Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Commercial Insulation for Your Building

Your business is important to you. You want it to be successful, to have employees you can depend on, and a building where you can get work done effectively. Consequently, it is important that your Maple Grove building meet all regulations for proper working conditions. One way to do this is with reliable commercial building insulation. After all, in many states the type of insulation used must meet a specific code of energy standard known as continuous insulation (ci).
The CI grade of commercial insulation is added as part of the building process to help prevent the steel thermal shorts that can minimize the energy efficiency of a building. It can be used in any type of construction, commercial or residential, but is a must for commercial properties. However, there are various types of CI ranging from the rigid foam insulation to spray foam to three-in-one products and systems. Failing to have the proper amount or type of commercial insulation can result in thermal bridging (aka thermal shorts) – when heat flows through the path of least resistance such as the surface of steel and wood stud framing.
Thermal bridging can be significantly minimized through the use of continuous insulation because it moves the dew point from a wall cavity to outside the cavity thus effectively reducing the potential for condensation to form inside the wall, which will minimize – if not eliminate – the risk of mold or mildew forming within the walls.
If you find yourself needing to decide what type of CI your commercial property needs, there are several considerations to be made. Here are a few:
  • Physical Properties – Some considerations include density or porosity, wear and tear resistance, abrasion, mechanical strength and how it performs at high temperatures.
  • Thermal Performance – Check out aspects such as the temperature limit, melting or fusion temperature, heat capacity or storage, and the resistance to thermal shock.
  • Chemical Considerations – If your facility will be using any type of chemicals, you need to know if there is any risk of reactions between the insulation chosen and those items.
  • Cost – We know every business has a budget, and we understand needing to keep the bottom line in sight. However, don’t just choose commercial insulation based on the price for the CI, installation, maintenance and repair or replacement potential. Choose CI based on what will be best for your company’s needs.
When it comes to starting a business, there are many decisions to be made: from the type of carpet to the style of architecture, and the paint colors to the type of building insulation. The number of decisions to be made can be overwhelming. However, once they are made, you will be glad you took the time to consider each aspect and determine what was needed.
So, as you determine your building’s insulation needs, be sure to contact the pros at Lewis Insulation. Contact Us today for commercial building insulation in Maple Grove and surrounding areas.



Friday, January 29, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions about Fiberglass Insulation



Fiberglass insulation for Eden Prairie homes is an excellent choice, especially for those who need good insulation that is also cost-effective and budget friendly. You might be wondering about this type of insulation and you might have a few questions about it. Here is a brief rundown of some of the questions we hear the most about it and our usual responses.

Q: What is fiberglass insulation and what it is made out of?

A: Fiberglass insulation can be used in houses or commercial buildings, and it is made out of very thin strands of glass. It has a very high area-to-weight ratio, and it is a man-made material that is great for buildings of all shapes, types and sizes. In the old days, fiberglass insulation could irritate people’s skin if it made contact with it, but nowadays that’s not the case. Also, fiberglass insulation is more eco-friendly than it used to be – many manufacturers are using recycled glass to make it.

Q: Why is the R-value of a type of insulation so important?

A: R-value means “resistance value.” It is what measures insulation’s ability to resist heat flow. So the higher the R-value, the better insulator that material will be.

Q: What kinds of benefits does fiberglass insulation offer?

A: Fiberglass insulation will help make your home or commercial property feel warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. You will possibly see some savings on your heating and cooling bills, and it is also an effective way to help reduce noise pollution. Fiberglass insulation is non-combustible and non-absorbent.

Q: Where in my house or commercial property can I have fiberglass insulation installed?

A: You can have fiberglass insulation stalled just about anywhere other than in the basement. If you need insulation in your basement, we usually recommend closed cell spray foam insulation, which we also install.

Q: Why should I choose Lewis Insulation for fiberglass insulation installation instead of anyone else?

A: We are licensed, bonded and insured, but not only that – we also have decades of experience in the insulation industry. We offer free estimates so you know exactly how much to budget for. Plus, working with us is easy: we will never overcharge you for our services, there are no hidden fees or surprises and we will show up to do the work on time.

For more information on fiberglass insulation in Eden Prairie, call Lewis Insulation at at 763-477-2612, or you can contact us to set up a Free Estimate.