will have everything you need in a prominent location.  

Leaky air ducts which can account for up to 20% of heat loss in the home should not be overlooked. Sealing these air ducts can make a substantial difference when reducing your energy costs, but put that duct tape down!! The best way to seal the duct work is with a product called mastic. This is a thinset resin which is ideal because of its bonding capabilities and its resistance to heat. There are also foil HVAC tapes on the market that will do the job and are much easier to work with. 

Beginning with these few items will make a difference and can be accomplished in a weekend. In my next blog, I will outline just a few services that make will make a difference that are best left to professionals. Good luck and get started!