insulation Archives | Devere Insulation

Better Insulation, Better Health: The Health Perks of a Well-Insulated Maryland Home

When constructing a new home in Maryland, the significance of properly insulating your home cannot be overstated. Beyond the usual focus…

When constructing a new home in Maryland, the significance of properly insulating your home cannot be overstated. Beyond the usual focus on energy efficiency, a well-insulated and air sealed home home contributes significantly to the health and wellness of your family. In this blog post, we explore the various ways in which quality insulation and air sealing go beyond energy savings and directly impact your family’s well-being.

Improved Indoor Air Quality Brings a Breath of Fresh Air

Proper insulation, combined with air sealing, serves as a formidable barrier against external elements, blocking the entry of pollen, mold spores, and other allergens through your ceilings, walls, and floors. This is great news for you and your loved ones with breathing problems because this not only reduces asthma and allergy triggers but also leads to less wheezing, sneezing, and respiratory distress. Also, by preventing moisture buildup and inhibiting mold and mildew growth, insulation and air sealing protect your friends and family with respiratory issues like COPD or emphysema from particles that can aggravate lung diseases.

For the best indoor air quality, consider using spray foam insulation, the only type of insulation to both insulate and air seal in one step. Choosing to install proper insulation and seal air leaks in your new home not only improves your indoor air quality but provides reassurance that you and your loved ones will breathe easier.

Greater Temperature Regulation Creates a Cozier Home

Insulated walls act as efficient thermal barriers, preventing harsh outdoor temperatures from penetrating your indoor living spaces and provide you with a comfortable haven throughout the year. This is particularly crucial in Maryland, where our frigid winters and hot, humid summers are the norm. Regulated indoor temperatures are a huge boon for your loved ones more vulnerable to extreme temperature fluctuations, such as babies, small children, and the elderly. Insulation shields them from the extreme cold and heat that can strain their cardiovascular and immune systems.

Plus, with less energy lost, there is lower energy output required for your heating and cooling systems to maintain a cozy environment. This means with less stress on your HVAC system, there will be less stress on your wallet, thanks to lower energy bills.

Less Noise Pollution Provides Peace of Mind

In addition to temperature regulation, insulation also plays a significant role in reducing noise pollution. Insulation batts and dense-packed loose insulation absorb vibrations, creating a peaceful indoor environment free from the disturbances of loud traffic, construction work, or noisy neighbors. Doesn’t that sound wonderful? This not only enhances your quality of life but also alleviates sources of stress that can disrupt your sleep patterns and cognitive functioning. We can all appreciate a good night’s sleep! Fiberglass batts, mineral wool, and spray foam are excellent insulation choices for reducing the sound pollution in your new home.

Added Protection from Toxins to Keep Your Family Safe

Quality insulation, along with air sealing, goes beyond temperature and noise control; they actively seal cracks and crevices, preventing vehicle fumes and industrial emissions from leaking inside your new home. They also reduce the chances of dust or contaminated soil gases from entering your living spaces. By limiting exposure to volatile organic compounds from outdoor furnishings, insulation becomes a shield against outdoor toxins, further contributing to the improved indoor air quality of your new home.

Enjoy a Comfortable and Healthy Home with Proper Insulation

It’s clear the benefits of proper home insulation and air sealing extend far beyond regulating heating and cooling. They directly translate into cleaner indoor air, more stable temperatures, less noise disturbances, and a shield against outdoor toxins. Investing in quality insulation is an investment in your family’s comfort and well-being within the confines of your attractive new Maryland home.

As you embark on building your dream home, consider the long-term impact of proper insulation – not just on your energy bills but on the health and happiness of your loved ones. Don’t let poor insulation dampen the joys of your new home. Choose the right type of insulation, ensure proper air sealing, and relish in the countless advantages that extend far beyond an energy efficient living space. At DeVere Insulation we focus on expert insulation services for new homes built in the Baltimore area while our Home Performance division offers additional insulation services for existing homes. Contact us today to get started on creating an energy efficient home to be proud of.

How to Decrease Homeowner Callbacks

Home comfort and energy efficiency go hand in hand. Although each person can have personal preferences on comfort and …

Home comfort and energy efficiency go hand in hand. Although each homeowner (and resident in a home) can have personal preferences on comfort and different temperature sensitivities, the general rule applies: When a home is efficient, its residents are comfortable.

Why does comfort matter to builders? Ask any builder and they know the answer. The more comfortable a home is, the fewer callbacks builders receive from homeowners. Callbacks can have a dramatic effect on a builder’s bottom line and the reputation that builder has in the community.

It’s understood that both comfort and efficiency are a result of quality construction. Even with that in mind, builders continue to manage comfort calls from homeowners. How can you reduce comfort calls? Consider these steps:

Understand building science. Many callbacks begin long before the home is occupied. A proper understanding of building science and the home as an energy system during the design phase should drive the design/build process. By getting things right on the front end, you can save time, money and headache on the back end.
Choose the right subcontractors. Just because you are committed to implementing strong building science practices doesn’t mean your subcontractors are. Without the right subcontractors, your goal might not be achieved. Take a look at your subs. Are they properly trained on building science? (DeVere Insulation is up to date on today’s building science.)
Insulate and air seal. The building envelope is the most important part of an energy-efficient home. A sound investment, air sealing and insulating will create a more comfortable interior for residents and decrease builder callbacks. When properly done, air sealing and insulating will last for the lifetime of the home. We recommend builders follow RESNET Grade One Installation practices.
Choose proper HVAC. When the home’s envelope is properly insulated and air sealed, a smaller HVAC system will suffice. In fact, an oversized HVAC system or improper ductwork can dramatically impact airflow and resident comfort. By simply reducing the amount of conditioned air needed through a tight building envelope, a homeowner can save money and be more comfortable. Pretty simple.
Ongoing evaluation. There are many pieces involved in the construction process. To ensure a home is maintaining a high level of energy efficiency, it’s important to perform blower door and other diagnostic tests throughout the construction process. Be sure your subcontractor team includes a qualified HERS rater who stays involved during the construction process.

Installing good quality insulation with proper techniques is the single best way to build a high-performing home. Proper installation and testing will result in a more efficient home, more comfortable homeowners and fewer callbacks.

Have questions about building science and insulation? Contact us. We’re happy to help.

Four Easy Steps to Better Insulation

Poor insulation occurs so often that residents in newly constructed homes, or those who occupy commercial spaces, pay higher…

Damaged Insulation Replacement in Baltimore, MD

Example of poorly installed insulation.

Poor insulation occurs so often that residents in newly constructed homes, or those who occupy commercial spaces, pay higher than necessary energy bills. Lower bills mean happier customers – why not take the extra steps to ensure your customers are happy?

Here are four easy steps to keep your customers happy and ensure insulation is properly installed the first time:

Damaged Insulation Replacement

Damaged insulation can be a result of something serious like fire or water damage, or something that was never even realized like weather or critter damage. Disrupted insulation is often caused by other subcontractors who may go into the attic to make upgrades or repairs. They move the insulation out of the way (i.e. blown-in fiberglass) and fail to put it back in place, or trample fiberglass which considerably reduces its R-value. Be diligent. If work is done or changes are made to insulated spaces, call your insulation team back to be sure the product is in proper condition.

Proper Installation Techniques

Properly installed insulation is critical to ensure your customer gets the most from their investment. An insulation professional knows how to correctly install insulating products. One product most often improperly installed is fiberglass batts. Many people believe they are qualified to install them, but many batts are misaligned leaving gaps which reduces their effectiveness. Specific problems we see are batts that are torn, patted down, improperly cut to fit around openings/pipes, separated from the surface they are supposed to insulate (attic floor, for instance) or missing altogether. Hire a qualified insulation contractor to be sure your customer is getting the most out of their investment.

Sufficient Insulation Levels

Most commonly seen in renovations or rehabs, many older homes don’t have insulation levels that meet today’s code. Recommended insulation levels for our region are as follows:
Ceilings: R-49
Walls: R-21
Floors: R-30
Basement Walls: R-13
When considering these standards we always recommend paying special attention to not just meeting codes, but also optimizing energy efficiency. Air sealing the building envelope can have a very short payback time through lower energy bills.

Missed Opportunities for Insulation

Similar to insufficient insulation, we run into cases where areas that should have been insulated were neglected or overlooked. Common trouble spots include knee walls, dropped soffits, chimney chases and sealing around attic access doors. Each exposed area is an opportunity for conditioned air to escape. When planning insulation for a new home or other space, be sure to take these areas into consideration.

Have questions about a current or upcoming project? We have the answers. Contact us today.

Want an Efficient Home? Manage Airflow.

Airflow is a key component of the study of building science. When a building has improper airflow, it can impact both the building and…

Control Airflow for Home Ventilation in Baltimore, MD

Looking to build (or own) a home that is efficient and comfortable? The key is airflow, and we have building science to thank.

Airflow is a key component of the study of building science. When a building has improper airflow, it can impact both the building and its residents. Improper airflow can result in a variety of problems including mold growth, energy loss, and can encourage the infiltration and spread of pollutants. When airflow is properly managed each of these can be reduced, and the home’s HVAC system can operate more efficiently.

There are two common types of building airflow. Uncontrolled airflow is the type many people are familiar with. Years ago, uncontrolled airflow was also known as having a “leaky” home. Uncontrolled airflow is when air enters and leaves the home in a random fashion. This type of airflow doesn’t work in conjunction with the HVAC system, which can impact both energy use and home comfort.

On the other type is controlled airflow. This is when airflow is managed in a way that works with the home’s HVAC system. Sealing air leaks and adding mechanical ventilation allows airflow to be controlled to create a comfortable and efficient home environment.

Have questions about your home’s ventilation and overall energy efficiency? Contact our office to speak with one of our insulation professionals.

The Best Solution for Insulating Your Metal Building: RetroShield

RetroShield is designed to retrofit insulation in existing metal buildings and upgrade insulation systems in new metal buildings.

Attention metal construction contractors! METALCON – the premier event for metal construction products — is coming to Baltimore! The event is October 26-28 at the Baltimore Convention Center.

We’ll be there along with our supplier partner FiFoil, talking about insulation technologies for metal buildings including RetroShield.

RetroShield is designed to retrofit insulation in existing metal buildings and upgrade insulation systems in new metal buildings.

RetroShield reduces radiant heat transfer by over 90%, and provides a more appealing finish than other comparable insulation systems.

What makes RetroShield the right product for your next project? RetroShield:

Improves thermal performance, saving energy and reducing monthly operating costs.
Is quick and easy to install, reducing down time for you, the building owner.
Works with all types of metal framing.
Does not absorb moisture like standard mass insulation
Provides a more attractive finished appearance than other commercial insulation systems (available in white or reflective finishes. Custom colors available.)

The system is mechanically attached to the building’s frame without glue or cables. It doesn’t require additional framing or other alterations to complete the installation process. This installation system helps ensure long-term stability and product performance.

RetroShield® offers maximum energy efficiency for any roof or wall retrofit application. When installed, the RetroShield® System offers continuous insulation, minimizing air leaks. It can be back-loaded with additional insulation for specific thermal performance or R-value requirements.

For more about RetroShield® click here to download the brochure, or visit us live at METALCON!

Come See Us at METALCON!

Attention metal construction contractors! METALCON — the premier event for metal construction products — is coming to Baltimore!

Fi-Foil Company a Supply Partner of DeVere Insulation in Baltimore, MD

Attention metal construction contractors! METALCON — the premier event for metal construction products — is coming to Baltimore! The event is October 26-28 at the Baltimore Convention Center.

We’ll be there along with our supplier partner FiFoil, talking about insulation technologies for metal buildings. Be sure to come see us!

Why You Should Choose the Blown-In Wall System

For years, fiberglass batt insulation was the only way to insulate walls. Today’s construction technology has many other options!

Installing Blown In Wall System from DeVere Insulation in Baltimore, MD

When it comes to insulating walls, most people think of fiberglass batt insulation. For years, fiberglass batt insulation was the only way to insulate walls. Today’s construction technology has many other options! One cost-effective and energy-efficient option is the blown in wall system.

The blown in wall system provides a high-efficiency energy blanket of insulation at a fraction of the cost of spray foam insulation. This system is installed in open cavities during the construction or remodeling process, and can be used in residential or commercial buildings. The blown in wall system gives homes a seamless, thermally efficient blanket of insulation that completely fills any void in the wall cavity.

Here’s how it works:

Fabric mesh is installed across the open wall cavity. It is tacked to each stud in the wall assembly.
Loose-fill fiberglass insulation is blown behind the fabric mesh. It is installed at a density that fills all voids in the wall cavity.
The penetrations in the mesh are sealed to hold the product in place.

There are many benefits to installing the blown in wall system in your next project. The blown in wall system offers:

Higher r-values than traditional fiberglass batt insulation, saving on heating and cooling expenses.
Reduced air infiltration. National laboratory tests have shown a 68% reduction in air infiltration when installing a blown in wall system over fiberglass batt insulation.
- TAKE ENERGY EFFICIENCY ONE STEP FURTHER! Air seal each wall cavity prior to installing a blown in wall system to further increase efficiency!
Excellent sound control. Because loose fill fiberglass insulation completely fills the wall cavity, noise transfer is reduced.
Does not settle. Because the insulation is dense packed, there’s no chance of it setting and affecting r-value.

Interested in learning more about the blown in wall system? Contact us with questions or to schedule a free estimate.

Hybrid System: HY-Fi in Baltimore, MD

Homeowners and builders today are installing high-performing hybrid insulation systems. These systems have…

Install an HY-Fi Hybrid Insulation System from DeVere Insulation in Baltimore, MD

Homeowners and builders today are installing high-performing hybrid insulation systems. These systems have the air sealing properties of spray foam at a lower cost than full foam. Until now, most hybrid systems are thought of as spray foam finished with fiberglass.

The innovative HY-Fi hybrid insulation system from Fi-Foil is changing that. And both contractors and homeowners are thrilled with the results.

The HY-Fi hybrid insulation system provides a very cost-effective approach to creating high R-value walls. When used in combination with traditional insulation, such as fiberglass batts or spray foam, the HY-Fi hybrid insulation system creates a superior insulating system.

Here are some benefits of using HY-Fi on your next project:

HY-Fi enhances the performance of the building envelope by maximizing open air spaces in the wall cavity.
HY-Fi reflects heat away from the cavity and adds high-performing R-value to the wall. This additional R-value can reduce the amount of spray foam insulation needed to achieve the desired R-Value, reducing overall project cost.
HY-Fi can help you achieve a higher R-value in small wall spaces. It’s an ideal solution in areas with strict building codes.
HY-Fi is more efficient to install than fiberglass, meaning your job can be installed in less time than before.
The air cavity that is created between the spray foam and HY-Fi is a builder’s dream! Now contractors and homeowners have the ability to run additional cables (audio, video, etc) behind finished walls without having to drill through full spray foam.

To schedule a call with our estimating department, contact our office. We are happy to help!

Like a Fish Out of Water

How do we get to work when the job site is located somewhere without standard road access? We take a boat of course!

Here’s one for the record books! A customer called needing insulation for a new home they were building. We were excited to learn this house was located on Little Island in the Magothy River in Pasadena, MD. There is no road access to this island — but we didn’t let that stop us! We welcomed the challenge to find a way to get our truck and crew out to the job site. As you’ll see by the photo to the left, we ferried our truck and crew over to the island to complete the job. What a fun opportunity for our team!

Have a tricky insulation problem? Contact us today —we’d love to help you solve it.

The “V” Factor

Ventilation is becoming an important topic in the world of energy efficient homebuilding.

What You Need to Know About Ventilation in New Construction

Ventilation is becoming an important topic in the world of energy efficient homebuilding (sometimes referred to as the “V” Factor). With the increase in green building and the tighter building envelopes that result, a new problem has emerged for builders. New buildings that are increasingly airtight can have poor indoor air quality.

Why the increase in air quality problems?

Older homes weren’t built as tightly as today’s standards and were ventilated by the wind or natural air leakage. Let’s not forget that some older homes had no insulation or insulation made of natural materials. These older products did not include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), flame retardants or other additives commonly found in building products today, so ventilation wasn’t as much of an issue.

Today roughly 25 million Americans suffer from asthma. The idea of an “airtight” house — which might be energy efficient — may not provide proper ventilation ensure their health.

Today’s tight building envelopes require controlled mechanical ventilation to maintain optimal air quality. And it’s a part of energy efficiency that can be overlooked.

Which type of ventilation is best? There are a number of factors that ultimately influence which system is most appropriate. These include code requirements, the size of the building, combustion appliance type, and budget. Four common ventilation system options are especially suited to energy efficient homebuilding:

Exhaust Only — This common method uses a small exhaust fan placed in a kitchen or bathroom, which runs continuously or intermittently to exhaust stale air and moisture. These systems are inexpensive and easy to install.
Supply Only — In supply only ventilation systems, a fan brings in fresh air and stale air escapes through cracks and air-leakage sites in the home. These systems can include a filter to trap pollen and dust or a dehumidifier to control indoor humidity levels.
Balanced — A balanced system provides a much better ventilation solution because it includes separate fans that drive both inlet and exhaust air flow, which allows control of where the fresh air comes from and where it is delivered. Typical systems are designed to ventilate living rooms and bedrooms where people spend most of their time.
Balanced with Heat Recovery — These systems co-locate the usually separate fresh air and exhaust fans and an air-to-air heat exchanger so that the outgoing house air will precondition the incoming outdoor air. This system is ideal for colder climates.

Have questions about the proper ventilation system for your home or commercial building? Contact us today.

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Category: insulation