Fiberglass insulation has a lot of energy and environmental benefits. It can dramatically lower a homeowner’s heating and cooling costs, while providing better indoor comfort and improving air quality in a home or commercial structure. However, it’s important to remember that if not properly installed, it can also damage the home or building and cause health problems for its occupants.
A recent question from a reader of this site brought up a good point: “I had my home insulated with spray foam, and recently had some mold remediation done, but there’s still a noticeable odor coming from the attic and some areas in the house.”
The answer is not to simply replace the spray foam with another brand or type of insulation. A thorough inspection by a professional is necessary to determine what caused the mold and how it can be repaired.
Spray Foam Insulation
Unlike traditional fiberglass insulation, spray polyurethane foam has an open-cell structure that allows the movement of air molecules. Conventional fiber insulation only resists heat transfer by conduction, but air movement can carry hot or cold air from a warmer to a cooler area and causes up to 80% of a building’s heat loss. This is where spray foam comes in: just a quarter inch of Ecohome insulation stops 99% of heat loss due to convection, and 3 inches will stop 95% of it. It’s also a very effective air sealant. Spray foam’s chemical makeup includes polyol resin and some form of isocyanate that react when sprayed to expand, filling gaps and creating a tight, custom insulation envelope.
EcoHome Spray Foam
3601 Lebanon Rd, Lebanon, TN 37087
(615) 573-4106
