When you begin your project, check the insulation of your structure. Assess where it is in its lifecycle and make a determination if it needs to be addressed. Which of the following does your home or office have? Wall/cavity insulation, roof/loft insulation, duct/pipe insulation. What condition are each of them in?
Insulation comes in many forms and can be made of a number of different materials (Fiberglass, Cellulose, Rock wool, or synthetics, including Polystyrene foam, Polyurethane foam, and spray-on expanding foam.) Specific areas generally call for certain types of insulation. For instance, a mineral wool quilt, blown-in mineral wool or cellulose fiber is normally used in loft or roof areas. Insulation in your walls can also be blown in cellulose or “batt and roll” fiberglass. And duct insulation is usually pre-formed split foam, mineral wool mat, or foil-faced and vinyl-faced fiberglass.
R-Value
The common standard for rating insulation is its R-value. This is a measure of the material’s ability to retard heat flow (or its thermal resistance.) Materials having equal R-Values are equal in their thermal resistance regardless of what thickness, weight they have or the form they take. So how you know your insulation’s efficiency? Conduct an energy audit test. A "blower-door" test or using a thermograph camera can assure you that the insulation was installed correctly.
Sound Barrier
Is sound travel of concern to you? Insulation can also be an efficient and cost-effective way to reduce sound. It is most effective when installed into your walls, ceilings and floors. It can also be added to existing homes by drilling into an existing wall or floor and blowing the materials into the open cavities.
Moisture
Another possible concern in Florida, with our wide range of thunderstorms and tropical occurrences, is moisture. If our cellulose insulation gets wet, it will need to be replaced. But fiberglass insulation will maintain its R-Value if it completely dries out. Aside from rain and storms, moisture and dampness can ultimately cause your costly problems. Air conditioning your home to the point that condensation forms brings with it another set of problems. Moisture depositing within the building structure itself will cause mold to grow, paint to peel and rotten wood.
Radiant Barriers
There are special materials that are used with insulation that act as moisture or vapor retardants. Whether metalized chips or film, or spray coatings, they have properties which are reflective and reduce the penetration of radiation as well as minimizing the intrusion of vapor into the structures surfaces. Some of these radiant barriers are environmentally safe, whereas others contain solvents that may be harmful. They protect against water intrusion, save money by reducing heating and cooling costs and wear and tear on equipment, and improve the efficiency of your insulation by lowering temperatures it is exposed to.
So…
Assess your insulation today to see if your structure needs improvement to its efficiency. Check for places where built-up moisture is damaging wood. Look for areas where mold may be appearing. If you choose to re-insulate or add to your existing insulation, or if your project is band new, choose an experience and quality-driven installer. Correctly done, insulation can save you a lot of money on heating and cooling costs, as well as save you from the costs and hassle of structural damage from moisture build-up or water intrusion. See a qualified professional so your home or office isn’t under- or over-insulated, but instead done just right!
