Energy Solutions with Insulation Options
Anyone concerned about comfort and energy savings will want to learn more about insulation.
Insulation materials are used in commercial and residential buildings to help reduce heat transfer by conduction, radiation, or convection. These materials are used in varying combinations to achieve thermal comfort and reduce energy consumption.
Spray foam insulation provides an effective air seal which reduces energy loss and improves indoor air quality. Spray foam insulation helps reduce the penetration of moisture, outdoor allergens and pollutants that can enter your home and also diminishes unwanted sounds from the outside. It also eliminates drafts and hot/cold spots within your home.
Foam insulation expands to fill every opening that can potentially leak air, resulting in a tighter thermal envelope. The foam seals all air leaks and insulates in the walls and at the roof line.
Spray foam insulation can be divided into two categories: Open cell and closed cell. Open cell insulation also known as Half-pound foam is generally more suitable for residential applications for several reasons. Open cell foam is more flexible than closed cell foam. This helps tremendously when framing members expand and contract with the weather. Closed cell insulation or Two-pound foam can develop hairline cracks due to the expansion and contraction of wood and other building materials. This could lead to unwanted air infiltration. Another difference between open cell and closed cell foam insulation is when used at the roof rafters, if a roof leak develops, the closed cell foam will not allow the water to weep through the foam because it is a vapor barrier. This can lead to rotting of the roof deck before the leak is detected. Open cell foam insulation is not a vapor barrier, so it allows the water from a leak to weep through the space below. After a leak is repaired, the open cell foam can be allowed to dry and its thermal properties return, unlike other insulations that must be replaced when they get wet. In addition to these differences between open cell and closed cell foam, open cell foam is less expensive than closed cell foam.
What is the best insulation to use for Florida’s hot and humid climate?
Open cell spray foam insulation. This foam insulation seals all air leaks and insulates very well in the walls and at the roofline. Unlike other insulations, it is an air barrier, so air infiltration is greatly reduced. This system creates an unvented attic, using foam insulation at the roof rafters instead of the ceiling joists, which offers the most energy benefits. This basically turns your attic into conditioned space, part of the building’s thermal envelope. Your HVAC system will work more efficiently because the duct system will not be subject 140-150 degree attic temperatures. Most unvented attics will remain with 10 degrees of the home’s living area. Often, the HVAC equipment can be downsized which helps offset some of the increased cost of the spray foam insulation and helps reduce monthly energy consumption which translates to lower energy bills.