Insulation is a necessity, especially in an area like California, where there are extreme fluctuations in temperatures.
In fact, according to Wikipedia, California’s climate varies from hot desert to alpine tundra. This means it can get freezing and extremely hot, but if you live in California, you already know how it gets.
You don’t want to go through such harsh temperatures without any insulation. Of course, your air conditioning unit and heater can help, but they can only do so much.
Besides, you will end up denting your account on settling energy costs.
Insulating your home is the only way to go, but remember, it’s not just about insulation but doing it the right way.
So, if you need the best insulation contractor Roseville, CA has to offer, you are at the right place.
Top Notch Insulation Installation Services
As Clear Efficiency, we have been specializing in improving homes’ and other properties’ energy efficiency for over one and a half decades.
Insulation is one of our primary services; we go all out on it when given a job. With our several years of experience, we understand what makes insulation toxic or safe and energy efficient.
We use high-quality spray foam and fiberglass insulation for all our projects.
There is more to what makes us top insulation contractors in Roseville, CA, and we’ll discuss it later in the article. You can also contact us at 916-438-2532 to learn directly from our experts.
For now, let’s look at the insulation in general. What is it, and how does it work? Which are the various types, and how do they compare? What are some of the reputable brands? What do you gain from insulating your home, and so much more?
What is Insulation; How Does It Work?
Insulation is a material used to seal or fill spaces between construction materials. It minimizes heat transfer between two objects you want to protect.
For instance, if you need to protect your home from heat from the outside, insulation will be the barrier between the two.
It does so by surrounding your window’s frame, for example, with an insulating material like fiberglass. The insulation will prevent heat from leaking into the other side of the window and so on.
Insulation also reduces sound transfer within a space. Sound transfers by bouncing off on objects in a room, and the insulating material will lessen or eliminate this.
What are the Perks of Insulation?
We’ve already seen two primary benefits of insulating your home; maintaining optimum temperatures and absorbing sound. Other benefits include:
- Home’s energy efficiency. Proper insulation prevents heat from escaping or being trapped inside an area, so your home will be more efficient. That also means you will save money on your energy bills.
- Improved privacy. Insulating your home prevents noise from leaking into the public realm that could be bothersome to others.
- Increased home value. Insulating your home will give it more value when you list it. It’s not easy keeping track of all the latest trends in insulation but talking to a professional will help.
- Works for both commercial and residential properties. For example, hotels will significantly benefit from some insulation because guests come in and out all day.
- Zero water damage. Rainwater tends to leak through walls and ceilings into an area. Water can’t seep into your house or office interiors if the area is insulated. That’s a huge benefit to maintaining a healthy living environment.
- Prevent mold and mildew. This is a significant benefit for homeowners because these are two leading causes of health problems like asthma and other respiratory ailments.
What Are the Various Types of Insulation?
Fiberglass Vs. Cellulose
Fiberglass insulation is one of the most common types used in homes and other buildings, and for a good reason, in our opinion.
- It is affordable and highly efficient.
- Fiberglass is also more durable and effectively insulates than cellulose insulation.
- Last but very critical, cellulose settles a few years after installation and can be toxic to humans. This is not the case with fiberglass insulation, mainly loose-fill fiberglass, which is non-toxic and does not settle.
Cellulose Insulation Vs. Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is a polyurethane foam applied inside a structure’s wall cavities.
The purpose of spray foam insulation is to seal the gaps between your walls and other construction materials, thus minimizing heat loss or heat gain to your home, as the case may be.
Spray foam insulation can also be used on your attic and interior walls to maximize energy efficiency.
Cellulose insulation is a high-density material used to insulate concrete and other masonry walls. The insulation is one of the cheapest. However, it has no fireproofing properties; therefore, it is not recommendable by most insulation experts, including us.
Cellulose insulation can also be highly toxic and deteriorate over time.
Foam insulation comes in two varieties: open-cell foam and closed-cell foam.
Open Cell Foam Insulation Vs. Closed cell Insulation
Open-cell foam insulation contains air pockets, which is why it acts like a sponge. It doesn’t settle over time and is highly fire-resistant and resistant to mold and mildew.
On the other hand, closed-cell foam insulation is made from polystyrene. It is water-resistant and has excellent vibration absorption qualities as well. It is also non-toxic.
The main difference between the two types is that open-cell foam insulation is a little bit cheaper than closed-cell due to its more straightforward manufacturing process but closed-cell foam is more resistant to fire and mold.
Single Component Vs. Two Component
There are differences between these two. But the three most significant ones are:
- Single-component insulation is more eco-friendly. It has less than a 1% contribution to global warming, while cellulose has an incredibly high potential for global warming.
- Two components have toxic off-gassing, unlike a single part which is entirely safe.
- After a few years of use, two-component insulation can sometimes produce a lingering odor.
Commercial Insulation Vs. Residential Insulation
There isn’t much difference between residential and commercial insulation. The only difference is that commercial insulation can be more expensive because of the added time and labor needed to insulate an ample space like a hotel.
In both cases, there are many benefits to insulating your home or building by professionals.
Insulation protects your most valuable assets!
Fiberglass Vs. Cellulose Vs. Spray Foam – Which One is Better?
Fiberglass insulation has a higher R-value per inch than cellulose, although the latter can be more efficient in specific applications.
Fiberglass insulation is also safer because it doesn’t settle, whereas cellulose does and settles unevenly.
Regarding fiberglass and spray foam insulation, the two can be used together. For instance, we use loose-fill fiberglass insulation for its high R-value, then add single-component closed-cell spray foam to seal the walls and enjoy maximum energy savings.
Other Types of Insulation; Based on the Place Being Insulated
Attic insulation: It is also a good idea to insulate your attic because this room is where most of your hot and cold air comes in. Insulation in this area will improve the efficiency of your HVAC unit, which is critical.
Duct insulation
Ducts are often located in the attic or walls of a building. Some ducts retain heat while others lose it.
The best way to insulate your ducts is to add insulation around them with either fiberglass or cellulose. This can save up to 30% on your heating and cooling bills, depending on the duct’s material in case you’re wondering about it.
Wall insulation
If you’re planning a new build, building, or renovating your home, then insulating the walls is highly recommended. This doesn’t only reduce your energy consumption but saves you money as well.
Ceiling insulation
Like walls, ceiling insulation is another great way to save energy because heating and cooling cost a lot more than most people realize. The best insulation for ceilings is either fiberglass or cellulose.
Floor insulation
It is a good idea to have insulation installed under your floors in the attic, basement, and garage. This will prevent heat from rising through the ceiling and help your home be more comfortable.
All these types of insulation can be confusing. However, you need not worry about that. When you hire qualified professionals like Clear Efficiency, we can help make all these details clear.
Consult the Best Roseville Insulation Contractors at Clear Efficiency
It may seem daunting when you think about insulation and insulation costs. After all, insulating a home is not just about putting in some sound insulation that only does the bare minimum.
It is about making your home energy efficient and saving money for years. For this reason, you need the best insulation services. That’s where Clear Efficiency comes in.
We provide affordable professional insulation services, guaranteeing that your home will be insulated to the highest standards possible.
With our variety of insulation products and processes, there is no way that your home or building will ever be drafty again.
So, whether you need first-time insulation or need a replacement for your existing insulation, we are here to help out. Get started with a free quote today.
We use two of the best brands for insulation:
Airsulate insulation
This is a very effective single-component closed-cell spray foam insulation. This is great for long-term use and provides excellent energy savings.
It is non-toxic, fire resistant, and has a low indoor air moisture content, which makes it immune from mold growth.
Pro Pink L77 Loosefill
This is a 100% safe fiberglass insulation with no nay fire retardants, is non-dusty, and comes with a lifetime guarantee against settling.
Are you trying to decide between the two options? Don’t. You can use both of them together.
We also provide:
If you’re looking for quality insulation, speak to us today! We are based in Roseville California but serve most of the surrounding areas in California. Check out our service areas.