Redmond Insulation
What is the purpose of insulation?
When it's cold outside, insulation reduces the amount of heat lost from your home, and when it's hot outside, insulation increases the quantity of cool air maintained within. This results in a more pleasant home as well as cost savings on energy and power bills.
How can I tell whether my insulation is adequate?
A home energy audit is the best way to find out if your home has enough insulation. This will establish whether your insulation is adequate or whether it can be enhanced in order to retain heat or cool air and save money on utility bills. Even if your home is brand new, you may improve the insulation. If your home is older, you may be able to save money by using current insulation techniques and materials.
What is an R-Value, and what does it mean?
R-Values are a measurement of how well a material resists the flow of heat. Lower R-Values indicate that the materials are less efficient, whilst higher R-Values indicate that more heat is trapped. All of this is determined by the density and thickness of the substance. R-Values are crucial since choosing the correct material for the job in your home is critical.
Inside my home, where should I insulate?
The majority of your home's walls, ceilings, certain floors, and places adjacent to the exterior should all be adequately insulated. In a nutshell, areas where heat is lost or where cold air might enter your home should be effectively insulated. Attics, crawlspaces, outside walls, basements, and, in some situations, garages are all included. Additionally, to prevent these items from becoming excessively cold, HVAC equipment and water heaters should be insulated. Piping should also be insulated, particularly those that transport hot water or are susceptible to freezing. Reduce expenditures and energy loss by insulating around heating and air ducts. A water heater, for example, will have to work harder if this happens, putting unnecessary strain on your equipment.
Blow-in insulation is a term I'm familiar with. What exactly is it?
Blown-in insulation (also known as blow-in cellulose in some circumstances) is similar to other types of insulation in that it is applied with a blower. Blow-in insulation is often available in cellulose, mineral wool, and fiberglass. The insulating material resembles cotton and expands and settles when blown into place. This allows installers to blast insulation into regions that are unreachable by hand, such as wall cavities or cramped spaces, resulting in a more efficient application and installation. On this type of insulation, the pricing is also competitive.
I'm not sure how much insulation I'll need.
This is dependent on a number of factors, but the easiest place to start is determining the size of the space to be insulated. Get the length and width of your space first, then multiply those numbers together to get the area. Some insulation kinds (such as loose-fill) are also measured by depth, so if you choose this insulation type, measure how much room you have along the walls.
What is the definition of air infiltration?
The ability of outside air to permeate into your home is referred to as air infiltration. Outside air creeps into homes through gaps in the walls, around windows, between seams and joists, and around door frames, ducts, and other poorly sealed channels. Even small cracks can allow cold air from the outside to enter your home, causing it to cool and your heating bills to climb. In the summer, the opposite is true, as hot air can enter from the outside, wasting energy as you attempt to cool your home. Insulation (and air leakage testing) is used to reduce air infiltration, keep your home pleasant, and save money on heating and cooling.
What exactly are batts?
Insulation batts, often known as batts, are large pieces of insulating material. They're normally pre-cut and fitted between studs and support beams within a wall. Natural fiber, recycled material, plastic, mineral wool, or cellulose are common materials, however fiberglass is used in some of the more cost-effective forms. These materials are typically simple to work with and install in walls and ceilings by yourself.
What exactly are rolls?
Insulation rolls, sometimes known as insulation rolls, are big, blanket-like lengths of insulating material that resemble batts. They're bigger and longer, allowing for more versatility in installation projects. They're also straightforward to work with.
What are insulation rollers and how do you use them?
Insulation rolls are tightly bound rolls of insulating materials. The insulating material is light and thin, making it ideal for use as a first layer inside walls and ceilings.
What is Foam Board Insulation, and how does it work?
Foam board insulation is just what it says on the tin: huge, hard insulating panels. However, foam board insulating parts aren't the same as flimsy Styrofoam. They're made of wood or metal, are tightly built, and have excellent R-values. They're ideal for cooler climates because of this. Basement walls, interior and external walls, and some ceiling applications all benefit from foam board insulation. Foam board insulation is highly effective and a wonderful "do it yourself" material, despite its greater cost.
What is Spray Foam Insulation, and how does it work?
Spray foam insulation is a type of liquid insulation that expands and hardens after being applied. It is blown into place and is simple and quick to apply. Spray foam insulation comes in two varieties: open-cell and closed-cell. The R-Value of open cell insulation is lower, but it is less expensive. Closed-cell insulation is denser and has a greater R-value than open-cell insulation, but it is more expensive. Small cans of spray foam insulation can also be purchased, which are beneficial for sealing crevices around doors, windows, and other fixtures where air leakage may occur.
What are Radiant Barriers and How Do They Work?
Radiant barriers work differently than most insulation types and are ideal for high-heat areas. Heat is reflected away from homes by radiant barriers, which are formed of reflective material. They assist homes retain more cool air by doing so, rather than operating exclusively to keep cool air in. Radiant barriers reflect heat and are often composed of aluminum or kraft substrates. They're ideal for use on roofs, garages, and some walls.
What are vapor barriers, and how do you use them?
Vapor barriers are specially designed to keep water and moisture out of your home. They're especially effective in cold climates, where small water molecules can seep into your walls and insulation, causing mold, moisture, and even damage. Vapor barriers are usually added after the primary insulation has been installed. Plan to use them on external walls, paying special care to dwellings made of wood or brick.
What is cellulose insulation, and how does it work?
Cellulose insulation is a spray-in loose-fill insulation created from a variety of materials, including recycled paper. Borate is added to make it fire-resistant, and it can also help keep insects and rodents out.
What is fiberglass insulation, exactly?
Glass fiber insulation is a type of insulating material comprised of glass fibers. Insulation comes in a variety of configurations, including rolls, loose-fill, and batts, and is the most common type of insulation. Fiberglass insulation is often low-cost and simple to install. When working with this material, remember to use suitable personal safety equipment.
What kind of foam insulation is this?
Foam insulation can be made of cement, but it is more commonly made of plastic. It's usually sprayed or blown in, but it can also be shaped into foam boards.
What is mineral wool insulation, and how does it work?
Mineral wool insulation is a type of insulation created from natural minerals and other materials, such as molten metal waste products. The fabric is fire resistant, has a good R-Value, and is available in loose, batt, or roll form.
Natural fiber insulations are what they sound like.
Natural materials, such as hemp, straw, sheep's wool, or similar elements, are used to make these sorts of insulating materials, which are less prevalent. They're generally adaptable and resistant to mold and insects.
What is denim insulation, and how does it work?
Denim insulation is exactly that — denim! Denim insulation is straightforward to install and is manufactured from recycled or extra denim cotton. However, it can be costly.
How much money can I save if I have decent insulation?
Because there are so many variables at play, estimating how much money excellent insulation can save is difficult. The major factors include the age of your home, the degree of air leakage and infiltration, the temperature you maintain in your home, the existing insulation, and so on. A home energy audit, which we provide, is something we encourage. This will help you gauge and analyze if you should build insulation or improve what you already have, as well as better understand how insulation can help you save money on your energy bills.
Which insulation materials are non-combustible?
Fiberglass and mineral wool are non-combustible insulating materials.
Is spray foam insulation resistant to fire?
The ignition point of spray foam insulation is 700 degrees Fahrenheit, so it won't ignite right away.
Is it true that insulation helps to reduce noise?
Yes, insulation materials are assessed on their capacity to halt or reduce noise, similar to R-values. This grading system differs from R-Values in that it uses a Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) to assign a score to materials on a scale of 0 to 1. The higher the number, the better. Materials are also assessed for their Sound Transmission Coefficient (STC), which measures how much sound flows through an insulating material.
When it's cold outside, insulation reduces the amount of heat lost from your home, and when it's hot outside, insulation increases the quantity of cool air maintained within. This results in a more pleasant home as well as cost savings on energy and power bills.
How can I tell whether my insulation is adequate?
A home energy audit is the best way to find out if your home has enough insulation. This will establish whether your insulation is adequate or whether it can be enhanced in order to retain heat or cool air and save money on utility bills. Even if your home is brand new, you may improve the insulation. If your home is older, you may be able to save money by using current insulation techniques and materials.
What is an R-Value, and what does it mean?
R-Values are a measurement of how well a material resists the flow of heat. Lower R-Values indicate that the materials are less efficient, whilst higher R-Values indicate that more heat is trapped. All of this is determined by the density and thickness of the substance. R-Values are crucial since choosing the correct material for the job in your home is critical.
Inside my home, where should I insulate?
The majority of your home's walls, ceilings, certain floors, and places adjacent to the exterior should all be adequately insulated. In a nutshell, areas where heat is lost or where cold air might enter your home should be effectively insulated. Attics, crawlspaces, outside walls, basements, and, in some situations, garages are all included. Additionally, to prevent these items from becoming excessively cold, HVAC equipment and water heaters should be insulated. Piping should also be insulated, particularly those that transport hot water or are susceptible to freezing. Reduce expenditures and energy loss by insulating around heating and air ducts. A water heater, for example, will have to work harder if this happens, putting unnecessary strain on your equipment.
Blow-in insulation is a term I'm familiar with. What exactly is it?
Blown-in insulation (also known as blow-in cellulose in some circumstances) is similar to other types of insulation in that it is applied with a blower. Blow-in insulation is often available in cellulose, mineral wool, and fiberglass. The insulating material resembles cotton and expands and settles when blown into place. This allows installers to blast insulation into regions that are unreachable by hand, such as wall cavities or cramped spaces, resulting in a more efficient application and installation. On this type of insulation, the pricing is also competitive.
I'm not sure how much insulation I'll need.
This is dependent on a number of factors, but the easiest place to start is determining the size of the space to be insulated. Get the length and width of your space first, then multiply those numbers together to get the area. Some insulation kinds (such as loose-fill) are also measured by depth, so if you choose this insulation type, measure how much room you have along the walls.
What is the definition of air infiltration?
The ability of outside air to permeate into your home is referred to as air infiltration. Outside air creeps into homes through gaps in the walls, around windows, between seams and joists, and around door frames, ducts, and other poorly sealed channels. Even small cracks can allow cold air from the outside to enter your home, causing it to cool and your heating bills to climb. In the summer, the opposite is true, as hot air can enter from the outside, wasting energy as you attempt to cool your home. Insulation (and air leakage testing) is used to reduce air infiltration, keep your home pleasant, and save money on heating and cooling.
What exactly are batts?
Insulation batts, often known as batts, are large pieces of insulating material. They're normally pre-cut and fitted between studs and support beams within a wall. Natural fiber, recycled material, plastic, mineral wool, or cellulose are common materials, however fiberglass is used in some of the more cost-effective forms. These materials are typically simple to work with and install in walls and ceilings by yourself.
What exactly are rolls?
Insulation rolls, sometimes known as insulation rolls, are big, blanket-like lengths of insulating material that resemble batts. They're bigger and longer, allowing for more versatility in installation projects. They're also straightforward to work with.
What are insulation rollers and how do you use them?
Insulation rolls are tightly bound rolls of insulating materials. The insulating material is light and thin, making it ideal for use as a first layer inside walls and ceilings.
What is Foam Board Insulation, and how does it work?
Foam board insulation is just what it says on the tin: huge, hard insulating panels. However, foam board insulating parts aren't the same as flimsy Styrofoam. They're made of wood or metal, are tightly built, and have excellent R-values. They're ideal for cooler climates because of this. Basement walls, interior and external walls, and some ceiling applications all benefit from foam board insulation. Foam board insulation is highly effective and a wonderful "do it yourself" material, despite its greater cost.
What is Spray Foam Insulation, and how does it work?
Spray foam insulation is a type of liquid insulation that expands and hardens after being applied. It is blown into place and is simple and quick to apply. Spray foam insulation comes in two varieties: open-cell and closed-cell. The R-Value of open cell insulation is lower, but it is less expensive. Closed-cell insulation is denser and has a greater R-value than open-cell insulation, but it is more expensive. Small cans of spray foam insulation can also be purchased, which are beneficial for sealing crevices around doors, windows, and other fixtures where air leakage may occur.
What are Radiant Barriers and How Do They Work?
Radiant barriers work differently than most insulation types and are ideal for high-heat areas. Heat is reflected away from homes by radiant barriers, which are formed of reflective material. They assist homes retain more cool air by doing so, rather than operating exclusively to keep cool air in. Radiant barriers reflect heat and are often composed of aluminum or kraft substrates. They're ideal for use on roofs, garages, and some walls.
What are vapor barriers, and how do you use them?
Vapor barriers are specially designed to keep water and moisture out of your home. They're especially effective in cold climates, where small water molecules can seep into your walls and insulation, causing mold, moisture, and even damage. Vapor barriers are usually added after the primary insulation has been installed. Plan to use them on external walls, paying special care to dwellings made of wood or brick.
What is cellulose insulation, and how does it work?
Cellulose insulation is a spray-in loose-fill insulation created from a variety of materials, including recycled paper. Borate is added to make it fire-resistant, and it can also help keep insects and rodents out.
What is fiberglass insulation, exactly?
Glass fiber insulation is a type of insulating material comprised of glass fibers. Insulation comes in a variety of configurations, including rolls, loose-fill, and batts, and is the most common type of insulation. Fiberglass insulation is often low-cost and simple to install. When working with this material, remember to use suitable personal safety equipment.
What kind of foam insulation is this?
Foam insulation can be made of cement, but it is more commonly made of plastic. It's usually sprayed or blown in, but it can also be shaped into foam boards.
What is mineral wool insulation, and how does it work?
Mineral wool insulation is a type of insulation created from natural minerals and other materials, such as molten metal waste products. The fabric is fire resistant, has a good R-Value, and is available in loose, batt, or roll form.
Natural fiber insulations are what they sound like.
Natural materials, such as hemp, straw, sheep's wool, or similar elements, are used to make these sorts of insulating materials, which are less prevalent. They're generally adaptable and resistant to mold and insects.
What is denim insulation, and how does it work?
Denim insulation is exactly that — denim! Denim insulation is straightforward to install and is manufactured from recycled or extra denim cotton. However, it can be costly.
How much money can I save if I have decent insulation?
Because there are so many variables at play, estimating how much money excellent insulation can save is difficult. The major factors include the age of your home, the degree of air leakage and infiltration, the temperature you maintain in your home, the existing insulation, and so on. A home energy audit, which we provide, is something we encourage. This will help you gauge and analyze if you should build insulation or improve what you already have, as well as better understand how insulation can help you save money on your energy bills.
Which insulation materials are non-combustible?
Fiberglass and mineral wool are non-combustible insulating materials.
Is spray foam insulation resistant to fire?
The ignition point of spray foam insulation is 700 degrees Fahrenheit, so it won't ignite right away.
Is it true that insulation helps to reduce noise?
Yes, insulation materials are assessed on their capacity to halt or reduce noise, similar to R-values. This grading system differs from R-Values in that it uses a Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) to assign a score to materials on a scale of 0 to 1. The higher the number, the better. Materials are also assessed for their Sound Transmission Coefficient (STC), which measures how much sound flows through an insulating material.
Redmond Insulation is here for all of your insulation needs. We proudly serve Redmond, Washington, Sammamish, Bothell, and the Eastside. We specialize in insulation install, repair, and most projects in between. Let us help you find the best insulation for your project – from spray foam insulation to loose-fill or roll insulation for your attic. We are happy to join at any point in your insulation or home improvement project – whether you’re building a new home, or renovating an existing space. Insulation is an important aspect of any home. Let us answer your questions and help create a space you’ll love. We look forward to assisting you!
