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The Dangers of Asbestos Attic Insulation

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Attic Insulation. No Comments on The Dangers of Asbestos Attic Insulation

If you’ve heard of asbestos before, then you probably know that it should be avoided. Exposure to asbestos can lead to the development of primarily two types of cancers, and exposure of as little as a few days has been linked to cancer growth.

While avoiding asbestos exposure should be a top priority for everyone, most attic insulation doesn’t actually contain asbestos. Understanding what asbestos is, what types of insulation product contain asbestos, and what to do if you suspect your insulation material contains asbestos is important for all homeowners given the potential health risks of exposure.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is the name given to a group of minerals that share fire and corrosion-resistant properties. These minerals include:

  • Chrysotile 
  • Amosite
  • Crocidolite
  • Tremolite
  • Anthophyllite
  • Actinolite

Asbestos containing materials inherit its corrosion and fire resistance, which is why they’ve seen use in applications ranging from shipbuilding and repair, construction, and the automotive industry. Examples of products containing asbestos include brake pads, floor tiles and sheeting, cement pipes, vinyl wall coverings, and roofing shingles. 

What are the Health Impacts of Asbestos Exposure?

Even limited exposure to asbestos has been linked to two types of cancer:

  • Cancer of the lung tissue
  • Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and other organs. It is important to recognize that even very limited exposure to an asbestos material, including asbestos in insulation, can result in cancer growth years later. This is why it is so critical to avoid any exposure to asbestos containing material, even if you are only exposed briefly.

Does Insulation Contain Asbestos?

Some insulation products does. Specifically, some insulation containing the mineral vermiculite may contain asbestos. Vermiculite is a mineral that, when heated to very high temperatures, puffs up. The expanded form of vermiculite has uses in a variety of industries, including organic gardening. 

On its own, vermiculite isn’t harmful. However, between the years 1925 – 1990, a substantial portion of the world’s vermiculite originated from a mine in Libby, Montana. That mine also contained a deposit of asbestos, in which asbestos contaminated vermiculite products and other products that used vermiculite.

One of those products was a type of blown-in attic insulation. So, the easy rule of thumb is: if your attic contains vermiculite insulation, assume it has asbestos in it. While not all vermiculite attic insulation contains asbestos, much of it does, and the environmental health risks of exposure are so great that it is better to err on the side of caution.

To be clear though, other common types of insulation products do not contain asbestos. This includes fiberglass insulation and cellulose insulation, both of which are very common in residential homes.

Where Can Asbestos Be Located in Your Home?

Here are some of the most common places where you may find asbestos in your home:

  • HVAC Duct Insulation
  • Ductwork flexible fabric connections
  • Air duct boots
  • Electrical wire insulation
  • Pipe insulation
  • Floor tiles
  • Vermiculite insulation

Vermiculite attic insulation looks like small pebbles that are grey-brown or silver-gold in color. Vermiculite insulation will be installed in between the joists in your attic.

What to Do if You Suspect Asbestos Insulation

If you suspect you have asbestos-containing vermiculite insulation in your attic, the most important thing to do is not disturb it. Asbestos poses the most danger when it has been disturbed and enters the air, where the asbestos dust can be breathed into your lungs. 

If you suspect asbestos in insulation, leave your attic disturbing as little as possible. Keep in mind these basic rules to help limit exposure:

  • Don’t try to collect a sample of the insulation, touch it, or move it in any way. 
  • Don’t store items in an attic containing vermiculite insulation.
  • Don’t sweep, dust, or clean around vermiculite insulation.
  • Limit access to areas with vermiculite insulation, including for children.
  • Do not attempt to remove vermiculite insulation on your own.
  • Only have your insulation sampled or removed by trained and accredited asbestos professional.

Solutions for asbestos-contaminated insulation vary. Sometimes the best solution is to seal it up in-place since it poses little risk unless it is disturbed. If it has been heavily damaged, it may need to be removed. Asbestos removal is very tricky, so be sure to not attempt it on your own and consult with the professionals for replacing attic insulation and helping you understand if there is too much insulation in your attic.

Closing Thoughts

Asbestos is the name given to a group of minerals that all share similar properties. Asbestos particles are only found in insulation made from vermiculite that was mined in Libby, Montana. Though that mine was shut down in 1990, the legacy of the tainted vermiculite it produced persists in a variety of products we may come into contact with.

Even limited periods of exposure to asbestos can lead to the development of lung cancer or mesothelioma. Because of this, if you suspect your attic contains vermiculite insulation do not disturb it. Leave the attic and limit access to it until you can have your insulation run through asbestos testing by a trained and accredited asbestos expert.

Skip the “attic cleaning near me” search and instead give us a call if you have questions about your attic insulation or are concerned about asbestos in your attic, contact us at Attic Construction today!

Sources:

  1. “Asbestos: Overview” https://www.osha.gov/asbestos
  2. “Protect Your Family from Asbestos-Contaminated Vermiculite Insulation” https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/protect-your-family-asbestos-contaminated-vermiculite-insulation
  3. “Vermiculite” https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/vermiculite/

 

How to Find the Best Attic Insulation Removal in Orange County

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Attic Insulation, Insulation removal. No Comments on How to Find the Best Attic Insulation Removal in Orange County

Attic insulation can be a big task. Breaking it down into something manageable requires the right tools for the job and experience cleaning up attic spaces. Rather than trying to do it yourself, leaving your attic insulation removal to the professionals is usually a good idea.

To find the best attic insulation removal in the Orange County area, you don’t need to look any further than our professional team at Attic Construction. We’ve got the experience and know-how to get your attic looking as good as new.

Let’s explore what you need to look for in an excellent attic insulation removal service, and why using a professional for insulation removal is a good idea.

Why Have Your Insulation Professionally Removed?

There are lots of projects that you can do yourself around your home, but removing your attic insulation shouldn’t be one of them. Though it may seem fairly straightforward, there are quite a few reasons why you should have a professional removal service to take care of your musty attic.

#1 Safety

Though they may not seem like it, attics can be quite dangerous, particularly if they are neglected for some time. Attics are cramped and difficult to navigate even under great circumstances. Falls are always a risk, which is why proper protective equipment must be used at all times.

Contaminants in the attic space also pose a health risk. If a rodent infestation or mold growth has occurred, disturbing your insulation can release dried contaminants into the air that pose a threat to the health of yourself and everyone in your home. Proper attic removal techniques minimize the risk of disturbing or spreading potentially harmful contaminants.

#2 Disposal

Aside from the health risks that removing your existing insulation yourself may pose, there’s also the disposal aspect of insulation removal. Insulation can’t simply be thrown away, but rather must be disposed of properly. Professional attic insulation removal services understand the proper disposal techniques for each different type of insulation.

#3 Ease

Removing your old attic insulation can be a pain! Not only can it be dangerous, but it’s hot, cramped work that requires absolute focus at all times. Utilizing professional attic insulation removal in Orange County, ca will ensure you never have to break a sweat to get the benefits of new attic insulation!

#4 The Right Tools

Having the right tools for the job is essential if you’re going to remove your old insulation. For blown-in insulation, you’ll need to use a specialized vacuum that can remove the old insulation and any contaminants it might contain. For fiberglass batt insulation, specialized bags are necessary to manage the old, dirty insulation.

Starting the removal process without the right tools puts yourself and other people in your household at risk. One of the best reasons to use a professional service is because they have the tools and experience necessary to efficiently get the job done. 

What to Look for in a Removal Service

Here we’ll outline some of the critical aspects of the removal process and touch on some of the traits you should look for in a company you hire to remove your attic insulation. 

Experience

Experience during the attic removal process can be a huge benefit, while a lack of experience can result in huge problems. Attic insulation removal can be difficult, and a lack of expertise compounds that difficulty. Attics are tight to move around in, and falls are not uncommon if workers aren’t careful. 

Working with an experienced attic insulation removal team will ensure that your removal and attic cleaning process is done in a safe, efficient, and effective manner. The key is safety, and our team at Attic Construction takes every precaution to ensure a safe work area for employees. But we also prioritize customer safety, which is why we strictly monitor the removal process to ensure contaminants which may be in your insulation do not spread throughout the home.

Experience also translates to efficiency. An experienced, professional removal service will get the job done faster. That’s important because your attic insulation is crucial for your home’s energy efficiency. The longer your home goes without attic insulation, the higher your utility bills will creep.

Equipment

Insulation removal orange county is complicated by the insulation itself and its condition. Insulation is often removed as a result of damage, whether in the form of water damage and mold growth, or an active rodent infestation. Removing either of these requires the use of safety equipment to minimize exposure to contaminants.

Proper disposal techniques must also be used to ensure contaminants in mold spore or rodent feces and urine don’t spread through the air during removal. To this end, fiberglass batt insulation is typically stored in a bag, while blown-in insulation is removed using a special vacuum.

Be sure to work with a professional removal company that understands the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE). At the same time, the company you work with should prioritize the safety of everyone living in your home. 

Clean-Up vs. Removal

While some companies might offer to remove your damaged or old insulation, they may not provide attic decontamination and cleanup service. While removing any old or contaminated insulation is a great start, a neglected attic may need remediation efforts before new insulation can be placed. A neglected attic is particularly concerning in situations where a rodent infestation has occurred. A failure to properly decontaminate your attic space may allow contaminants to continue circulating throughout your home, potentially impacting the air quality in your home for years to come.

When searching for an attic and mold removal service, be sure to seek out a company that offers decontamination and cleanup services as well. Properly decontaminating your attic space after any insulation removal can help ensure that your new insulation remains in good condition, while also protecting against contaminants circulating throughout your home.

Signs Your Attic Insulation May Be Bad

How do you know when to have your insulation replaced? Before you remove any insulation, be sure to consult with a professional like Attic Construction. A comprehensive inspection is the best way to tell if your attic insulation needs to be replaced.

Here are a few other signs that it might be time to schedule an attic insulation inspection:

#1 Rising Utility Bills

Rising utility bills can be a sure sign of damaged attic insulation. That’s because your attic insulation is an important regulator of the temperature in the conditioned spaces of your home. With poor attic insulation, your air-conditioner will need to work extra hard to keep your home cool on hot days, and your heating system will have to work overtime to keep your home warm on cold days. Schedule an attic insulation inspection to take back your home’s energy efficiency!

#2 Scratching Sounds or Bad Odors

Scratching sounds in your ceiling can be signs of a rodent infestation. Rodents love attics because they are away from predators, and attic insulation makes great nesting material. Two signs of a rodent infestation in your attic are scratching sounds in your walls or ceiling, or bad odors which typically emanate from feces and urine-soaked nesting materials. 

#3 Temperature Fluctuations

If your home seems like it’s getting colder on cold nights, or hotter on hot days, your attic insulation may be the culprit. Your insulation helps maintain your home’s temperature by resisting heat transfer from the conditioned areas of your home to the unconditioned outside air. Attic insulation in poor health will compromise the effectiveness of that thermal barrier, resulting in greater temperature swings throughout the day in the conditioned spaces of your home.

#4 Dirty or Damaged Insulation

A glance at your current insulation can go a long way towards telling you if it’s time to have a professional look at it. Attic insulation that is dirty, faded, or has any sign of mold or pest damage is a clear sign that it’s time for an inspection. Old, dirty, or damaged insulation isn’t as effective of a thermal barrier, so you should address damaged or old insulation as soon as you notice it.

Closing Thoughts

Finding an excellent attic insulation removal service in Orange County doesn’t have to be difficult, but it is important that you use a professional to clean out your old insulation. Safety is critical during the insulation removal process, both for the individuals removing the old insulation and all of the household members. 

If your utility bills are suddenly rising, or you’ve begun to suspect a rodent problem in your attic, don’t wait to address it. Compromised attic insulation will negatively impact the air quality and energy efficiency of your home.

Professionals like our team at Attic Construction have the experience and equipment necessary to make removing your old insulation a breeze! We even provide Orange County insulation installation and attic cleaning services alongside our removal service to make it one easy job for you! Aren’t sure whether you need your old insulation removed? An attic inspection is a great place to start. Contact us today to schedule your next attic inspection!

We also offer San Diego & Phoenix insulation removal, installation & rodent proofing, contact us today!

Sources: 

  1. “Understanding Attic Venting”, https://www.buildingscience.com/documents/digests/bsd-102-understanding-attic-ventilation
  2. “Measurement of Attic Temperatures and Cooling Energy Use in Vented and Sealed Attics in Las Vegas, Nevada”,https://www.buildingscience.com/documents/reports/rr-9701-measurement-of-attic-temperatures-and-cooling-energy-use-in-vented-and-sealed-attics-in-las-vegas-nevada/view
  3. “Keeping The Heat In – Chapter 5: Roofs and attics”, https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy-efficiency/energy-efficiency-homes/how-can-i-make-my-home-more-ener/keeping-heat/keeping-heat-chapter-5-roofs-and-attics/15637

 

Is Attic Radiant Barrier Worth it?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Attic Insulation, Barrier Insulation, Radiant Insulation. No Comments on Is Attic Radiant Barrier Worth it?

If you’ve spent time thinking about protecting your attic against the elements, you may have heard about “radiant barriers.” 

Many people are skeptical whether installing this reflective material is worth the cost. In some states, predatory contractors have been decried by government agencies for using misleading marketing about what radiant barriers can do.

So, is radiant barrier worth it? 

In San Diego and Orange County, absolutely. Radiant barriers work by reflecting the sun’s rays, making them ideal for bright, hot climates. When installed properly and in the right regional context, a radiant barrier will pay for itself…

Radiant Barriers Cut Down Cooling Costs

There’s no question that radiant barriers cut down on cooling costs during the hottest months. The Department of Energy has suggested that in sunny regions, installing radiant barriers reduces cooling costs by 5% to 10%. 

In the hottest areas, those energy savings can be even greater.

These energy savings benefits do not apply to the entirety of the United States, contributing to a discourse of whether radiant barriers are worth it. If you are debating this for yourself, consider these following questions:

  • Is my home in direct sunlight throughout most of the day?
  • Do I live in an area that reaches above 100°F for multiple weeks at a time?
  • Does my attic have ductwork or HVAC equipment installed in it?

If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, there is a good chance that your home will benefit from radiant barriers.

Direct Sunlight

If my house is in direct sunlight, shouldn’t reflective radiant barrier material be on the outside of it? As it turns out, it doesn’t need to be. Radiant heat moves through the surface of your roof deck to heat up your attic, entering your home and spiking cooling costs. 

Radiant barriers block the heat from coming in. 

Sunlight is one of the silent means that heat enters your home. Anyone who has opened the door to a vehicle and watched heat pour out knows that thanks to sunlight, enclosed spaces like cars can become small furnaces in the dog days of summer.

If your home receives direct sunlight throughout the day, especially if you don’t have any trees shading your roof deck, you should consider radiant barrier installation for cost reductions.

Hot Climates

If you’re in a region where it’s hot for most of the year, radiant barriers will provide year-round cooling cost reductions. If you experienced the brunt of the polar vortex in 2019, you may be better off with other types of insulation that are more cost effective for your region.

Some contractors in the industry were recently criticized by the Division of Energy Resources for installing radiant barriers when they were not necessary. While both can be used together effectively, as attic insulation increases, the effectiveness of radiant barriers decreases.

Radiant barriers aren’t snake oil—they work in the regions where you need them. You don’t need to bring a winter coat on a trip to the beach, and you don’t need radiant barriers in regions of the United States with a cold climate.

Ductwork/HVAC Equipment

Some homes, especially older ones, have ductwork running through the attic space. If you live in a home like this, radiant barriers will be particularly valuable for lowering cooling costs in the hotter months.

Attics that are not protected against the heat are going to put extra strain on air conditioning in the summer. As the attic space heats up, the ductwork heats up alongside it, and the machines pushing out the cold air into your home have to work twice as hard to produce the same level of climate control in your home.

When HVAC ducts aren’t insulated, cool air can escape from them and the need for a machine to turn on and off increases. This causes wear and tear on these machines, necessitating more maintenance and less effectiveness over time.

How You Can Lower Costs Even Further With Radiant Barriers

If you’ve been wondering “does radiant barrier work?” the answer is yes—radiant barriers will reduce your heating costs in the hottest months. The degree to which that will benefit you is regionally dependent, but if you live in San Diego or Orange County, there is a high likelihood that installing radiant barriers will slice your cooling bill. 

Benefits include:

  • Cooling costs reduced by at least 5%-10%
  • HVAC systems get less wear and tear over time
  • Smaller or more energy-efficient cooling can supplement existing systems while providing the same (or better) air conditioning than before

But why stop saving there? Hiring experts like Attic Construction can help ensure you get it installed right the first time, with professionalism that can’t be beat.

Contact us today and receive a free attic inspection appointment to see if radiant barriers are right for you. Our customers will receive a $300 discount off all radiant barrier installation services.

Sources: 

  1. Energy.gov. Radiant Barriers. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/weatherize/insulation/radiant-barriers
  2. Minnesota Commerce Department. Building Envelope. https://mn.gov/commerce/consumers/your-home/energy-info/efficiency/building-envelope.jsp
  3. Insulation Stop. Exterior HVAC Insulation. https://www.insulationstop.com/radiant-barrier-blog/hvac/

Radiant Barrier vs Insulation: What’s the Difference?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Attic Insulation, Barrier Insulation, Radiant Insulation. No Comments on Radiant Barrier vs Insulation: What’s the Difference?

When we think about protecting our homes from the elements, our thoughts tend to go towards insulation against the cold. Anyone with a drafty window in the middle of winter can appreciate the value of a tightly sealed home. 

But did you know that there are ways you can also keep your house cooler in the summer?

Radiant barriers can be installed alongside insulation in the attic space, providing a heat shield that can lower cooling costs in the summer months. Today, you’ll learn about the benefits of radiant barriers and insulation, and how both can reduce heating and energy costs!

Radiant Barriers Are Not The Same As Insulation

When weatherizing a home, the primary objective is to make it as comfortable as possible throughout the four seasons. Aside from central heating and cooling, there are two different kinds of building materials commonly used to perform this task: insulation and radiant barriers.

While both perform the same function—keeping your home at a reasonable temperature—the ways this is done vary greatly between the two. 

This is because heat does not spread in a uniform way.

  • Insulation blocks conductive heat – Insulation is like a down coat for your home. By providing a thick layer of insulation material, heat is slowed down and penetrates through your walls more slowly. The higher the value of resistance, or R-value, the slower it enters your home.
  • Radiant barriers block radiant heat – Park your car outside for a few hours on a hot summer day, and you’ll return to a furnace. Radiant barriers bounce the rays of the sun back from where they came from, even when installed underneath roofing. Rather than slowing heat, they prevent it from entering your home. On average, radiant barriers reflect around 95% of radiant heat.

Radiant heat is the single greatest source of heat accumulation in a home, while conductivity causes the greatest amount of heat loss. Yet between the two, most homeowners opt for insulation rather than radiant barriers. 

Why is this the case?

On average, Americans spend more on their heating costs than they do on their cooling costs. This has a lot to do with regionality. Energy bills in the United States vary greatly from one end to the other, but residents of San Diego and Orange County are far more likely to have high air conditioning costs than a resident of North Dakota.

Radiant Barriers and Insulation Control Heat in Both Directions

While insulation is most commonly associated with winter and radiant barriers with the summer, it is incorrect to assume that they don’t function outside of their seasons.

After finishing a marathon, racers are often covered in a reflective surface or blanket. This isn’t to protect them from the heat, but to raise their core temperature. After extreme exercise, the body releases heat faster than it can retain it, which can lead to shock. This blanket reflects the heat back in.

Much in the same way, homes in the Midwest can cover the joists of their attic floor with reflective barriers to keep radiant heat from exiting through the roof during the cold winter months. This means radiant barriers serve a dual purpose—keeping the summers cool and the winters warm.

By slowing heat, insulation helps keep the air conditioning unit running less in the summer, but it will also keep heat trapped in your home longer without it. This is why in warmer climates, a mixture of both insulation and radiant barriers tends to produce the greatest value.

Radiant Barrier vs Insulation: Which Do I Need?

Deciding on whether you should install a radiant barrier or insulation is not a zero-sum game.

Radiant barriers aren’t required in colder states, and even in the hottest states aren’t found in every home. However, they provide significant benefits in terms of energy savings and comfort levels to those that do. Virtually all residents of California will benefit from installing radiant barriers in their attic space.

Insulation is recommended for all homes, although how much is needed varies from location to location. The Department of Energy has split the U.S. into seven zones as a guideline for how much insulation is necessary for your attic. The amount of insulation is referred to as an “R-value.” For Californians, it is recommended that they meet attic insulation levels of R-30.

Your home should meet the minimum insulation requirements to keep bills low. 

To determine whether you need an attic radiant barrier, ask yourselves these questions:

  • Am I paying too much for my electric bill in the summer?
  • Do the rooms directly beneath the attic tend to get hotter during the day?
  • Does my home receive direct sunlight throughout most of the year?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, an attic radiant barrier may be the solution to your cooling needs.

Radiant Barriers and Insulation Are Good For The Environment

Most homes in the United States have insulation, and many homes do not have radiant barriers. But over the past few years, this statistic has begun to change. As Americans are becoming more conscious of how their energy usage contributes to climate change, many have begun installing radiant barriers or better insulation to decrease their carbon footprint.

In 2009, air conditioning constituted around 6% of all residential energy usage. 

This adds up to about 100 million tons of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere every year. Since then, that number has only gone up. Heating costs constitute an even greater percentage of energy spent, and both are largely fueled by burning coal.

Since these pronouncements, some homeowners have gone out of their way to make their homes as carbon efficient as possible. To this end, many start by looking at ways to decrease their heating and cooling costs. For those looking to save the environment, residents of colder states tend to install radiant barriers even though they do not produce the same cost savings.

The Bottom Line: the Value of Radiant Barriers and Insulation

While some people use radiant barriers and insulation to control the temperatures of their home for comfort, and others for environmental reasons, others are more concerned about the bottom line. How much money can you expect to save by installing radiant barriers or better insulation?

Besides your region, there are several factors that play into this. On average, radiant barriers have been shown to decrease cooling costs by around 10%. Homes with these features are likely to see the greatest savings after installing radiant barriers:

  • Ductwork/HVAC Equipment in Attic – Older homes are more likely to store air conditioning equipment in the attic. This is an energy efficiency nightmare. Because attics are typically the hottest parts of your home, your air conditioning units will have to work harder to keep your home cool, increasing energy expenditure and maintenance costs. Radiant barriers will dramatically decrease power consumption in these homes.
  • Unsuitable HVAC Units – As technology progresses, the tools we use can do more while spending less energy. Homes with radiant barriers use less energy on cooling, meaning that some homeowners are able to switch to smaller air conditioning units. These units break down less often and require less energy to provide the same cooling benefits.
  • No Trees Around Home – As mentioned before, homes that receive the most sunlight throughout the course of a year tend to be the hottest. A home without trees to provide shade will save more by installing radiant barriers.

All homes should meet the recommended R-value guidelines for insulation based on their region. Because heating bills tend to be higher than cooling costs, a poorly insulated home can siphon away your money even in hotter climates. 

Remember that insulation slows heat transfer—even in the summer months, insulation paired with air conditioning works in your favor.

Do Insulation and Radiant Barriers Become Less Effective Over Time?

Properly installed insulation tends to last anywhere around 80 to 100 years. Radiant barriers last even longer. While insulation material such as polystyrene and polyurethane tend to become slightly less efficient over time, the age of your insulation is probably not responsible for high costs (barring homes made before 1940). 

More than likely, your insulation was never sufficient in the first place.

Heating and cooling account for 50%-70% of any home’s energy bills. For homes ill-equipped for the elements, these costs can be even higher. While older homes are most often the culprits for unnecessary energy expenditure, most homes built today still do not meet the optimal requirements for insulation and radiant barrier protection.

Insulation and Radiant Barrier Installation Services

Without being an expert in the field, it can be difficult to know whether your home is as energy efficient as it could be. One easy way to know if you can be saving money is by entering your attic and surveying the area. If you have an HVAC unit without radiant barriers, or you can identify missing insulation coverage near the joists, you could be saving more money on your electric bill.

Unsure if radiant barrier or insulation installation is the right move for your attic? Attic Construction offers a free attic inspection and estimate with zero strings attached. We will survey your attic, remove old insulation, seal up your attic, and install new insulation or radiant barriers, all with a $300 discounted rate for San Diego residents.

Attic Construction is the #1 attic restoration company in San Diego, CA. Since 2011, we have prided ourselves on providing the best service in the industry. We also offer Orange County and Phoenix insulation installation, you can count on us for the best insulation service. Give us a call today!

Sources: 

Radiant Barrier Cost: Everything You Need to Know

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Attic Insulation, Barrier Insulation. No Comments on Radiant Barrier Cost: Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve been thinking about installing radiant barriers into your attic space, you may be wondering how much it will cost. In warm, sunny climates like southern California, radiant barriers can be an excellent way to cut down on cooling costs. The Department of Energy suggests that cooling costs tend to be reduced by 5%-10%, while some sources say it can be even higher.

But are radiant barriers going to be a good value for you in the long run? 

Below, find a breakdown of the costs that you can expect when installing a radiant barrier, and the returns that you should expect to see in the long run.

Breaking Down The Cost

Depending on how you’re planning to install radiant barriers in your attic, prices for installation tend to vary from home to home. Consider these three elements when you are looking for an estimate for your attic radiant barrier installation cost:

  • Cost of materials
  • Area of surfaces you need to cover
  • Installing radiant barriers yourself vs. hiring experts

Each of these three aspects are going to factor in the kind of savings that you see in the short term and the long run. While it may be tempting to cut costs as low as possible early on, using ineffective materials or improperly installing radiant barriers can decrease returns on energy savings, and take up a lot of your time in the process.

Radiant barriers are about more than just cooling down your home—they’re an investment that you want a solid return on. Looking into the right methods to keep costs low and energy efficiency high will produce the greatest value in the long term.

Cost of Materials

Like any product, radiant barriers come in multiple varieties. The cheapest of these are single-sided barriers, which are only reflective on one side and tend to tear easily. More expensive materials have greater durability and are much easier to install, but are going to run up the tally a bit higher.

 Using higher-end radiant barrier materials is recommended, especially when you’re installing radiant barriers yourself. Cheaper materials are less likely to hold a staple, and can be less effective at blocking heat. While other kinds of insulation age and become less effective over time, you only need to install this reflective insulation material once, as it doesn’t lose efficacy over time. 

Surface Area

Radiant barrier installation is measured in square footage, and typically involves lining your entire attic space to produce energy savings. To experience a cooling cost reduction that produces the most value, radiant barriers must cover the surface area of your entire attic.

Determining the cost of materials for covering your attic with radiant barriers can be found by multiplying the total surface area of the crawl space you are looking to cover by the cost per square foot of radiant barrier material you purchase.

You may also have to factor in more than just the attic floor and ceilings when calculating this cost—many older homes have ductwork or HVAC equipment. For homes like this, the savings on cooling costs netted from installing radiant barriers can be the highest, but these should be covered as well to see the maximum benefits.

Self-Installation vs. Hiring Experts

Homeowners who decide to install radiant barriers on their own won’t have to worry about installation fees, but doing so comes with risks of their own. For radiant barriers to shine to their full potential, they must be installed properly. 

Here are a few things to consider when installing radiant barriers by yourself:

  • Wear protective equipment – Existing insulation can cause irritation to the skin and lungs when handled. Before venturing into your attic, make sure you purchase protective clothing, eye protection, and breathing protection.
  • Be careful around electrical wiring – Adding hospital costs to your budget is not recommended. When installing radiant barriers, be cautious when stapling around electrical wiring and junction boxes.
  • Don’t compress existing insulation ­– Compressing existing insulation in an attic while installing radiant barriers can decrease, rather than increase, your energy cost and bills. Because attic insulation depends on thickness for its efficacy, flattening existing insulation decreases their resistance value.
  • Watch where you step – Unfinished attics can be dangerous places, with loose nails, toxic materials, and variable headspace. Work only when temperatures are safe, and keep foot traffic to joists so you don’t fall through your ceiling.

Hiring experts to install radiant barriers may add on to your budget, but it’s a recommended expense to prevent the incursion of hidden costs like hospital bills, ceiling repair, and lowering the R-values of existing insulation.

Cut Costs Without Cutting Savings – Attic Construction

With so much to consider with attic radiant barrier installation, hiring experts tends to be the best bet. Attic Construction can help ensure that your radiant barriers are installed correctly, while being sensitive to your budgetary needs!

Contact us today and receive a free attic inspection appointment. 

Our customers will receive a $300 discount off all radiant barrier installation services, keeping costs low and value high.

Sources: 

  1. Insulation Guides. Compare Radiant Barrier Insulation Installation Costs and Values. https://insulationguides.com/home-insulation-prices/radiant-barrier
  2. Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Radiant Barrier Installation Procedures. https://web.ornl.gov/sci/buildings/tools/radiant/rb4/

What is a Radiant Barrier?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Attic Insulation, Barrier Insulation. No Comments on What is a Radiant Barrier?

Radiant barrier is an innovative insulation technology. Unlike many other building materials that make up a home, radiant barriers also have a place in outer space, as NASA has used radiant barrier technology since the Apollo program.

In your home, it has the same function as it does on NASA spacecraft.

Like other forms of insulation, it’s designed to regulate attic temperature. The specific way it works sets it apart, though—the radiant barrier’s main function is to prevent heat flow from entering or escaping a given space.

Let’s go over what types of radiant barriers there are and what benefits they can provide.

Types of Radiant Barriers

There are two main kinds of radiant barrier insulation. While there is much variety within them, virtually all radiant barriers fall into one of two categories:

  • Sheet barriers
  • Spray on barriers

Each type has its own particular uses and drawbacks, but they both accomplish the same function. Let’s start with the more common of the two:

Sheet Barriers

The original and most basic medium of radiant barrier technology comes in the form of highly reflective, metallic surfaces. Most often, the metal that provides this reflectivity is aluminum foil. Per the US Department of Energy, this foil is applied directly to substrate materials, such as:

  • Plastic films
  • Oriented strand board
  • Cardboard or kraft paper
  • Air infiltration barrier material

While sheet or foil radiant barriers are among the most common, they aren’t the only way to reap the benefits of reflectivity.

Spray On Barriers

In addition to sheets of foil, radiant barriers can also be produced via spray on application.

The spray is a paint-like mixture containing flakes of the same kinds of metal that make up a sheet barrier. A technician can spray this material directly onto the underside of roof sheathing, or other surfaces in the attic space and throughout the house.

Compared to sheet barriers, spray on solutions can offer significantly more flexibility and ease of application. Spraying directly onto surfaces enables even an amateur to install a radiant barrier. However, the trade off is that they don’t offer the same level of reflectivity.

Thus, they’re not as efficient in their ability to block radiant heat.

Benefits of Radiant Barrier Insulation

The main function of any kind of radiant barrier you choose is to regulate the temperature inside your home. Radiant barriers are most commonly installed in attics, but the benefits they impart can be felt all throughout the home—and in your wallet.

Working in conjunction with other elements of your home design, radiant barriers maximize the efficiency and potency of your control over your home environment.

Let’s discuss.

Heat Reduction

How do radiant barriers work? By manipulating the laws of physics to work in your advantage. 

Per the US Department of Energy, radiant barriers take advantage of three properties in particular:

  • Conduction – Heat travels from a hotter location within one material to a colder spot within that same material.
  • Convection – Liquids or gases rise upward as they heat up and become less dense.

As such, radiant barriers are some of the most efficient insulation solutions available.

Energy Efficiency

Radiant barriers reduce the amount of money spent on cooling measures. 

In hot weather conditions, the majority of heat entering your home comes from exposure to sunlight and the hot air outside. A radiant barrier repels that heat, reducing temperatures in your attic (and elsewhere) dramatically.

And, a unique property of radiant barriers is that they work better under more intense circumstances. The hotter it gets, the better the reflective properties work.

Plus, radiant barriers can also help to lower costs spent on heating your home during winter.

By the same mechanisms that keep heat out, radiant barriers can prevent heat flow from escaping. That way, hot air circulates and permeates colder areas of your home, and your heaters won’t work as hard as they have to when too much heat is escaping.

Radiant Barrier Attic Installation Services

If you’d like to reap the benefits of greater attic temperature regulation at a lower energy cost every month, call in a professional to install radiant barrier insulation today.

At Attic Construction, we’re the first and best option for all radiant barrier installation and maintenance in Southern California. We’ve been servicing San Diego and Orange County for the better part of the past decade, so we have an intimate knowledge of all the ins and outs of SoCal homes.

Not sure if it’s right for you? Get in touch for a free inspection, no strings attached!

Sources: 

  1. Alternative Energy. Radiant Barrier Problems – Why Reflective Insulation Is Flawed.  https://powersolarphoenix.com/radiant-barrier-problems/
  2. Innovative Insulation. What is the difference between Radiant Barrier Foil vs. Spray?  https://www.radiantbarrier.com/resources-articles-what-is-the-difference-between-radiant-barrier-foil-vs-spray/
  3. Norbord. Radiant Barriers: Myths Busted And Facts Explained.  https://www.norbord.com/na/blog/radiant-barriers-myths-busted-and-facts-explained/
  4. US Department of Energy. Radiant Barriers.  https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/weatherize/insulation/radiant-barriers

A Guide to Home and Attic Insulation Installation

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Attic Insulation. No Comments on A Guide to Home and Attic Insulation Installation

Although it is rarely thought of and seldom seen, the insulation in your home and attic is incredibly important. If your attic insulation is properly installed and in good shape, your home will be more energy-efficient. You’ll also rest assured that you don’t have contaminated insulation that can affect the health of your home.

Unfortunately, many homeowners overlook their existing insulation and fail to include it in regular maintenance efforts. In order to keep your home insulation as energy-efficient as possible, it is important to have your attic cleaned and maintained on a regular basis, and your insulation removed and replaced when needed. Installing insulation is not as easy as it sounds, unless you have prior experience as an insulation installer or contractor. 

The process of attic insulation installation is complex and poses dangers for the unwary or inexperienced homeowner. This article will outline the main steps that attic insulation professionals at Attic Construction take when they are installing new insulation. We’ll explore some of the top signs that you need new insulation, and break down the process from identifying a problem to installing an effective solution. These steps will reinforce the importance of working with an experienced insulation contractor to remedy any problems with your attic insulation.

Signs You Need New Insulation

If you haven’t had your attic cleaned out and inspected recently, it’s time to address that oversight. Though you may not go into your attic very often, the insulation in your attic provides an important thermal barrier to the transfer of heat. Whether you have fiberglass insulation, foam insulation, rockwool insulation, or another type of insulation material, ensuring that you have an adequate level of insulation and that the insulation is in good condition is something that should be done on a regular basis.

From the outset, understand that the easiest and most effective way to understand whether you need to install new attic insulation is to schedule an inspection with Attic Construction. However, if you haven’t scheduled an inspection and are curious about key signs that you may need new insulation, here are a few:

 

  • Scratching Sounds or Bad Smells – If you’ve heard scratching in your ceiling or walls, chances are that you have rodents in your attic. If those rodents are nesting in your insulation or belongings you’ve stored up there, you will almost certainly need to schedule an inspection to determine the next steps to prevent them from having attic access.
  • Rising Energy Costs – If you’ve noticed your energy costs going up, it may be that your insulation is no longer working optimally. There are a variety of reasons for this, including moisture damage from a leaky roof, a rodent infestation, or it may simply just be old and need to be updated. Regardless, if your utility costs are rising and you aren’t sure why, it may be time to schedule an attic inspection.

 

Although it may be tempting to try to determine whether you have an adequate level of insulation and whether it is in good condition, you are probably better off leaving it to the contractor or insulation installer.

Insulating your attic is more complicated than it might seem, and it usually isn’t possible to simply glance at your insulation and determine whether it is adequate or sufficient. The required level of insulation will depend on the type of insulation used, what material it is made from, and many other factors (like proper insulation installation) that may influence the final level of insulation used. 

Attic Insulation Process

If you find that you need new insulation services, you might be wondering how to install insulation in attic space.Starting with a broad overview, the attic will need to be cleaned up and any old insulation will need to be removed. Any existing gaps that allow air leaks to pass from the conditioned part of the house to the unconditioned part will need to be filled. If a rodent infestation occurred, the attic may need to be decontaminated and rodent-proofed. Once any existing damage has been repaired the new insulation can be installed.

Now that you have a good sense of the contours of the insulation installation process, let’s break each step down in a bit more detail.

Prepping, Cleaning, and Insulation Removal

The first step in the installation process is to prepare the attic for new insulation. To do this, any old insulation must be removed along with any debris that is present. The first step in this is to ensure that any contaminants that are in the attic aren’t spread to the rest of the house during the removal process. Most often this means that the surfaces in the rooms around the attic entry are covered with thick plastic sheeting. Once that is done, any items currently being stored in the attic can be safely removed from the attic and temporarily stored elsewhere.

With the attic cleared of any obstructions, it’s time to clean up the old existing insulation. This is done with powerful specialized vacuums for blown-in insulation, or by rolling up batting insulation and placing it into specialized bags for contaminated material. Any rodent infestation will also be cleaned up at this time, and if there are signs that rodents were present it’s a good idea to have the space decontaminated.

Insulation Installation & Insulation Types

Once the old insulation has been removed and the attic floor has been cleaned, it’s time to install the new insulation. The type of insulation that is installed and how much of it you need will vary. The professional guiding you through the process will outline their recommendations, and what the advantages and disadvantages of each option are.

There are two different main types of insulation: batt insulation or roll insulation and loose-fill insulation. These have different installation methods but follow the same general principle. The idea is to install a sufficient level of insulation to not only meet the legal requirements for the State of California but also to ensure that the insulation will effectively reduce the transfer of heat from the conditioned areas of the house to the unconditioned areas of the house.

Batt or roll insulation are precut rolls of insulation that are installed between the joists of the attic. You’ve probably seen this type of insulation before and may have even worked with it during a home improvement project. Installation with this type of insulation may seem straightforward, but it can be tricky to achieve sufficient coverage given the physical characteristics of this type of insulation.

Loose-fill insulation is also known as blown-in insulation because it is installed using a specialized blower system. Using a long tube the insulation is literally blown into the spaces in the attic until a sufficient level of coverage has been installed. Blown-in insulation is great for achieving adequate coverage in hard-to-reach spaces without leaving any gaps. 

Common Insulation Materials

  • Cellulose– Made from recycled paper and naturally absorbs and retains moisture. This insulation material is treated for fire resistance and insect protection and packed very tightly to resist airflow. 
  • Fiberglass– Made from recycled glass and sand, fiberglass is a renewable resource that is naturally fire-resistant and non-combustible. Unlike cellulose, fiberglass does not absorb moisture.
  • Rockwool or Mineral Wool– Made from minerals such as basalt, diabase, and blast furnace slag. The materials are naturally fire-resistant, non-combustible, and also thermally effective. It also does not retain or absorb moisture.

Insulation Methods 

Installing insulation is not an easy job without professional consultation. The most common insulation methods used are:

  • Faced Insulation– Installed in exterior walls, basements, and attic ceiling, faced insulation is installed by tight pressing the product into the wall cavity. This method is useful to provide a vapor barrier, preventing the establishment of mold or mildew in your home. 
  • Unfaced Insulation– Unlike faced insulation, unfaced insulation lacks a vapor retarder, so it is best used for interior wall application and in rooms with less exterior exposure (living rooms, dining rooms, offices). 
  • Spray Foam Insulation– Just as it sounds, this is a foaming insulation method that insulates and provides an air barrier where applied. The foam is sprayed to fill the wall cavity and can be used for both interior and exterior applications. 

Advantages of Professional Insulation Installation

If you’re the type of person to tackle a home improvement project on your own, you may want to reconsider when it comes to installing your own insulation. Here are some of the top reasons why you should consider a professional insulation company like Attic Construction to provide your home proper insulation service to remove and replace your current insulation.

Safety

Safety is an important concern when it comes to removing old insulation and installing new insulation. Working in attics is difficult. They are tight spaces with precarious footing, and high off the ground. A careless step or a lapse in concentration can result in a disastrous fall.

Falling isn’t the only danger associated with attic insulation installation. Before you install new insulation you’ll have to remove the old insulation. That means dealing with insulation that is old, dusty, and potentially contaminated with rodent urine and feces. 

Due to these risks, our staff uses personal protective equipment that minimizes their exposure to contaminants contained in or from the old insulation. All old insulation is removed in thick, sealed bags and disposed of properly to ensure that contaminants aren’t spread. Our top tip for attic insulation installation is to work with professionals to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading dangerous contaminants. 

Better Efficiency

One of the most important reasons to replace your insulation is to improve the energy efficiency of your home. As a primary barrier to the transfer of heat, the insulation in your attic or roof deck helps keep your home cooler during the summer and warmer during the winter. 

With properly installed attic insulation, your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to keep your home the temperature you want it to be. This not only means that you’ll be more comfortable, but that your energy costs will be lower. 

In order for you to reap all of the benefits associated with new insulation, it needs to be installed correctly. Attic insulation professionals ensure that you’re using the right type of insulation for your needs, the correct amount to ensure optimal energy efficiency, and that you have adequate coverage of your attic space.

Closing Thoughts

Installing attic insulation requires first preparing the surfaces around the attic entry to ensure that any contaminants in the attic aren’t spread throughout the home. Next, any stored belongings or debris in the attic are removed and stored in a safe location that is out of the way. Old insulation is removed and the attic space is cleaned out. If a rodent infestation has occurred it’s a good idea to decontaminate and rodent-proof the space before installing any new insulation.

Once the old insulation has been removed and the attic is cleaned, the installation of the new insulation can begin. Typically this is done either by placing roll or batt insulation in between the ceiling joists or by using a blower to blow loose-fill insulation in between the joists. The goal is to achieve a sufficient level of coverage to create a radiant barrier against the transfer of heat.

Attics aren’t the only part of the home that may require insulation! Home insulation can encapsulate everything from the attic, the floor, to the wall. It’s quite common for people to take care of wall insulation along with their attic to ensure proper insulation throughout the home.

Are you looking for an insulation service for your home? Whether it’s insulation installation in Orange County, Phoenix insulation installation, or attic cleaning in San Diego, we have you covered! We are proud to provide our services to Phoenix, Orange County, and San Diego County, our professional insulation company has. If you aren’t sure whether you need Orange County insulation removal, new insulation, or an attic clean out, please schedule an inspection with Attic Construction.

Our staff has years of experience working with attic spaces and can tell you whether your insulation needs an overhaul. By addressing any deficiencies before the next hot or cold season, you’ll lower your energy costs and improve the health and value of your home. If you’re interested to know an estimate before deciding to install an insulation, check out our comprehensive guide for insulation installation cost here.

Sources:

  1. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/where-we-live/wp/2017/01/17/what-you-need-to-know-before-insulating-your-attic/
  2. https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-homeowner/installation/diy-insulation-vs-hiring-a-pro/
  3. https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/seal_insulate/attic_insulation_project
  4. “Fiber Glass & Mineral Wool vs. Cellulose Insulation” :
    https://insulationinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/FG_MW_vs_Cellulose_Final.pdf
  5. “Unfaced vs. Kraft-Faced Insulation: What’s the Difference?” by Christina Martinez:
    https://www.jm.com/en/blog/2019/october/unfaced-vs–kraft-faced-insulation–what-s-the-difference-/

 

Does Attic Insulation Go Bad?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Attic Insulation. No Comments on Does Attic Insulation Go Bad?

If your home was built decades ago, it may not be as energy-efficient as you would like it to be. One of the best ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home is by insulating your attic, but if your attic is already insulated you might be wondering “does attic insulation go bad?” You might have also heard that the insulation in your home can last decades or longer. The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors argues that most common types of insulation, such as loose-fill fiberglass or batt insulation can last over 100 years.

Given that, you might just consider never thinking about your insulation installation again. However, you might want to think again. That figure is the life-expectancy of common insulation under ideal conditions. In the real world, the life expectancy of your insulation can be far shorter. 

Understanding the mechanisms that cause attic insulation to go bad can help you avoid costly repairs. If you are in an older home, you should definitely consider having your attic insulation installation inspected. Catching damaged or wet insulation early will ensure that your home continues operating at peak efficiency.

What Causes Insulation to Go Bad?

The most common type of insulation is made from fiberglass, so you might be wondering what could make a seemingly resilient material go bad. While fiberglass may seem impervious to most substances, care needs to be taken to protect the insulation in your home.

The biggest culprit threatening the insulation in your home is moisture. Moisture can come from any number of sources. One of the most common sources is a leak in your roof or walls. Moisture damage can also occur if there is a gap in your insulation. As warm air moving through the gap encounters cold air it causes condensation to form, which in turn leads to the formation of mold growth. 

Moisture and mold damage are definitely a major threat to your insulation, but they aren’t the only ones. Rodents and pests are attracted to an insulated attic because it makes great nesting materials. Not only will the act of them building their nest physically damage the insulation, but the accumulation of their urine and feces in the nest will dampen the insulation and affect your air quality. Not only will this lessen the effectiveness of your insulation, but it will also serve as a contamination risk. It’s best to rodent-proof your attic and crawl space and prevent any opportunities for attic access to outside critters.

Other sources of damage to insulation include puncturing or cutting, or exposure to excessive UV radiation and air leaks. Dust, dirt, and debris can also impact the effectiveness of your insulation. Your insulation may become compressed over time and less effective at preventing the transfer of heat.

Should You Replace Bad or Old Insulation?

A common question people have is whether it really matters that their insulation is damaged or old. The answer is a forceful yes, the state of your insulation can have an enormous impact on the energy efficiency of your home. If your insulation has been damaged from water or rodents it should absolutely be replaced. 

If left unaddressed, your HVAC system will have to work harder to keep your home cool during warmer months and warm during colder months, which is a costly waste of energy. Your home will also have more dramatic shifts in temperature, rather than remaining a more consistent temperature throughout the day. 

If your insulation is on the older side but otherwise in good condition, it might still be a good idea to replace it. Newer insulations have a higher R-value, meaning they may function as a more effective thermal barrier. It is also very important that when adding insulation, it is correctly installed and provides adequate coverage. Over time, insulation can be disturbed or moved for any number of reasons, which will reduce the effectiveness of your insulation and cause your home to become less energy efficient.

Final Thoughts

If you aren’t sure whether you need to have your insulation replaced, consider scheduling an inspection with Attic Construction. Inspections are the most effective way to tell whether your insulation is damaged. The type of damage to your insulation can also highlight other issues that you don’t want to leave unaddressed, such as a leaky roof, air leakage, or a rodent infestation.

If there is a larger issue that caused your insulation to become damaged it will have to be fixed before you replace your insulation. Catching any issues early can help you avoid more costly repairs down the line.

Inspections aren’t simply about finding bigger issues. Properly installing insulation can help reduce utility costs and keep your home a stable temperature, yet insulation often isn’t properly installed or is inadequate. Both issues can be costly over a long period of time. A simple inspection can let you know if your insulation has been improperly installed or is inadequate. Covering gaps in insulation or installing an adequate amount can have a big impact on the efficiency and energy savings of your home.

To schedule an inspection of your insulation or to learn more about how insulation can go bad, please contact Attic Construction. With decades of experience with insulation, our professional staff can quickly identify any problems with your current insulation and provide guidance on how to address those problems in your living space. To learn more, contact Attic Construction today.

Sources:

  1. https://www.familyhandyman.com/smart-homeowner/25-things-you-need-to-know-about-insulation/
  2. https://www.nachi.org/life-expectancy.htm
  3. https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/publications/books/housing/cha13.htm
  4. https://homeguides.sfgate.com/long-fiberglass-insulation-last-93486.html

 

Does Rodent Resistant Insulation Exist?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Attic Insulation. No Comments on Does Rodent Resistant Insulation Exist?

If you have ever dealt with a rodent infestation in your home, you know that these pests can cause extensive damage in a short period of time. Rodents pose a number of risks to your health and safety as well as to your property’s integrity and value. From disease and allergies to ruined thermal insulation and electrical fires, these seemingly harmless critters can quickly wreak havoc on your home.

The attic is one of the most common areas for rodent infestations. This is because there tend to be many small entry points and ample crawl space for rodents. These animals can live in this area of the home relatively unnoticed, and the environment often suits them well. One of the biggest reasons that rodents like the attic is because the surface area is often filled with insulation. Rodents like a warm, soft environment for nesting – so you can see why thermal insulation suits them.

Does Rodent Resistant Insulation Exist?

Rodents and insulation do not have a good history. For as long as people have been insulating their homes, rodents have been infiltrating the same spaces and using the insulation as a place to live. Because of this, many companies have attempted to capitalize on the issue by marketing insulation products as ‘rodent proof’ or ‘rodent resistant’. Some of these attic rodent proofing methods have included utilizing “rodent resistant” foam insulation and polyester insulation.

But the fact is, no such insulation exists to successfully gauge rodent control. If these animals have access to insulation and want to destroy it, they are going to do just that, even if it’s made of foam. Many of the products that are advertised as ‘rodent resistant’ do not actually cover rodent damage under warranty, and some even have disclaimers about rodent damage on their websites or on the product label. 

One specific type of cellulose insulation that was marketed as “rodent-proof” was Tap Insulation which contains trace amounts of boric acid. However, the fact of the matter is that there is not enough of the acid to have any effect on a rodent issue and even if there was a substantial amount within the insulation, the rodent would have to ingest it. 

So, if you are insulating your attic for the first time, replacing old or damaged insulation, or you have a new rodent problem in your attic that you want to get under control, how can you achieve that without access to rodent proof insulation? The answer is simple: If you want to be sure that rodents cannot damage your attic insulation, you have to keep them out of it in the first place. There are several best practices that professionals in the attic insulation industry use to ensure your insulation lives a long and rodent-free life.

Why is Attic Insulation so Prone to Rodent Damage?

Why is there all this fuss about rodents and attic insulation in the first place? Surely, rats and mice have better things to do besides shredding up your home’s insulation. While it may seem like an unnecessary form of destruction, rodents have their reasons for damaging your home’s insulation – and they are not likely to simply stop doing it on their own accord. 

Rodent Habitat

Rats and mice that live in the wild make nests out of anything soft and fluffy that they can find. Non-rigid materials like leaves, tree bark, and grasses are all common items that these rodents use to build nests for themselves and their young. The nests help the rodents stay out-of-sight of predators, and they provide the rodents with heat insulation from cold temperatures. 

When rodents infest your attic, they have already ‘hit the jackpot’, so to speak. Presumably, your attic is dry and relatively protected from the elements that would otherwise bring in moisture. Still, the rodents will be looking to nest for extra protection and warmth. This is where your precious attic insulation comes in.

Rodents damage insulation in two main ways: They either rip it up into tiny shreds and carry it away to build nests, or they nest directly in the insulation. Both scenarios produce similar results: insulation that is torn and damaged, with an R-value that has been compromised. 

If you have such undesired pests using your attic as habitat, the damage to your insulation will only be part of your worries – rodents can cause house fires, induce allergic reactions, and carry deadly diseases. Keeping them out of your attic altogether is the best way to protect yourself and your home’s insulation.

How Can You Protect Your Attic Insulation from Rodents?

If you want to protect your attic insulation from rodents, you will have to keep them out of your home altogether. Doing so requires a combination of making your home a less appealing environment for the pests, and sealing every possible entry point. Here are some ways you can protect your existing insulation from rodents and pests.

Locate All Possible Access Points And Seal Off Small Holes

Sealing off every possible rodent entry point may sound simple, but rodents can enter your home through a hole or gap that is 1/4 of an inch in diameter. Search for cracks and holes between the roof and eaves of your home, parts where utility wires and piping enter the home and in the siding. You can use wire mesh to seal cracks and openings around drain pipes or wall cracks. Place wire mesh over the opening or cracks and apply fast-drying concrete to hold it in place. Make sure the mesh openings are smaller than 1/4 inches. Now that you have this information, how confident are you that your home is rodent proof or that you won’t experience a rat problem in the future?

Make Your Home an Ideal Habitat for Humans, Not Rodents

While the true ‘rodent-proofing’ of your home happens when you seal all gaps and cracks through which the pests can enter, it is still a best practice to make your home a less appealing environment for rats and mice to inhabit in the first place. 

Make Food Inaccessible

If you have rodents in the attic, one of the ways to stop them is to remove their food sources. Rodents are attracted to places where they have access to food and a surface to nest. To make your home less attractive to rodents, make sure that all garbage cans are covered, all pet food containers are sealed, and all food is inaccessible to rodents. 

Secure and Seal Possible Nesting Materials

Additionally, try to avoid keeping items like newspapers or clothes in areas such as the attic – where rodents would be encouraged to use them to make nests. If you must store such items in rodent-prone areas of the home, at least put them in sealed containers made of thick plastic. 

Set Up Rodent Baiting Stations

In addition, setting up snap traps, glue boards, and bait stations for better rat control. Check on the traps frequently to remove any trapped rodents. Never use rat poison in your attic. The rodents can die inside your walls and home insulation. They can decay and leave a strong odor that’s very hard to remove. You will need insulation removal services as dead mice can become a health hazard. Dead rats often leave live ticks that can cause diseases like Lyme disease.

Rodent-Proof Your Home

Making your home a less hospitable environment for rodents is a good start, but to truly keep rodents out of your attic insulation and other areas, it is imperative to hire a professional company for the job. Attic insulation alone can cost tens of thousands of dollars depending on the size of your space and what kind of insulation is used, so protecting this investment is important and well worth the cost.

When you hire a team of professionals to protect your home from rats and mice, they will first perform a thorough inspection to determine exactly where the pests are gaining access to your house. Once they have assessed your home and determined possible points of entry, they will help you come up with a plan for future rat control. The cost of rodent-proofing your home depends on how many breaches there are in your home’s exterior, how large they are, and how easy they are to access. Additionally, the overall size of your space may factor into the cost. 

The best rodent control specialists use a combination of wire mesh and construction-grade sealant to keep the unwarranted pets out. Some DIY’ers and companies looking to cut costs might use what they think is rodent resistant spray foam insulation to fill gaps and cracks. While spray foam insulation is great for sealing off these areas and may be a temporary solution for keeping rats and mice out of residential  buildings, the material is not rodent-proof. 

Professionals such as the rodent proofing team from Attic Construction will use only high-grade materials to keep the pests out. This initial investment can save you thousands of dollars down the line in rodent cleanup and mechanical repair costs. As is the case with most areas of home construction and improvement, it is certainly best to invest slightly more in high-quality materials and craftsmanship when it comes to rodent prevention than it is to skimp on the job and pay the price later.

A Note About New Attic Insulation

You might be reading this article because you are considering replacing your attic insulation or you are adding insulation to a newly constructed attic. If this is the case, you need to consider rodent activity as a potential major threat to your new insulation. Unfortunately, no insulation exists that is truly rodent resistant, even in the form of cellulose.

The good news is that many companies, such as Attic Construction, specialize not only in attic insulation installation but also offer rodent proofing services. but also offer rodent proofing services. If you are adding new attic insulation to your home, you must first make sure that no rodents are present, and then entirely rodent-proof the space before putting the insulation in. Though it is a large investment, the benefits of rodent proofing your attic are vast and very worth the cost. 

If you skip this crucial step, you are doing the equivalent of laying down thousands of dollars of unprotected cash in a space that is prone to rodent activity. Like insulation, cash bills are prime material for rat and mice nests – and nothing is going to stop these rodents from destroying your investment once they have access to it. 

If you want rodent resistant insulation, you need a rodent resistant home. Contact Attic Construction today to find out how we can help you get the rodents out and keep them out!

 

Sources: 

  1. https://www.ecomaster.com.au/ant-rodent-proof-insulation/
  2. https://greenratcontrol.com/attic-insulation-repels-rodents/
  3. https://homeguides.sfgate.com/keep-rodents-out-insulation-32065.html

Fiberglass Insulation vs. Foam

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Attic Insulation, Insulation. No Comments on Fiberglass Insulation vs. Foam

One of the most hotly contested debates in the world of attic insulation is the question “fiberglass or spray foam?” Whereas fiberglass has been a classic go-to staple insulated in American homes for several decades now, spray foam is the en vogue new kid in the neighborhood generating all the latest buzz.

But does spray foam truly have what it takes to dethrone fiberglass as the top choice for attic insulation installation among homeowners?

Answering this question requires a closer look at both fiberglass insulation vs foam. What exactly are they? How are they different from one another? And most importantly, which one best suits both your budget and specific needs for your unique attic? Read on for a tale of the tape.

What is Fiberglass Insulation?

First up in the fiberglass insulation vs foam debate is fiberglass. Fiberglass is a series of extremely delicate fibers comprised of various recycled materials, primarily-you guessed it!-melted down glass. These glass fibers are frequently held together by adhesive backing that serves as a vapor barrier such as reflective aluminum foil or paper.

Cheap but undeniably effective as an insulator, fiberglass is used by roughly 85% of American homeowners today.

How is Fiberglass Packaged?

Fiberglass is available for purchase in the following two forms: wildly popular batts (i.e. the large blankets that bear a striking resemblance to cotton candy) and less common blown-in loose-fill.

Here’s a closer look at both:

  • Batts – Fiberglass Batts has become a favorite with homeowners due to the fact that they’re simultaneously large and light. They’re very easy to pick up at the store and carry upstairs, and once they’re unrolled, they’re able to cover a ton of space. And as an added perk, they’re often designed to be the exact same size as the standard spacing between studs on attic walls.

The only problem with fiberglass batt is that, in attics that have either cumbersome obstructions on the ground and walls or feature awkward spacing, it must be cut precisely to size. Cutting them too short will leave major gaps in coverage for air to flow through while leaving them too long results in irregular compression. And both are bad news for your monthly heating and cooling costs.

Unfortunately, because fiberglass is so light in nature, customizing batts can be not only a total pain but also a costly misstep when done incorrectly. Thus, even if you’re a DIY type of person, you should still call on a professional installer to set up your batts and avoid the unnecessary high fiberglass insulation cost in the long run. This is especially true if your attic is marked by obstacles and irregular space between joists.

  • Loose-Fill – Fiberglass is also available for purchase in bags as loose-fill material, which comes in large chunks. Installing this loose-fill fiberglass in your attic entails a professional installer using a large blowing machine (or you renting the machine if you’re feeling particularly ambitious) to spread the fiberglass wherever necessary.

Blowing in loose-fill fiberglass is a great choice for homeowners who live in older buildings with prior insulation in place and multiple obstructions in the way, as it’s perfect for filling in the tight voids around pipes and wiring that batts struggle to cover.

And since the blowing machine eliminates the need for maneuvering around the room during installation, loose-fill insulation is also a prime choice for any attic with a tight space and low ceiling.

What is Spray Foam Insulation?

Spray foam insulation is a liquid chemical that comes out of a spray can and expands to form an airtight seal over cracks and any other voids that air could flow through.

How is Spray Foam Packaged?

Spray foam comes in two varieties:

  • Open Cell – This refers to foam comprised of cells that aren’t fully enveloped, which makes the foam both flexible and soft.
  • Closed Cell – As the name suggests, this is foam with cells that are completely closed off. These cells press up against one another to block the passage of air and moisture. As a result, closed cell spray foam is more rigid, stable and dense than its open cell counterpart.

Between the two, closed cell spray foam is easily the better insulator, especially in attics where space is tight. Plus, its moisture-resistant qualities make it an ultra-stingy vapor barrier that’s impervious to water damage.

The downside with closed cell foam is that, because it’s significantly more capable than open cell foam, it’s naturally much costlier. And price tag aside, open cell foam definitely has its own merit. Its ability to expand makes it a prime choice for attics with hard to reach nooks and crannies. Additionally, in cases when a single application of foam can fill the entire space between studs, open cell foam is the better option for soundproofing.

R-value

Deciding which type of insulation is the best fit for your attic begins and ends with an understanding of insulation R-value, the measurement used to determine an insulator’s effectiveness in resisting airflow. R-value is a simple “the higher, the better” statistic.

On paper, spray foam is the clear winner in this category, as closed cell foam can reach staggering R-value heights of up to 7.0.  It also doesn’t sag or settle over time, a side effect that fiberglass insulation suffers from when it’s installed incorrectly.

But fiberglass is no slouch at blocking airflow either, as specially designed medium and high-density fiberglass have R-values as high as 4.3. It’s also important to note that, while there’s a limit to how many applications of foam you can spray in one area, the delicate and versatile nature of fiberglass gives you several options for stacking batts upon one another for boosted insulation.

Resistance to Moisture

This category is a neck-and-neck race. Both spray foam and fiberglass are adept at resisting moisture, which means you’re never going to see mold and mildew growing on it either. This makes both invaluable options for homes located in particularly humid regions.

Round Three: Longevity

This is yet another category where both foam and fiberglass are in a class by themselves.

In attics that can maintain ideal conditions, fiberglass insulation will last for a remarkable 100 years. Spray foam, on the other hand, will tap out at about 80 years, which is certainly nothing to scoff at, but still comes short of the century mark gold standard set by fiberglass.

Additionally, though foam neither sags nor settles the way improperly installed fiberglass can, it does tend to shrink over time, a drawback you don’t have to worry about with fiberglass insulation in the attic.

The Installation Process

While you’re deciding on the home insulation material, it helps to look at other aspects, like insulation installation.

Fiberglass runs circles around spray foam in this category.

In wide-open attics with no obstructions on the walls or ground and consistent spacing between joists, the installation of batts couldn’t be simpler for your installer (or you, if you’re the DIY type). Even for attics with prior insulation or multiple obstructions that call for loose-fill fiberglass, using a blowing machine is a relatively straightforward and inexpensive process.

Conversely, the installation of spray foam is a double-edged sword. As discussed above, applying spray foam incorrectly can have grave health consequences, a scary thought given the fact that spraying foam is a complicated process even for professionals.

Intangibles

Both foam and fiberglass share two distinct intangibles that not all other insulators can match:

  • Fire-Resistance – They’re noncombustible, which means that you can set either up between the wooden joists in your attic without ever having to worry about them catching fire.
  • Sound Barricade – They stand at the top of their class in blocking both inside and outside noise, giving the acoustics in your home a natural boost.

Cost-Effectiveness

When it comes to choosing insulation materials for your attic, perhaps the only consideration more important than R-value is standalone value, and understanding insulation installation costs.  In both the short-term and the long run, which material truly gives you the most bang for your buck?

When you factor in cost, you can argue that fiberglass gives you a better immediate payoff. While spray foam’s top-notch thermal performance costs you an arm and a leg, fiberglass provides you with a similarly impressive output for only a fraction of the cost.

Because both foam and fiberglass are superstars at trapping air, both will save you considerable money over time on your energy bill. But fiberglass may also have a leg up on foam in long-term value because of its energy efficiency as it conserves 12 times as much energy as it generates, a unique trait that can slash your utility bill by a whopping 40% annually!

The Final Scorecard

There’s no denying that spray foam is the top dog insulator on the basis of sheer R-value. But choosing the best insulation for your specific attic isn’t as simple as just picking the material with the highest R-value on the packaging. You also have to consider crucial factors like:

  • The amount of space in your attic
  • The climate in your region
  • Potential safety hazards
  • And most importantly, your overall budget.

All things considered, fiberglass will be the best choice for most attics, especially attics in brand new buildings or renovation projects that don’t have HVAC units on the floor or pipes nestled on the walls. The benefits of fiberglass insulation make it clear why time and time again, this is a popular choice for insulating attics. Fiberglass comes close to matching spray foam in all major performance categories, its quick and simple installation is the opposite of the complete nightmare of spray foams’, and—the knockout punch—it’s as cheap as spray foam is expensive.

Though spray foam has a lot to offer, it’s with good reason that the walls and roofing of a vast majority of attics in American homes will continue to look like cotton candy.

Call on Attic Construction for All Your Fiberglass Installation Needs

Think you’ve decided on the best insulation for your attic and are ready for installation? Since attic and home insulation is a crucial part of any house, it’s best to skip the DIY on this one and call a professional. Much like fiberglass itself, our expert staff at Attic Construction provides you with the best for less: outstanding service at rates that can’t be beat.

Whether you’re looking for guidance on how to install fiberglass batts yourself or want to put the job in the hands of pros that you can guarantee will do it right, we’re here and ready to help with any and all of your attic insulation needs.

Contact us for a free estimate today!

Resources

1) “Fiberglass Insulation vs. Spray Foam Insulation” by Editorial Staff at Diffen
https://www.diffen.com/difference/Fiberglass_Insulation_vs_Spray_Foam_Insulation

2) “4 Pitfalls of Spray Foam Insulation” by Allison Bailes
https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/25546/4-Pitfalls-of-Spray-Foam-Insulation

3) “Everything You Need to Know About Insulation’s R-Value” by editorial staff at Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford
https://www.todayshomeowner.com/insulation-r-value/

4) “How Long Will Fiberglass Insulation Last?” By SF Gate
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/long-fiberglass-insulation-last-93486.html#targetText=The%20expected%20service%20life%20of,usually%20stated%20as%20100%20years.

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