|
Each product has a specific area or application which it works best for in that home or building.
Bestway Insulation uses a variety of insulation products but find Cellulose superior at insulating in many applications for existing business and residence homes.
Attic blown with R-(49) insulation. Recommended by the US. Department of Energy.
| R-ratings have increased over the many years we have been in business. |
In the past insulating walls and attics were largely overlooked due to
1) Cheep energy prices and 2) less product knowledge and 3) little understanding on how installation techniques help minimize air leakage for the average home or building.
Colorado has adopted International Energy Conservation Codes in effect no latter than July 1st 2008, requiring a minimum of an R-38 in the front range area.
The department of energy and the Governor's energy office recommend an R-49 insulation in our attics. Why not go higher? The excel energy makeover house and Home Performance with Energy Star Boulder project house had an R-60 installed in the attic.
| Product Comparison |
For information on cellulose visit Cellulose.org. Cellulose is a green product!
Cellulose material consists of a non-toxic recycled newspaper product, which contains boron, a fire resistant additive. Cellulose is a denser product than various fiber insulations.
Cellulose production uses significantly less energy to be produced than fiberglass and is a readily available resource due to it’s recycled nature.
|
· Standard fiberglass may allow air leakage through the insulating air pockets. Insulating air pockets help give fiberglass a higher R-value.
· Due to the nature of batted material, which is commonly in the form of fiberglass insulation-batts, fiberglass must also be perfectly cut and placed in between rafters by insulation installers. Tyvek or foam must be used in combination with fiberglass to minimize air leakage. Many homes do not have Tyvek installed in their walls.
Blown fiberglass is available, however air leakage may still be a concern when not used with proper foam air sealing. The itch factor is now less of a concern. Recent Miramax glass mixtures have allowed some fiberglass to be less itchy and non-air born.
|
Attic Services ~
Insulation Materials
Relative R-Rating Per Inch
Cellulose
~3.5 |
Fiberglass
~2.5 |
Rock wool ~2.2 |
Adam insulating attic (photographed above)
Cathedral Ceilings & Scissor Truss’s ~
Cathedral Ceiling can be re-insulated using cellulose dense pack Method.
Scissor Truss’s~ are cathedral ceilings that the insulator can crawl threw from the attic access area.
Knee walls ~ We put extra fiberglass along the Knee wall to stop air leakage.
Loose-fill attics ~ Our regular blown-in insulation attic service
| Insulation can be a keystone to energy maintenance when properly installed. |
— — ——— — —
Hire a company who treats insulation as a service rather than merely a product. |
Highly Suggested Optional Services ~
Whole-House Attic Fan Barrier ~Barriers around whole house attic fans are suggested to provide a barrier blocking insulation from entering the attic fan. Dust may settle on the attic fan and may appear the first time you use it after insulation has been installed. House attic fans may leak air. Various versions may be available with various sealing properties. Covering your attic fan seasonally may help stop air leakage. No permanent cover should be placed over a whole house attic fan unless you decide not to use it.
Recess Light Barriers ~ Tin Barrier around recess lights. Required for non-IC rated light applications
Attic Access Barrier ~ Keeps insulation from falling into living space when access lid is opened
Stairway Cover ~ A future product we may carry. Seals attic access holes with drop down ladders very tightly.
Baffles ~ Can leave an airway path for ventilated attic spaces. Customer must request to include baffles in job (additional charge).
Sealing Air Leaks ~ To get better efficiency out of your insulation attic, air sealing is recommended prior to insulation. See tips page on how you can weatherize your house.
Top Hats ~ These Energy Saving Light Covers are a great product that acts as a barrier to insulation and to prevent air leakage around leaky recessed lights.
Information about Recess Lights
Recess lights ~ can be a major energy drain on a house.
Air leakage around recess lights loses up to 15% of home energy consumption.
I-C Rated lights are insulation certified meaning contact with insulation is permitted.
Air Leakage effectiveness of IC and non-IC rated recess lights varies.
2006 IECC codes now require recess lights installed to have
an approved system for reduced airflow and to be IC rated.
Not all air tight cans truly stop or reduce air
, Choose an Airtight
light that meets Washington State Energy Code option.
Consider track lighting as an energy saving alternative
Before you remodel or if you wish to help stop air leakage purchase IC air tight recess lights. It is now code in the when placed in the thermal boundary for new construction.
Halo 5 In. Remodel I-C Recess Can Air-Tite Model H5RICAT
(Around $16.90/Each at Home Depot and other various stores.)
We found that the Halo model light keeps out the highest amount of air and allows direct contact of insulation.
Non I-C Rated Lights must be protected with an approved insulation barrier.
Tin or Insul-Shield is one common product that distances the light from insulation. (Recess light Barriers).
Energy savings recess light covers for IC rated lights may help lessen heat loss as well.
Customer Preparation for Attic Insulation
-
Please inform us if anyone residing in the house has lung or breathing issues. Cellulose, however non-toxic, may be a dust nuisance.
Access to 3 circuits (more than one outlet can be located on the same circuit) is required.
-
We may need access to your driveway. Car(s) should be parked on the street for possible personal use or incase of emergency.
-
Please fix known existing attic electrical problems in wiring and electrical boxes prior to insulation.
-
(Existing insulation is generally recommended to remain in your attic*. Minus mold or mildew problems, smoke damage)
-
Please remove any storage items from your attic.
-
Inform the crew of each recess light, heat lamp, fireplace, or whole house attic fan which runs into the area which will be insulated.
-
Remove pictures or any items which may be knocked loose around the attic access holes.
-
Remove any fragile or breakable items in the pathway from the attic access hole to where the insulation truck would be parked. (Occasionally this path would be through a window when stairways creates a far distance for truck to go.
-
Provide access to breaker box
|
