Getting the Facts About Cellulose Insulation

When it comes to cellulose insulation, the bottom line is it keeps homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. But, there may be some things you didn’t know about cellulose insulation. Like, did you know it’s better for you and the environment? As the trusted name in cellulose insulation for Plymouth and the surrounding areas, we’d like to tell you more about it. 

What is cellulose insulation? Cellulose insulation is a plant fiber, recycled paper, used in wall and roof cavities to insulate, draught-proof and reduce free noise. And, since it is made of recycled plant fibers, making it environmentally friendly as well as budget-friendly. 

Is it soundproofing? A home insulated with cellulose will be much quieter than a glass fiber insulated home due to its effectiveness in preventing sound transmission. 

Is it durable? Cellulose insulation helps prevent airborne moisture movement. Minerals in the insulation resist the growth of these organisms, improving building durability and longevity. 

Is it effective? Cellulose is fantastic at preventing drafts and airflow. It completely fills gaps and voids around irregular objects such as wiring, plumbing and framing materials in attics and walls, compared to foam insulation. Cellulose insulation also disperses moisture and helps to protect the surrounding building components. 

What is its R-Value? Insulation is measure by R-value per inch. R meaning resistance to heat flow and the higher the number, the more effective the insulation. When properly installed, cellulose has an R-value of 3.5-4, which is higher than average when compared with other products. 

These are just some of the facts when it comes to cellulose insulation. Cellulose is good, green insulation. It performs and has less embodied energy. It is important to hire a professional installer, but it still has a high and quick return on investment. Fiberglass is good insulation too. If it weren’t, it wouldn’t have been around for so long. It comes down to personal preference about your own carbon footprint and other factors. 

Not sure what kind of insulation is right for your unique home? Give us a call at Lewis Insulation so we can tell you more about cellulose insulation as well as the many other types of insulation we carry. We can help you find the right one for your building’s unique needs. 

Whether you’re building a new home, completing a home remodeling project, or it’s just time for an update, we’ve got you covered. For more information about cellulose insulation for your Plymouth area home or business, call Lewis Insulation at 763-477-2612 or you can contact us for a Free Estimate.

Give Your A/C a Break with These Helpful Tips

High energy bills every summer? Has turning up the AC been your only way to battle the heat? With a hot summer here in Minnesota, we are here to tell you there are other more cost effective ways to keep your home cool this summer. 

At Lewis Insulation we are the trusted name in home insulation for Minnetonka and can help get your A/C the support it needs with effective insulation. What people often don't know is how many places hot air could be entering the home: think around windows, door frames, and crawl spaces, even around recessed lights. If you were to add up all these little cracks and places in your house where warm air gets in, you would see a pretty large hole. That’s where proper home insulation comes in. Not having insulation means heat is seeping into your house and your air conditioner is having to work a lot harder. If you’re really, really committed to not blasting your AC all summer, you can make a couple changes to your home that will keep it cooler for seasons to come. Attic, home and window insulation, for example, are a smart and essential part of your cooling system. 

Here are some additional tips to help you keep your home a comfortable temperature all season long: 

• Plant shade trees. A well-placed tree can make a world of difference for the overall comfort of your home. Planting a tree likely won’t have immediate payoffs, but it’s a great way to both shade your home and add beauty to your property. Vines and other tall shrubs are other options which will have quicker results, but will likely require more maintenance. 
• Keep blinds closed during the day. Up to 30% of unwanted heat in your home is coming through your windows via the greenhouse effect; sunlight and heat enter, but cannot escape. By keeping your blinds close you can prevent unwanted heat from entering the home this way. 
• Cook outdoors. Skip the oven or stove and grill more! Any usage of the oven or even the stove-top is going to heat your home. So dust off that grill and help keep the heat outdoors. 
• Make some key home updates. If the heat in your home is a real problem every year, you’ll want to run the numbers on re-painting your home to a lighter color or replacing your roof. It may even be a need for proper attic insulation and ventilation. 

For more information on home insulation in Minnetonka, call Lewis Insulation at 763-477-2612, or you can contact us and get a Free Estimate.

The Signs of Poor Insulation

This winter, you may have noticed some weak spots in your home’s heating and insulation systems. For example, your furnace may have seemed to be constantly running to keep your home warm. Or, you may have noticed some draftiness in your home. Did you receive some higher than usual heating bills? If so, these are some signs you may need to update your home’s insulation. As expert insulation contractors for Maple Grove and the surrounding areas, we would like to tell you more about the signs of poor insulation. And, when you’re ready to update your home’s insulation, contact the professionals at Lewis Insulation and we can help you get your home running efficiently again.

Drafts 

Drafts in certain areas of a home are caused by cool air entering around window frames and doorways. Adding the right type of insulation in these key areas will not only make your home feel less drafty, it will also save you on energy bills.

High Heating Bills 

Speaking of energy bills; look over your home’s energy bills from the last few years. Do you notice huge increases? This may be one of the first tangible signs your home’s insulation could use some help or reevaluation.

Varying Temperatures 

Does each room in the home seem to be a different temperature? If different rooms have different temperatures that’s a clear sign your house is under-insulated. It’s important that all areas of your home are properly insulated. Heat and cool air can escape almost anywhere if there isn’t proper insulation to stop it.

Does your home feel cold? While it may sound rather simple, when drywall and paneling inside a home feels damp or cold, that is one indication that there is not enough insulation.

 Ice Dams

Another warning sign in winter is ice dams. Ice dams occur when heat rises from a poorly-insulated home and melts the bottom layer of snow off on the roof. The melted water then trickles down towards the gutters and freezes once it hits the cooler air. The result is large chunks of ice and ice dams.

These are just some of the signs your home may have given you this winter. Have you noticed any of these telltale signs? For more information about our insulation contractors serving Maple Grove and the surrounding areas, call us at Lewis Insulation at 763-477-2612, or you can contact us to get a Free Estimate.