Insulation Frequently Asked Questions (Part 2)
Are you thinking about insulating your home or property, but have some questions pertaining to insulation installation? Insulation is something that is shrouded in mystery for many people, which is why we’ve created this FAQ to help answer some of your insulation-related questions. Here are some of the frequently asked questions we tend to get and our answers to them: Spray Foam Insulation Near Plymouth Minnesota
How much insulation should my residential or commercial building have?
Different areas of a home or building have different recommended R-values. If your home or other property was built before the 1980s, chances are high that your home does not have the proper amount of insulation. And you could be paying for it, month after month.
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends home insulation R-values based on where you live – use the R-Value Calculator – link https://www.ornl.gov/division/etsd/tools– to help determine your correct level, in each area of your Minnesota building.
It is also important that your new residential or commercial building complies with current Minnesota building code requirements – link https://www.insulate.org/ – for insulation. These building codes establish minimum levels of insulation for ceilings, walls, floors, and basements for new residential and commercial construction.
What is the difference among fiberglass, rock and slag wool, cellulose, and foam insulation?
- Fiberglass is made from molten sand or recycled glass and other inorganic materials under highly controlled conditions. Fiberglass is produced in batt, blanket, and loose-fill forms.
- Rock and slag wool are manufactured similarly to fiberglass, but use natural rock and blast furnace slag as its raw material. Typical forms are loose-fill, blanket, or board types.
- Cellulose is a loose-fill made from recycled materials, much of it paper and flame retardants are added to it in order to give it a permanent fireproof element.
- Foam insulations are available as rigid boards or foamed-in-place materials that can fill and seal blocks or building cavity spaces. Foams are also used in air sealing to fill gaps, cracks, or openings.
- Reflective materials are fabricated from aluminum foils with a variety of backings such as polyethylene bubbles and plastic film. Reflective insulations retard the transfer of heat; they can be tested by the same methods as mass insulation and therefore assigned an R-value.
- A Radiant Barrier is a building construction material consisting of a low emittance (normally 0.1 or less) surface (usually aluminum foil) bounded by an open air space. Radiant barriers are used for the sole purpose of limiting heat transfer by radiation.
Why hire a professional insulation contractor rather than a home improvement contractor or general contractor?
Professional insulation contractors devote their time to insulation contracting services and focus on your energy conservation and comfort. Proper installation is essential for insulation to perform properly.
Knowledge of vapor retarders, air infiltration, ventilation, recessed lighting, and water pipes are just a few of the areas critical to installation techniques. Professional insulation contractors have access to a wide variety of training, are familiar with local codes and regulations, and can offer guidance about the type and amount of insulation to be used.
For more information about our insulation and air-sealing services, don’t hesitate to contact your local spray foam insulation contractors in Plymouth MN at Century Insulation today.
Insulation Contractors Plymouth MN | Century Insulation
Century Insulation can help you insulate your home or commercial property in Plymouth Minnesota. Our services include spray foam insulation, attic insulation, cellulose insulation, and fiberglass insulation. If you’re not sure which one is best for you, feel free to contact one of our insulation contractors to come and inspect your house and help you determine which solution works best for you!