ClickCease
Kitchen Remodel Philadelphia, PA

Project Log #4 – Insulation

We’re back…after a little break.  

Let’s look at some insulation options.  

There are many options out there for insulating your living space. Due to space considerations we are going to focus on three that we at Gehman Custom Remodeling use on a regular basis…

    1. Fiberglass
    2. Cellulose
    3. Spray Foam Urethane

 

Fiberglass Insulation Installed In Attic

Fiberglass 

This still the most widely used type of insulation. Mainly due to the price point that is comes into. Also contributing to this is probably the fact that it can be installed by mostly anyone from home owners to the most seasoned professional. Great care needs to be taken during the installation process in order for this material to perform as intended. Gaps and un-insulated spaces are common when installation is not done correctly.

 

Installing Cellulose Insulation In Addition

 

Cellulose Insulation Installed – Tight Around Obstacles

Cellulose

This option is made up of a combination of ground up newspaper combined with a fire and/or pest retardant. It is sprayed/forced into the wall/ceiling cavities sealing around most obstacles and tight to framing. Unlike fiberglass, this product should not be installed by anyone but a professional. Mainly due to need of specialty installation machines which blow the product into the cavities of the space.

 

 

Installed Cellulose – Completely Filled Cavities

However, if you are ambitious and want to try it yourself, rental units are becoming more and more available and can be used to blow loose cellulose into Attic spaces

 

Installing Spray Foam Insulation In Basement Walls

 

Spray Foam – Air Tight; Moisture Sealed Out = Well Insulated

Spray Foam Urethane

Foam insulation is one of the most highly performing types of insulation as well as being versatile in its applications. In large scale applications, such as basements, additions, and retrofitting walls and ceilings, a professional installer should be used. Due to the volatile expansion of this product it is imperative that it is installed correctly for the space in which it is being used. Proper preparations are required to minimize clean up and damage to the surrounding objects. Foam is very good at sealing off air flow and moisture infiltration. It has a high R-value per inch and therefore is helpful in obtain high insulating factors in smaller wall/ceiling cavities.

There is much more information and many more factors that go into making the choice of the right insulation for your project than what we could have put here. Do your research (try this website), set your goals and get the advice of a reputable contractor before committing to installing an insulation material.

Happy Remodeling!

Next Time… Project Log #5 – Close In: Drywall  

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