Cellulose insulation is a state-of-the-art product that keeps your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. It’s not the only insulation product on the market, but it’s one of the most versatile and cost-effective. Today’s blog from Valley Insulation discusses several reasons why you should replace spray foam with cellulose insulation for an existing residence.

Related Post: Valley Insulation Explains How We Install Cellulose Insulation

Smells

Spray foam emits noxious odors, even years after it’s been applied to walls, attics, and crawl spaces. Cellulose insulation lacks any smell whatsoever, except for a slight newspaper smell (because it’s made of recycled newspapers). But our techs install cellulose insulation in walls and then seal them up. You won’t smell it unless you go to your unfinished attic. When spray foam odors seep into your home, it’s not pleasant and it may persist.

Degradation Over Time

Spray foam degrades over time. Some spray foam manufacturers promise 25 years’ of insulating, but the reality is that commercial spray foam applications typically only last 15 years. Foam insulation degrades even worse when it’s applied in cold climates, which isn’t a problem for cellulose insulation installed in the winter.

Possible Health Hazards

Dust containing spray foam as it’s being applied may linger for years. Some substances in the foam, called isocyanates, can be hazardous to your lungs and health if inhaled. Chemicals may go airborne when exposed to heat, such as drilling, welding, sawing, or sanding near the spray foam. If you plan on doing any repairs or fix-it work, and there’s spray foam insulation nearby, you could be exposing yourself and your family to noxious fumes. 

Cellulose insulation alleviates the health hazards associated with other insulation products. It’s an eco-friendly product, has fire-retardant properties, repels bugs, and can mitigate mold growth. 

Related Post: How Cellulose Insulation Prevents Costly Ice Dams on Your Roof

Insulation Removal by Valley Insulation

Valley Insulation can remove your old insulation before installing brand-new cellulose insulation. Talk to us about residential or commercial insulation. Contact us or call 513.353.4100 for more information.

Ice dams form on the roofs of buildings after snowstorms. They occur when the temperature of the roof warms up, melts the snow, and then causes water to trickle down towards the gutters. Once the water reaches the gutters, it refreezes and forms ice. The ice then weighs down the gutter and may cause damage, such as a broken gutter, sagging roof, or roof leak. In today’s blog from Valley Insulation, we discuss how cellulose insulation prevents costly ice dams on your roof.

1. Prevents Heat Transfer

Cellulose insulation in your attic forms a thick thermal barrier between the ceiling and the roof. The barrier prevents heat transfer from the warmth of your home to the cold surrounding your roof. The advantage of cellulose insulation in your attic is that technicians can add the insulation until it reaches the optimal level, often up to 2 feet thick. The material spreads out easily and evenly for the best results. This type of home insulation regulates temperatures in the attic, thereby preventing the snow from melting. 

Related Post: Cellulose Insulation: Why It’s a Smart Choice

2. Seals Gaps

Sealing any gaps in your attic floor is just as crucial as cellulose insulation itself. Air can still seep up from your home into the attic because warm air rises. Once that warmer air hits the roof, it could start to melt the snow. Make sure you seal any gaps between your ceiling and attic. Do this with caulking or special tape. If your attic has any windows, make sure to seal them with the right kind of heavy-duty caulk. Cellulose insulation then comes into play to prevent heat transfer.

3. Keeps Heat Sources Away From the Attic

You may also have sources of heat in your attic that need attention. Recessed lighting, skylights, vents from exhaust vans, and HVAC ductwork may all radiate heat. Make sure you insulate these items to keep heat out of the attic and prevent snowmelt. The correct amount of cellulose insulation, combined with air sealing and heat source mitigation, keeps the roof’s temperature cold enough to prevent ice dams from forming.

Related Post: How Cellulose Insulation Saves on Firewood

Cellulose Insulation From Valley Insulation

The pros at Valley Insulation specialize in Nu-Wool cellulose insulation, a premium eco-friendly product made from recycled newspapers. We can come to your residence, install the right amount of home insulation in your attic or walls, and get the job done right. Contact Valley Insulation or call (513) 353-4100 for more details.