Using Alternative Energy September 12, 2011
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Green Energy is any form of energy that uses renewable resources. Since Green Energy uses renewable sources of energy that originates from the Earth, there is no concern with pollution as a result of its byproducts. It is becoming more popular because it costs much less than the current forms of non-renewable energy and because of concerns with pollution and global warming.
Solar energy is one of the most popular forms of alternative energy. It has its advantages because it is relatively easy to acquire and accumulate solar energy. Solar energy uses heat and radiant light form the sun to provide is collected using solar panels, which are positioned directly beneath the sun to collect energy. Using solar energy is essentially free because the sun shines and emits energy everyday. However, installing these solar panels can be relatively expensive but there are tax credits available to help offset some of the set-up costs. Additionally, with savings from non-renewable energy bills it can take less than five years to recoup the cost of installing solar panels.
Wind energy is also becoming increasingly popular. In fact, there are countries overseas that have been reliant on wind energy for decades. This type of energy uses wind turbines to convert the energy from wind gusts into more useful forms of energy. The startup costs for using wind energy can be a little more expensive. Acquiring and accumulating wind energy is more suitable for a wind farm, where there is plenty of open space to setup multiple turbines and open space to collect the wind energy.
If you are considering the use of alternative energy, there will be some startup costs. However, the money saved from the use of non-renewable energy can eventually help recover the initial costs.
What seeping through your home? October 18, 2010
Posted by foaminsulationspray in foam insulation spray, insulation.Tags: foam insulation, spray foam insulation
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It’s probably quite a list. Air, not just the outside air but your heating and cooling is escaping, moisture (which can not only lead to heat loss but condensation and mold), all types of vermin including insects, mice, rats, and squirrels. And most importantly, money!
Insulation is used to protect us from the outside environment. In the old days homes were either not insulated, the dead air space in the wall was considered an insulator or it was done with inexpensive materials like newspaper, horsehair or straw. Not ideal to say the least.
Spray foam insulation was invented in the late 1960′s as an alternative to traditional insulation. It’s only in the last 20 years that builders and consumers, along with rising energy costs have really started using spray foam insulation.
Spray foam insulation has many advantages over traditional blown insulation and fiberglass batting. It can reach and seal both small and hard to reach areas. It can create an air and moisture tight seal to substantially reduce heat transfer and reduce utility bills. It will eliminate dirt, pollen and other particles from entering your home. It will also keep out insects and vermin. It will save wear and tear on your heating and air-conditioning systems. It doesn’t emit any toxic vapors and is fire resistant. It can be used on existing structures as well as new construction.
Your home will have a higher resale value because it is more energy efficiency, healthier safer and environmental friendly.
Top Ten Reason to Use Spray Foam Insulation October 10, 2010
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1) Spray foam insulation creates a perfect seal with no gaps. It is applied as a liquid that hardens as it dries. Spray foam can be used anywhere including crevasses, and around building supports such as joists, joints and beams.
2) Spray foam insulation is not affected by external elements such as heat, cold or moisture. Once dry, it will not expand & contract with temperature changes and is impervious to water.
3) Spray foam is waterproof so it eliminates condensation, moisture & mold in areas where it is used. Since the moisture cannot penetrate the insulation, mold cannot grow.
4) Spray foam insulation is an environmentally friendly material. Most are manufactured from agriculturally based materials (like soy) and don’t emit any toxic vapors.
5) Spray foam insulation has been shown to add strength. The rigid nature of the product has been shown to add up to 300% shear and racking strength when added to a structure.
6) Spray foam insulation improves indoor air quality. By creating an air-tight seal external pollutants and particles are eliminated. Spray foam also does not contain any fibers, loose particles or toxic vapors that can become airborne.
7) Spray foam will decrease your utility bills. The airtight seal created allows the heating and air-conditioning unit to work more efficiently keeping utility bills down.
8) Spray foam insulation materials are naturally fire resistant. The product also doesn’t allow additional air to penetrate the structure which would feed a fire.
9) Spray foam insulation will help keep noise down. The air-tight seal helps reduce external noise and the insulation factor will reduce the noise of internal mechanical systems.
10) Spray foam insulation will increase the value of your home. Homes with spray foam insulation have more resale value because they are more energy efficient, fire resistant and environmentally friendly.
Spray Foam Insulation: FAQ October 2, 2010
Posted by foaminsulationspray in foam insulation spray, insulation, soybean foam insulation.Tags: foam insulation, spray foam insulation
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1) Is spray foam insulation safe? – Spray foam insulation is a safe product as long as installation guidelines are followed. These include wearing a respirator, protective clothing and gloves during installation.
2) Is there a difference between closed and open cell foam? – Both of these products are effective in stopping air and will slow down heat transfer. The difference is the moisture protection. Open cell foam has a sponge-like structure, and this can allow moisture to penetrate. Open cell foam is less expensive than closed cell foam but you should never be use open cell foam on an exterior application.
3) Is spray foam fireproof? – Spray foam insulation has been tested for fire resistance. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s product specifications for specific information regarding fire retardation.
4) Is spray foam compatible with other building materials? – Spray foam insulation is compatible with almost every type of construction material used today from metal and wood to wood preservers and sealers.
5) How long does spray foam insulation last? – Spray foam insulation has been inspected on homes 20 years after installation and no deteriorating was found. Many manufacturers will guarantee their product for the life of the home.
6) If spray foam is “green” product, will it be eaten by insects and rodents? – No, spray foam insulation that is made from products like soy is an inert compound and has no food value for rodents or insects.
7) Is spray foam insulation only for new construction homes? – No, spray foam insulation can be applied to existing home on the underside of the roof, in walls, crawlspaces and basements.
Insulation Rip-Offs: Buyer Beware September 25, 2010
Posted by foaminsulationspray in foam insulation spray, insulation.Tags: foam insulation, spray foam insulation
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In today’s economy no one can afford costly rip-offs. Consumers trying to save money are bombarded by high-pressure salesmen with deals. Here we list some of the more common ways consumers are deceived.
Using R-values as opposed to Air Barriers
R-values are the standard when discussing insulation. Unfortunately R-value is not the only factor in considering your insulation needs. Air leaks substantially reduce the R-value of any insulation. These air leaks can also allow moisture to penetrate which further reduces the R-value. So if you’re just buying fiberglass insulation, comparing R-values is helpful. But if you are considering a different type of insulation product, like spray foam consider the air barrier in combination with R-value.
The Old Bait & Switch
Unfortunately, this is far too common even today. Cutting corners by switching to a cheaper product happens everywhere, everyday. If you ordered fire-rated materials, you may want to be there to check your contractor’s materials prior to installation. Do your best to be sure it’s what you ordered. After installation, sometimes even an inspector can’t tell if the proper material was used.
Proper Installation
So you’ve chosen the right product for your home’s needs, now comes the most important part, installation. If not installed properly, spray foam insulation will not give you the results you’re seeking and it may even damage your home. When installed the product expands 100% as it dries. Professional installers know how much product must be applied to properly seal all areas. Not enough spray foam and you will not get your desired results. Too much product can buckle walls and cause costly cracks and damage.
Pushing Product
Insulation companies like most companies want to sell you what they’ve got on hand. After all they’ve already paid for it. Take your time and consider whether their “hot” sale item is really going to work in your situation. Sometimes combining different types of insulation for different areas can be the most cost-effective method.
Costly Misconceptions about Insulation September 15, 2010
Posted by foaminsulationspray in foam insulation spray, insulation, soybean foam insulation.Tags: foam insulation, spray foam insulation
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Here’s how to avoid some of the more common and costly misconceptions about insulation.
Insulation is all the Same
The Department of Energy requires all insulation companies use the same measurement to compare insulation, R-value. By doing so, some types of insulation look very expensive. This is like comparing an electric car to supercharged sports car. They both have four wheels and drive, but the ride is substantially different.
Go with the Highest R-value
R-value is only one way to compare insulation. It does not take into account the ability of a product to seal out air. Air and moisture conduction have been found to substantially reduce the R-value of traditional insulations such as fiberglass. So if there is a large amount of heat loss due to air and moisture penetration, your R-value will plummet.
Go With All Closed Cell Foam
Well back to the supercharged sports car. It’s a nice idea, but not practical for most people. The same with closed cell foam insulation, it’s pretty pricey. A better plan is to mix different types of insulation. One to two inches of closed cell foam will seal out air and moisture. Every inch after that is just adding R-value. There are other types of insulation that can give you R-value at a much lower price. So use the closed cell insulation to do the tough job of sealing out air and moisture, and then add R-value with a less expensive product.
Spray Foam Insulation is all the Same
There are many products on the market today for spray foam insulation. Open cell foam is not the same as closed cell foam. Open cell foam is less expensive because it’s like a sponge, it can absorb and hold moisture, which can lead to mold. It also has about half the R-value of closed cell foam.
Buying bigger is better
Just because a larger professional size spray foam system appears to be cheaper, don’t believe it. On the surface yes the pricing of the chemicals is cheaper, because pros buy in volume. But the $5,000 cost of hoses, rental fees, nitrogen tanks, waste, additional labor not to mention the tank trailer costing $25,000-$100,000 that is necessary to utilize those 55 gallon drums of chemicals! So if you’re just doing the occasional small job stay with the portable and disposable DIY kits.
Spray Foam Is Just Too Expensive
This common misconception comes from the fact that we’re once again using R-value as a method of determining insulation performance. Low performing insulation is cheap. It does a good job until there is air and or water penetration. Most building that we live and work in have both. So your traditional insulation is cheap upfront but will cost you more every month in utility bills and much more in the long run with mold, moisture and insect penetration.
Benefits of a Well Insulated Home September 7, 2010
Posted by foaminsulationspray in foam insulation spray, insulation, soybean foam insulation.Tags: foam insulation, spray foam insulation
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Your home is most likely the biggest investment you’ll ever make. We’ve all heard this saying, yet millions of homeowners out there are letting air, moisture and pests degrade their home. Most never give a thought to their insulation. No matter what part of the country you live in, you and your home can benefit from better insulation.
Spray foam insulation provides the best air and moisture barrier for your home. It will keep you warmer in winter and cooler in the summer. Your heating and air-conditioning systems won’t have to work so hard, so they’ll last longer. During the cold winter months, having a well insulated home can save you money when it comes to Dallas plumbing by preventing your pipes from bursting.
Some homeowners have found they can reduce the size of the equipment necessary to heat and cool their home when they have spray foam insulation. Homeowners have found that utility bills are typically 55%-65% less in a home insulated with spray foam.
Spray foam insulation provides an air and moisture tight seal which keeps out dust, allergens, mold and pests. By sealing out particles and outdoor noise your home is cleaner and quieter.
Most spray foam insulations are made from organic materials like soy. They are environmentally friendly and don’t give off any particles or toxic vapors. This makes your home healthier. Also, spray foam insulation is fire-resistant, making your home safer.
Energy efficient, money saving, cleaner, quieter, healthier and safer are all qualities of spray foam insulation. Can your insulation do that?
Advantages of Spray Foam Insulation August 31, 2010
Posted by foaminsulationspray in foam insulation spray, insulation.Tags: foam insulation, spray foam insulation
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Spray Foam insulation is a product that has revolutionized building methods in the U.S. It is superior to traditional fiberglass insulation and has many advantages over other types of insulation.
1) Seals any and all air and moisture leaks-created an air and water tight seal even in the hardest to reach areas.
2) Makes home quieter-the sealant quality of the product reduce external noise and will reduce the noise of internal mechanical systems.
3) Home is more energy efficient- by blocking out air and moisture it reduces utility bill
4) Seals out dirt, particles and allergens-will keep your home cleaner and healthier by sealing out these small particles
5) Keeps pests out- insects and other vermin will not be able to penetrate the seal
6) Reduces wear & tear on heating and air-conditioning systems-by being more energy efficient your home mechanical system will not be as taxed to heat and cool the home.
7) Environmentally friendly-green spray foam materials are available. They are manufactured using soy and other natural materials. Also spray foam does not emit toxic vapors.
8) Makes buildings stronger-spray foam insulation adds rigidity and strength to any structure
9) Is fire resistant-spray foam insulation has been tested and is fire resistant.
10) Increases resale value of home- Because spray foam insulation is energy efficient, environmentally friendly and fire resistant your home will have a high resale value.
While initially spray foam insulation can be more expensive to install than other forms of insulation, it does provided substantially energy savings monthly and continuously over the life of the home. It will not crack or break off so the sealant quality is never compromised.
Spray Foam Insulation Suits Your Needs January 30, 2008
Posted by foaminsulationspray in foam insulation spray, sustainable architecture, sustainable building.Tags: foam insulation, spray foam insulation
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In recent years, everyone has started to focus on energy conservation, and getting the most out of reusable products.
Apex’s spray foam insulation offers multiple features for the environmentally (and economically) aware. Their foam is a green, cost effective and safe material to install in your home or business.
Apex’s spray in insulation is made from agriculturally based materials. It also contains one of the highest levels of reusable materials, making it very environmentally friendly.
Apex’s spray foam is easy to install (you can do it yourself), and helps save on energy bills. When applied, the insulator fills every nook and cranny, keeping the elements where they belong.
One of the most important features about Apex’s spray foam insulation is how household safe it is. You don’t have to worry about vermin or mold getting hold of the foam.
Apex’s foam is also fire resistant. It’s been industry tested, and stands up to sustained fires better than its competitors; it doesn’t catch fire or allow burn through.
Whether remodeling or starting fresh, Apex’s spray-in insulation is a wise choice.
It’s eco-friendly, and makes the big job of going green easier. It’s a money saver on both monthly bills and at tax time.
And finally, it protects your structure from mold and vermin, while offering a moderate level of fire safety (when combined with an appropriate monitoring and safety system).
Going green in the 21st century shouldn’t be a hassle.
With Apex’s spray foam insulation, you can turn your home or business into an eco-friendly site.
