6 Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation

If you need to add or replace insulation, there are a lot of decisions to be made. Choosing the right kind of insulation, picking a contractor, etc. However, it shouldn’t deter you from pursuing the much-needed home renovation. Insulation is imperative to the efficiency of your home, and even adds some protection to it as well. It’s important to make sure you are choosing both the right type of insulation for your needs and an experienced contractor to install it for you.

One type of insulation with many benefits is spray foam. When you need spray foam insulation in Minneapolis, the experts at Lewis Insulation have you covered! In the meantime, here are some common benefits of using spray foam insulation in your home.

1. Noise Reduction

When building a home in a neighborhood with limited space, it’s hard to know what kind of neighbors you’ll be getting. While we all hope for nice, friendly and quiet neighbors, we also know that’s not always the case.

Luckily, spray foam insulation can significantly reduce noise, allowing you to enjoy your new neighborhood, even if your neighbors are a little noisier than expected.

2. Cooling and Heating Efficiency

Due to the nature of spray foam insulation, it can get into small cracks and crevices unlike other types of insulation. When applied, spray foam expands and dries, blocking air and water from entering through the cracks.

When air is blocked from sneaking in through little cracks in your home, you can improve your heating and cooling efficiency! In the summer, hot air is kept out while cool air is kept in – and the reverse is true for winter!

3. Fewer Allergens

When those same small cracks and crevices are sealed, fewer allergens such as pollen can make it into your home. This allows you to survive the curse of seasonal allergies easier! Plus, your guests will feel more welcomed and comfortable in a home that doesn’t make them sneeze non-stop.

4. Bug and Pest Prevention

Yet again, another benefit of filling small cracks in your home with spray foam insulation is preventing access to bugs and pests. An infestation of mice, bugs or other pests can quickly become an even bigger problem due to damage they may cause within your home.

Spray foam insulation can block their access, meaning money saved on pest control and added peace of mind.

5. Mold Prevention

By sealing up small cracks, spray foam insulation prevents moisture from leaking into your home through the outside walls and roof. This prevention of moisture in turn prevents the growth of mold and mildew in your walls.

By stopping the water leaking through walls, spray foam insulation can help prevent health issues caused by exposure to mold or mildew over time.

6. Environmentally Friendly

Using spray foam insulation into your home reduces energy consumption of your home as it reduces the amount of cooling or heating required to combat the outside air sneaking in. By making your home more efficient, you are making it more environmentally friendly.

Plus, spray foam insulation is a long-term solution for insulation as it lasts longer than other types. This allows for less materials to be used over time in your home, reducing waste.

When it comes time to install or replace insulation in your Minneapolis home consider spray foam insulation. Call Lewis Insulation today at 763-477-2612 or contact us!

 

Getting the Facts About Fiberglass Insulation

If you’re considering fiberglass insulation for your Wayzata area home or business, it’s time to get the facts. There are many misconceptions about this popular form of insulation and the experts at Lewis Insulation are here to set the record straight. 

 Itch Factor 

 

Let’s squash this common misconception right off the bat. Have you ever heard you shouldn’t touch fiberglass insulation because it can make you itch? Nowadays, fiberglass insulation does not irritate the skin like it used to and manufacturing it is more environmentally friendly than it used to be. 

 

Benefits 

 

Fiberglass insulation is a cost-effective way to insulate your home or commercial property. Not only could you see some savings on your heating and cooling bills, but it can also help reduce noise pollution. It is also non-combustible and non-absorbent. It also has a great R-value. R-value stands for “resistance value” and it measures an insulating material’s resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulation power that material has. 

Defining Fiberglass Insulation 

 

Fiberglass insulation is a type of residential or commercial insulation that’s composed of sand and recycled glass. It is a man-made material and has a high surface area-to-weight ratio that makes it an ideal insulator for residential and commercial buildings. 

 

Versatility 

 

Fiberglass insulation can be installed just about anywhere in your house or commercial property other than in the basement. For your basement, you should consider closed cell spray foam insulation instead, which we can also install. 

 

Johns Manville Climate Pro® loose-fill fiberglass insulation is made for installation in open attics to fill hard-to-reach areas like corners, edges and around framing. 

 

Soundproofing 

 

Fiberglass is a great sound barrier and over time settles only slightly (2%-4%) compared to cellulose. All JM fiberglass insulation is specifically designed to absorb noise that can be transmitted through walls, & ceilings. 

Does fiberglass sound like a great fit for your home or business? Are you interested in learning more about fiberglass insulation for your Wayzata property? Call Lewis Insulation at 763-477-2612. We are a professional insulation company, and one of our specialties is fiberglass insulation. We have several decades of experience under our belts, and we are fully licensed, bonded and insured for all of the work that we do. You can get a free estimate on how much new fiberglass insulation will as well.

Why Insulation is Just as Important in Summer As It is in Winter

People often think of insulation as important only during the colder winter season, but the need for proper home insulation applies to hotter summer months as well. Insufficient attic insulation allows the summer heat to permeate into homes. This is why it is important to check attic insulation as the first step in troubleshooting a home that does not stay comfortably cool, or has extremely high electric bills during the summer months. Here at Lewis Insulation, we specialize in insulation installation including cellulose insulation for Wayzata and the surrounding areas and can help get your insulation where it needs to be for the summer months ahead. 

 

The weather is warming but is your home’s insulation working to keep your home cool? If your air conditioning unit is doing all of the work, it’s time to consider better insulation. Are there rooms in your home that you avoid during the summer? If so, then it’s very likely that you need to update your insulation. 

 

The best place to start is the attic. When the summer sun beats down continually on your roof, hot and cold air tends to behave differently than it would in the colder, winter months. As we all know, attic insulation, helps to keep the home feeling comfortable. Cellulose insulation is one of the best options to use in the attic since it offers superior sealing properties compared to fiberglass batts or rolls. Blown-in cellulose insulation provides a thick layer of insulation that provides great comfort to your home. Cellulose insulation is also plant fiber-based; perfect for wall and roof cavities to insulate, draught-proof and reduce free noise. And, since it is made of recycled plant fibers, it is safe for the environment and your wallet. 

 

If you’ve been having concerns about your attic’s insulation, our highly trained specialists are just a call away. Whether you’re completing a remodeling project or building a new home, our experienced team can help. 

 

Contact our insulation experts to learn more about how we can help your home stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. For more information on cellulose insulation in the Wayzata area, call Lewis Insulation at 763-477-2612 or you can contact us for a Free Estimate.

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.

Is Your Attic Insulation Adequate for the Approaching Winter?

Winter is coming. Is your home prepared? Help protect against the chill of winter and high heating bills with proper attic insulation. As the trusted name in attic insulation for St Paul and the surrounding areas, Lewis Insulation is here to ensure you get your home ready for the cold months ahead. By adding proper attic insulation, you are provided with some pretty great benefits like saving energy for your home and maintaining a comfortable temperature for your home much more efficiently.

Attic insulation helps make your house more livable, while saving you some money both in winter and summer. And, attic insulation is one of the very best home improvement projects for a great return on investment. There are also some pretty great tax credits when it comes to attic insulation. 

But, how do you know when you need attic insulation? Give us a call straight away if your home experiences high heating or cooling costs, uneven temperatures between rooms, draftiness, hot or cold ceilings or walls or ice dams. These are just a few of the signs your home could use attic insulation.

If your home experiences any of these symptoms, you may want to consider adding adequate levels of insulation to your home’s attic along with its interior walls, floors, and crawl spaces. Not sure? We can send someone out to inspect the situation. If your home is not properly insulated, you are likely paying much more than you should be for home energy. There are a few different options in attic insulation, all with different R-values. Understanding an insulation material’s R-value which is the measure of how well it resists the flow of heat is important; the higher the number, the better the insulating power.

Spray foam. Premium insulation perfectly suited for the attic. With a high R-value, it acts as a barrier to keep the indoors from the outside climate, creating thermal, air and moisture isolation. It can expand and reach hard-to-till voids that other insulation types are not able to do.

Fiberglass and Cellulose Attic Insulation. Have almost the same R-value, and they are both environmentally friendly. Cellulose is made out of recycled newspaper and fiberglass is made out of sand, both of which are renewable resources. These types of insulation are great for filling in gaps and ensuring your entire attic is evenly insulated. The installation process is generally pretty quick, depending on the size of your attic.

Contact us and we can advise you on which type of attic insulation will best suit your needs and keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Are you ready to learn more about attic insulation for your St Paul home? Call Lewis Insulation at 763-477-2612 or contact us for a Free Estimate.