Insulation is one of the cornerstones of keeping a healthy, efficient, and comfortable home here in Westchester county, and certain insulation materials may be better suited to some homeowners rather than others. But how can you match up your comfort, health, and efficiency needs with the right insulation material to meet your goal?
Healthy Home Energy & Consulting has been helping homeowners throughout Bedford, White Plains, Scarsdale, New Rochelle, Yonkers, and Mahopac improve the barrier between their homes and the outdoors for a decade and a half—here is what you need to know about choosing the right insulation material.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation begins in liquid form and is installed using a special hose that combines two chemicals that expand as they leave the hose tip. This turns the liquid to foam, which then expands on the surface it is installed on. Spray foam then hardens, allowing for maximum coverage and high insulating values (known as an insulation R-value) while using less materials.
The Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam is a popular choice for many homeowners, primarily because of its strengths:
High R-value
Foam expansion seals up hard to reach air holes and cracks
Offers superior noise isolation
Permanent insulation solution
The two most common applications for spray foam insulation are basement foam insulation, and attic insulation. The air sealing properties of spray foam make it ideal for homes that deal with high moisture and humidity levels throughout the year.
Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulation is made primarily out of treated and recycled newspaper. This insulation material is highly flame and mold resistant, and is an effective solution for those looking to maintain an eco-friendly balance in their home.
The Benefits of Cellulose Installation
Affordable & effective
Safe
Environmentally friendly
Easy to install
The Downside of Cellulose Installation
R-value can drop over time as cellulose settles
More fragile than spray foam (prone to damage)
Because cellulose can be installed as a dense pack or loose fill/blown insulation, we recommend cellulose for exterior walls and in the attic.
How To Know Which Insulation Material Is Right For You
You could weigh the pros and cons of each insulation material, wondering which material will provide the most protection from heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. Or, you could schedule an energy audit, called a Healthy Home Evaluation, and we can outline a customized plan based on the results of your evaluation. Through diagnostic testing like an indoor air quality test, infrared thermal imaging, and more, we can tell (as a trusted insulation contractor) for certain which insulation material will provide the most benefit to your home. If you want your insulation upgrade project to:
Reduce indoor drafts
Reduce outside contaminants in your breathing air
Stabilize your home temperatures
Save you on your heating and cooling costs
...then partner with the experts in keeping Westchester County homes healthy, comfortable, and efficient!