#ball insulation

[newblogworld]

Disadvantages of insulation

While insulation has a lot advantages it also has some disadvantages. Some type of insulation materials although very effective can be expensive to install. Some insulation materials are also dependent on climate change and their effectiveness may change with the weather. Most lose their effectiveness due tocold weather. No type of insulation will be able to completely stop heat transfer.

Rain penetration

Wall insulation does not totally prevent rainwater from getting in. Rainwater creates moisture that causes dampness. This causes the insulation to lose its effectiveness. Fiberglass is also vulnerable to moisture. When it is wet it loses its insulating properties until it dries out.Presence of moisture in fiberglass encourages mold growth. Mold causes unhealthy air quality which may cause allergies in some people.

Health risks

Some insulation materials are dangerous to people’s health. Asbestos for example is known to cause lung and gastrointestinal tract cancer. Fiberglass can cause skin allergies from chemicals used to bind the fibers together. Inhaling fibers can cause damage to the lungs affecting the ability to breathe. Other insulation materials may cause damage to the environment. Rockwool is also unhealthy and people should wear dust masks when installing. Styrene which is a foam insulator may cause eye and respiratory irritation.

Reduced ability

Some types of insulation decrease in their insulating ability over time. Cellulose for example decreases its ability when it absorbs moisture. Fiberglass insulation can settle overtime. This means that its effectiveness drops. The R-value that measures the ability of heat to pass through the insulation. Drops as the insulation settles. Spray foam contracts with age and pulls away from framing.

High energy use

Some insulation materials like cellulose are made from recycled materials. Fiberglass on the other hand is made from new materials. Fiberglass therefore uses more energy to produce than cellulose. This means that fiberglass is expensive to install. Rockwool is also another expensive insulating material.

Poor quality of work

This occurs when the people installing the insulation do it wrongly. The inability to fit insulation materials in spots you want to reduce heat transfer will decrease the effectiveness.Incorrect installation such as leaving gaps may result in a product not achieving its function. Some insulation materials such as structural insulated panels are difficult to cut and therefore difficult to fit around pipes.

Environmental issues

Fiberglass releases dust into the environment which may cause people to be sick. Spray foam may cause environmental damage when it uses ozone depleting chemicals. Batts and blankets which have phenol formaldehyde can cause cancer.

A house that is properly insulated can save you a lot of costs. Most problems with insulation may arise from the installation. To avoid problems caused by condensation it is advisable to use a vapor barrier. This will stop vapor from penetrating the walls. Some also required to be put in layers because they may thin out therefore becoming ineffective. When using spray foam, it is important to use those that require chlorine as a binding agent to avoid using ozone depleting chemicals.

[newblogworld]

Batt Insulation Wrong Choices And Mistakes To Avoid

Batt Insulation is one of the best thermal barrier options that will serve you for decades or a lifetime. Anyway, homeowners make mistakes with it, and which is why we write this article today. Making mistakes is one reason that leads to thermal efficiency reductions. For example, old insulation that has been there for many decades may not offer you the expected thermal protection; hence as the homeowner; you should consider the removal and replacement of it. If not, you will lose money on energy bills in the long run. OK, let's understand these mistakes in detail now!

Choosing the wrong R-value

Batt insulation and other insulation types come with a value called the R-value, which is the factor that shows us the thermal efficiency of the product. Why should a homeowner focus on this value? Well, depending on the climate in your region; you should choose the right R-value for optimal thermal protection. If not, the thermal barrier you have chosen will not have the capacity to keep you safe from winter cold and summer heat. And, as a result; you will turn on the heaters and air conditioners. What is the purpose of relying on heaters and air conditioners after investing money in Batt Insulation? In summary, talk to an expert in the insulation industry and get recommendations on the right R-value that suits your region's climate the most.

Wrong Installations

Well, you got two options to consider when it comes to Batt Insulation installation; DIY and hiring professionals in the industry. Since every modern insulation products are 100% free from dangerous contaminants, a homeowner can tackle it him/herself without worrying about getting exposed to asbestos and other hazardous contaminants. Anyway, homeowners tend to make mistakes such as leaving gaps, layering the new barrier over the old one, and not fixing water leaks before the installation. All these mistakes ultimately lead to insulation failure and deterioration.

Also, one can choose the wrong insulation type for his/her home. Even though Batt Insulation is one of the best products available in the market today, it might not be the ideal choice for your home. As you know, many alternatives are there in the market to fill that gaps that insulation batts can't fill. How can you confirm the right thermal barrier type for your home?  Well, you can talk to the insulation supplier first. For example, NoGap sends their company representatives to your premises for recommendations. Or, you can hire a home inspector for detail evaluations. No matter who will do it, make sure you seek advice from the experts in the industry. You can depend on their advice, and if they confirm that Batt Insulation is the best option for your home; go for it.

Ignoring the right season for insulation removal and installation is another mistake that homeowners make. Our blog has a full article on this topic. The right season guarantees smooth Batt Insulation installation and removal. For example, spending time in the attic or underfloor gap will be a challenge in winter and summer as the temperature in those areas will give you a hard time. Also, spending time in those areas when it is too cold or hot can deteriorate your health. Again, you can hire expert installers who will come prepare even for summer and winter insulation installations.

[newblogworld]

Batt Insulation Installation Compared With Other Insulation Types Installation

Batt Insulation is one of the oldest thermal barrier types that existed since the 30s, and even today; it is considered one of the best thermal barrier types available in the insulation market. How about insulation installation? Can a homeowner tackle it him/herself? When it comes to installation, which thermal barrier type is the easiest? We know that homeowners have doubts about these areas, and which is why we write this article today clear all such doubts. Let's get started!

Insulation installation can get tricky under certain circumstances. For example, if old Batt Insulation installed in your old home has traces of asbestos; removing it is a big challenge. Which means the whole installation process will become a big headache in this case. Can I just lay the new thermal barrier layer on top of the old one? Many homeowners ask this question from us today. At a glance, it should be fine, but the actual story is complicated. Old insulation can reduce the overall performance of the new layer too. Also, the old layer can already be affected by insulation killers such as moisture, pest infestation, and mold growth. Pest infestation can ruin the new Batt Insulation layer too. The thickness of the thermal barrier won't increase its efficiency. So, installing layers over layers of insulation won't double the R-value of the product.

What do you understand by now? Well, new insulation installation can be a piece of cake, but told insulation removal can be a nightmare. Which means you should get your old thermal barrier checked for asbestos contamination, and you can't do it yourself as it is not safe; hence hire a home inspector. OK, the home inspector confirmed asbestos contamination, what next? Unfortunately, you will have to spend a few hundreds of dollars now. Yes, only licensed asbestos transporters can waste such old insulation for you in this case. Hence, this old insulation removal process can take extra hours as the licensed transporter should take safety measurements for their safety as well. Once the old insulation is removed, clean the place and make sure no leaks are there that can lead to water ingress and moisture. Also, check the roof for any leaks before installing the new Batt Insulation layer. If not, the new insulation layer will too get ruined by water ingress.

Anyway, Batt Insulation installation is pretty straightforward when compared to blown-in and spray-foam types of installation. As you know, these installations require machines such as the blower. So, as a  homeowner; you can't tackle such installations. How about the rigid panel and reflective insulation types installation? Well, the installation of these product types is easy as Batt Insulation installation. For example, you can install a rigid panel without worrying about it would cause a mess like blown-in insulation. Also, rigid panel insulation shows high resistance to water ingress, pest infestation, and mold growth. Also, you can later remove those panels quickly.

Some final words

So, depending on the insulation type; the installation and removal process can vary. As mentioned, old insulation removal can become a real challenge if it is contaminated with asbestos. Anyway, modern Batt Insulation is perfectly safe as it doesn't contain even traces of asbestos. Or, if you are not confident about insulation installation at all; hire a professional installer, and those professional installers always can do a better job for you.

[newblogworld]

Why Should You Inspect Underfloor Insulation For Damages?

A few common insulation killers can cause severe damages to your insulation or reduce the overall efficiency of it. These insulation-damaging factors can be environmental or artificial ones. For example, Underfloor Insulation can get affected by humidity, moisture, and pest infestation. Or, the damages can occur due to a water leak from a pipeline that runs through the thermal barrier, and even fires can cause severe damages to it. Ignoring insulation inspection is a common mistake made by all property owners. For example, homeowners keep an eye in the thermal barrier installed on the roof, but they never inspect Underfloor Insulation, and this comes with many long-term downsides.

The overall efficiency of a thermal barrier 100% depends on its condition. For example, if water gets leaked into batts, which is water ingress; the air pockets within the material get filled with water, creating an even material. As you know, the air pockets in the insulation panel are the fact that prevent airflow through it. When water is present within the thermal barrier structure, heat and cold can flow through it via conduction and convection. Which means the purpose of the thermal barrier is no more there.  

Underfloor Insulation can get affected by mold growth as well. While mold growth can't entirely destroy it, but can reduce the overall efficiency to a greater extent. Higher humidity levels and moisture are the top causes of moisture on the thermal barrier. Also, this fungal growth can lead to other downsides such as breathing difficulties, allergy reactions, and asthma worsening. As the homeowner, you will go and inspect your insulation for mold growth, but if you do it without taking precautions such as wearing a mask; you will undoubtedly get into trouble. Also, under the floor cavity is a confined space; hence make sure you inform at least one more person regarding you entering it. A quick tip: hiring a home inspector is the best option when it comes to Underfloor Insulation inspection.

Pest infestation is another killer that we should highlight here. Also, wildlife attacks on thermal barriers. Rodents, bats, snakes, and other small animals that can get into the gaps and make it their homes. These animals can damage batts, spray-foam, and blown-in insulation types. Once the thermal barrier is damaged, the overall efficiency can go down gradually, which is the hardest one to recognize. If it was a sudden drop in efficiency; you will notice it. The solution is the same. Inspect Underfloor Insulation at least once a month, but take precautions as said earlier. Also, pay attention to signs such as frequent temperature changes, humidity changes, noises coming from the attic and underfloor compartment. If you are worried about pest infestation and wildlife attacks; you can go with the rigid panel option. Rigid panels are hard thermal barriers; hence pests and other animals can't damage them. Anyway, you will have to hire professional installers for this task as installing rigid panels can be a challenge for a homeowner.

Some final words

So, now you have understood the importance of regular inspection of Underfloor Insulation, don't you? Once a thermal barrier is installed, keeping an eye on is a smart decision as damaged insulation can ruin your home's atmosphere. If you have any more questions regarding this inspection and thermal barrier type options, contact us today, please!

[newblogworld]

Why Is Batt Insulation Famous Since The 60s?

Insulation is undoubtedly one of the best creations that came to this world in the 20th century. The seasons in most countries change throughout the year; hence to maintain a constant temperature in homes; Batt Insulation and other types play a top role for decades. Anyway, the insulation industry had many ups and downs, but the things are going better for all now. For example, manufacturers made a huge mistake by mixing asbestos with their products, and even today; we suffer from it. Unfortunately, this asbestos contamination damaged the reputation of these products to a greater extent, and thousands of articles on the Internet on this topic prove it. Anyway, modern Batt Insulation is 100% safe, efficient, and affordable.

With the latest technology, thermal barrier types also became more and more reliable ones for all property owners in the world. And, to fulfill the requirements of every homeowner, insulation manufacturers in the world have introduced alternative product types too. For example, other than Batt Insulation; now you can buy blown-in, spray-foam, rigid panels, and reflective insulation products. While we can't say which is the best type out of all these types, we can say that in fulfilling all your requirements; a particular insulation product type could be the best for you. For example, whenever Batt Insulation is less practical; you can rely on blown-in or rigid panels.

What are the unique features of batts?

Well, these are thick insulation materials that come as pieces of rolls. For example, at NoGap; we sell batt and roll insulation types, and you can choose the right product according to your needs and wishes. Resistance to common insulation killers is one of the top factors we would like to highlight here. For example, all modern thermal barrier suppliers give a lifetime or at least 4-5 decades warranty. Which means once you invested money in Batt Insulation, it will serve you for a lifetime. Well, isn't the best feature of it? Saving your money on energy bills for a lifetime is a precious benefit, doesn't it?

Different R-values

Depending on your requirements such as the climate in your area; you can choose the thermal barrier that comes with the right R-value. You got a broad range of R-values to consider today. Anyway, you don't need to spend money on the product that comes with the highest R-value for your home if it is in a mild-climate region. A quick tip: R-value shows off how efficient a thermal barrier is, and higher the value, more the thermal protection.

[newblogworld]

Common Batt Insulation Killers And How To Avoid Them

Insulation is a product that protects us from winter cold and summer heat in the long run, but a few factors can either damage or ruin all insulation types including Batt Insulation. As a homeowner, you may not have a clue about these common insulation killers; hence we write this article today to give you the big picture. These factors can kill insulation products in no time or gradually over a time period, and as the homeowner; you should keep an eye on your insulation to avoid costly damages. Well, some of these factors are easy to tackle, but you may need to hire a professional in the insulation industry to deal with a few factors. Let's get started!

Even though modern Batt Insulation products can withstand water ingress, the overall performance of these products can significantly go down by it. Well, this factor is a bit tricky as it can take place over a long time period without you noticing it. For example, you will have to turn on the heaters more than you used to do. Or, you start to go through frequent temperature fluctuations. A quick tip: you can access the attic and check for any water leaks at least once a month. Anyway, do it carefully as electricity wires can go all over places in the attic.

Water ingress or moisture can lead to another Batt Insulation killer called mold growth. Well, mold growth may not entirely destroy the product, but it can lower the overall efficiency of the product. As a result, you will have to turn on the heaters and air conditioners for a long time. Also, mold on insulation can lead to an unhealthy environment in your home. In summary, water ingress and moisture are pretty common insulation killers; hence all homeowners should keep an eye on it. Roof leaks, pipelines leaks, and even wildlife in the attic can be the reasons behind water ingress and moisture. If you are not confident in inspecting it yourself; hire a home inspector or call us. We can send one of our representatives to your property for a complete inspection.

Wildlife/Pest Infestation

Australia is a country where a few animal species like bats, rodents, and insects live in abundance. Also, a few areas in the country are known for high wildlife presence; hence if you are a homeowner living in such areas in the country; you are under high risk. Animals like bats, rodents, and insects make Batt Insulation their home. These animals can cause severe damages to insulation, making the product become something useless. Well, the issue can get overly complicated as dealing with it yourself can be a dangerous step. For example, bats are a known rabies spreader in Australia. Also, rodents carry disease-causing bacteria and viruses. All in all, wildlife presence can ruin Batt Insulation in no time. Pay attention to sounds coming from the attic.

Well, you could be the reason behind Batt Insulation deterioration or reduced performance. For example, what if you installed the product wrongly in the first hand? Or, you were careless and installed new insulation over the old layer. As the homeowner, you should care and love all the elements of your home. Only then these elements will serve you for a long time, saving your time and money in the long run.