A new generation of Foam Insulation that is a must for new homes and a highly desirable improvement for existing homes.

In the past, most of the planning that went into building a home focused around the floor plan, how many bathrooms to have, whether or not to include a breakfast area, and so forth. With existing homes the concentration was on re-carpeting, re-painting, etc. Today, technological breakthroughs in building products, electronics and home energy systems have led the way to a myriad of product options for homeowners. Shrewd owners are taking advantage of some of these product offerings to create homes that are more energy efficient, healthy and environmentally friendly.

Currently, two of the most talked about creations in today’s home building market for energy efficiency are the spray foam insulation products called AGRIBALANCE TM, an open cellular foam and HEATLOK SOY TM, a closed cellular foam, provided by Demilec USA, LLC. Applied as a non-toxic liquid, the AGRIBALANCE TM foam insulation expands within seconds to a semi-rigid material 120 times its volume. The result is an air tight seal that fills every crack with just a single application, eliminating air movement through the roof and walls . This not only reduces heating and cooling losses, but also improves the air quality inside the home.

Standard fiberglass batts insulation has open areas in roofs and walls creating air leakage and reducing the advertised R-value. By contrast, AGRIBALANCE TM and HEATLOK SOY TM retain their original R-value. Because foam expands to fill any cavity, it forms a continuous air barrier by adhering to other building materials. Imagine a solid wall of insulation-no seams, cracks or gaps to let air flow through. As the building expands and contracts during weather shifts, this insulation material is flexible enough to move with the changes without destroying the seal. Drafty areas like baseboards, headers, sill plates, electrical outlets, and pipes are also no longer an issue when they get sealed off with this application. By restricting air flow, heating and cooling costs can be reduced as much as 50% and required HVAC tonnage as much as 40%. If the energy efficiency doesn’t get your attention, consider the health benefits. In the 90’s the EPA rated indoor air pollution as one of the five most urgent environmental issues. Indoor pollutants mixed with improper ventilation can lead to a host of health problems, like asthma, particularly in children. By combining proper mechanical ventilation with spray foam insulation, you get a completely air sealed home whose indoor air is actually healthier than the outside air. Dust and allergens cannot penetrate the sealed barrier reducing their presence inside the home. Because low permeable insulation restricts the flow of hot, moist air, condensation is eliminated preventing the growth of mold and mildew within wall assemblies. Another comfort feature is its ability to absorb and reduce the transmission of sound.

AGRIBALANCE TM and HEATLOK SOY TM are a cost effective, healthy alternative to traditional batts and other insulation products, but today’s owners are also concerned about environmental impact. With these products there is no worries about those issues either. Demilec, the manufacturer, assures that AGRIBALANCE TM and HEATLOK SOY TM are “green” products that meet off-gassing requirements. They contain no Urea Formaldehyde, CFC’s or HCFC’s. This insulation is a semi-rigid urethane cellular plastic foam, in which water is incorporated as the sole blowing agent.

If the properties of this product have you thinking about re-insulating your existing home, you will be pleased to know that AGRIBALANCE TM and HEATLOK SOY TM are being widely used to update existing homes in open attic roof applications as well as sealing crawlspaces resulting in the same benefits formerly available to only new construction. Since a large portion of energy is lost as hot air rises, sealing the attic prevents air movement and, therefore, substantial energy loss.

While considered to be more expensive than conventional insulation, the manufacturer and those who use the product say there is no comparison in the end result. When calculating the actual cost you should consider the extra value that this spray foam insulation provides, a possible opportunity to downsize the HVAC system, elimination of building wraps, elimination of moisture, condensation and mold problems, improved interior air quality, and, of course utility savings. The additional upfront costs typically pay for themselves in energy savings within three years and will keep on saving you money every year after thereafter.

If you are getting ready to build, chances are you have been looking at lots of nifty products-from under floor heaters to home automation systems. Just remember that some of the best performance and comfort products lie behind the surface in areas you rarely think about. If you want a truly efficient home that benefits your family in multiple ways, do your research and talk to your builder. Together you can find solutions that will give you a happy, healthy, comfortable home.

If you are an existing home owner, contact a local qualified applicator of spray foam insulation to discuss the benefits you should expect.

Article courtesy of: Energy One Insulation
http://www.energyonefoam.com
270 Red Cedar Street, Suite 104
Bluffton, SC 29910
866-739-0308