Common Attic Insulation Problems

One of the best indicators that your attic insulation is not working properly is noticing higher than normal energy bills, especially in summer when heat rises through uninsulated attics and makes rooms directly beneath them uncomfortably warm. Winter can also be a telltale sign as heat escapes through your roof and refreezes along the gutters and near the eaves, often forming ice dams.

Insufficient attic insulation can also be revealed by a visual inspection. If you can see attic floor joists through the insulation, it is likely too thin by modern standards, which vary by climate zone. You can easily check this yourself using a simple measuring tool.

Sustainable Attic Insulation Materials: Eco-Friendly Options for Modern Homes

Another indicator of attic insulation problems is a darkened or moldy appearance, which indicates the presence of moisture that has compromised the material. Moisture damage is a serious concern because it can cause severe structural problems, such as warped or rotted attic flooring and drywall. It can also lead to mildew and mold growth.

Blown-in cellulose and fiberglass insulation must be regularly maintained by adding more and raking the existing materials to keep them from settling and losing their effectiveness. Spray foam insulation is less maintenance-intensive, as it doesn’t settle and remains in place. It is also important to make sure that attic access hatches are insulated, as they work against your energy-saving and indoor comfort goals by blocking the ventilation they are designed to provide. Uninsulated access hatches are also a common source of attic air leaks.

Insulation Panama City
6909 Hwy 22, Panama City, FL 32404
(850) 713-5744

To understand the environmental impacts of different insulation materials requires considering a full life-cycle perspective. Rather than simply looking at the energy savings achieved during use, which tells only part of the story, LCA looks at all aspects from “cradle to grave.” This approach allows comparison of bio-based and nonrenewable insulation under similar conditions.

Insulation Life Cycle Explained: From Production to Disposal

The basic understanding of LCA starts with appreciating the Goal and Scope definition – commercial insulation that defines the study’s purpose, specifies product system boundaries, quantifies functional units, and determines required data quality. For example, the functional unit for comparing insulation materials is typically framed in terms of thermal resistance over a 50-year lifespan (e.g., 1 m2 of insulation providing R-value X for 50 years). This standardized functional unit carries substantial academic weight and may implicitly privilege materials that are locally or regionally sourced or easily renewable over those that are not.

The first phase of the study considers raw material systems, including cultivation or extraction, manufacturing systems that end with fabricated insulation materials, and use phase systems, including installation and demolition. The latter also includes a recycling and waste management system. A comparative environmental impact and economic cost analysis of the investigated bio-based insulation materials with two nonrenewable counterparts is conducted, including a hotspot analysis of the most relevant impact categories. Cultivation is found to be the most significant hotspot, followed by the manufacturing systems. Miscanthus insulation is the best performing alternative in most impact categories, while wood fiber and EPS are least competitive.

Spray Foam Genie Charlotte
635 Atando Ave Suite I, Charlotte, NC 28206, United States
(980) 381-2055

kitchen exhaust cleaning is are bustling hub of culinary activity, but the hectic environment and high-volume use of cooking equipment can lead to a build-up of dangerous grease deposits. Left uncleaned, these deposits can cause fires that could result in significant damage and loss of life. Regular hood cleaning and inspections help to prevent this and keep the kitchen safe for both employees and patrons.

The kitchen exhaust system is designed to remove airborne contaminants such as smoke, heat, and odors. However, if the system is not cleaned and inspected regularly, it can become clogged with grease, reducing its ability to efficiently remove contaminants from the air. This build-up is also a fire hazard, and can quickly spread to other areas of the restaurant and cause devastating damage.

Fire Prevention Starts with Exhaust System Maintenance

Kitchen hood cleaning (also known as duct cleaning or exhaust system cleaning) is the process of removing grease from the ventilation system in commercial kitchens. It involves scrubbing the walls, ceiling, and baffles of the exhaust hood as well as all removable grease filters, and rinsing and pressure washing the ductwork and fans.

Before starting the cleaning, all pilot lights and gas valves must be turned off and the hood and exhaust system should be covered with tarps to avoid grease splatter and chemicals from getting on the floor and roof of the restaurant. Then, a degreasing solution is applied to the entire exhaust system and hood, allowing it to soak for a few minutes before applying brushes or cleaning pads to loosen the grease. After the cleaning, all surfaces are wiped down and mopped to remove any chemicals or grease residue. The hood is then polished and a certification sticker is applied to show the date of service, so the restaurant owner or manager can easily prove the system was cleaned in accordance with local regulations.

Legend Hood & Powerwashing Services
Suisun Valley Rd E2060 Fairfield, CA 94534
408-650-4753

Proper attic Insulation Contractor doesn’t only help with temperature regulation but also plays a significant role in maintaining good indoor air quality. By sealing cracks and gaps, insulation prevents dust, allergens, and pollutants from entering your home.

Improved HVAC System Performance

Sealing off these gaps helps improve the performance of your HVAC system, reducing the chances of dust and dirt buildup in your air ducts. This, in turn, leads to better air quality inside your home and ensures your HVAC system runs more efficiently.

Insulating your attic enhances both the air quality in your home and the longevity of your HVAC system.

Synergy Spray Foam & Air Conditioning
6204 Edmund Hwy, Lexington, SC 29073
803-728-0581

Spray foam insulation is made up of two parts that, when combined and sprayed, transform into a liquid that creates a tight seal. This allows the product to fill nooks and crannies that other forms of insulation cannot. It can be installed in existing homes at the time of remodeling or during new construction. It can also be sprayed on commercial and pole barn structures.

The installation process starts with the crew removing any existing insulation from the areas being insulated. Tampa, FL they run a hose with the foam product into the area to be sprayed. They may also use a large truck and trailer to squirt the foam into hard-to-reach spots, like an attic or crawl space. Once the foam dries, it prevents air from escaping the building, making it more comfortable and energy efficient.

How Spray Foam Insulation Improves Indoor Comfort & Air Quality

Some common problems that spray foam can help solve include high energy bills, drafts and uneven temperatures. It can also stop water infiltration, which can lead to mold and structural damage. Spray foam can also help with soundproofing, blocking noise from outside.

Closed-cell spray foam is typically used during the rough-in phase of construction, to fill walls and voids around pipes and wiring. It’s a more rigid and dense material than open-cell insulation, but is still lightweight enough to fit into small spaces. It can be used on its own or with other types of insulation, to provide a more complete building envelope.

iFoam of Tampa
1212 N 39th St #408, Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 378-3626