Category Archives: General News

Insulating Your New Home: The Key to Energy Efficiency

Today, both businesses and consumers are realigning to become more sustainable and energy-efficient. Energy efficiency focuses on minimizing the power required to use certain products and services. Not only does energy efficiency reduce heating and cooling costs, but it also helps the environment by reducing emissions released by power plants.

The average household in the Midwest spends $3,000-3,500 per capita on heating. This translates to fossil fuels burnt and more emissions. If you want to save on energy bills and be environmentally conscious, the first step is to make your home energy efficient by installing insulation. The best time to do this? Right when you’re building your home.

Want to Build an Energy-Efficient Home? Start with Insulation

Insulation for Newly-Constructed Homes

While you’re planning and building your new home, you should follow the required R-value of insulation in Missouri as stated in the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). These are just the minimum requirements, though, and you should aim to exceed them if you’ve set out to make your build more energy efficient. Insulating your home adds to your home’s market value.

A properly insulated home is protected from the elements from top to bottom. It’s easier to ensure this right at the beginning of construction because your insulation options are much more varied compared to retrofitting your walls and attic after you finish building.

With that said, these are the key areas that need insulation installed in your new home for optimal energy efficiency, according to the U.S. Department of Energy:

Attic
Walls
Ceiling
Exterior doors and windows
The floors (especially above unheated spaces like the garage)
Ducts/crawlspace
Basement

In structures such as residential homes, there are areas called thermal envelopes. These are the areas listed above, where heat tends to escape. Typically, 15 percent of heat escapes through uninsulated basements and floors. Uninsulated attics, windows, and doors each let out 25 percent of heat, while uninsulated walls let out 35 percent.

With this much heat loss, you’re likely to spend more heating up your home, driving your energy use. By installing installation in these areas, you’re making sure that you optimize your energy efficiency.

Types of Insulation for New Homes

Once you’ve pinpointed the areas that need insulation, it’s time to decide what type of insulation material to install. You have a variety of options, but it’s best to consult your insulation experts to know which type fits specific parts of your home.

Batted Insulation

Batted insulation made from fiberglass materials is perfect for unfinished walls, floors, and ceilings. Batted fiberglass insulation has a broad range of R-values and has excellent acoustical performance.

Sprayed Foam Insulation

Ideal for unfinished attic floors or as an addition to existing finished or irregularly-shaped areas, closed cell spray foam insulation answers your extreme insulation requirements. Spray foam tightly seals all nooks and crannies that would otherwise cause heat loss.

Wet Spray Insulation

A popular and cost-effective alternative to spray foam, wet spray fiber insulation resists mold and has great air-sealing benefits, making it a great insulator for your walls and ceiling.

Blown-in Blanket Insulation

Like spray foam, this type of insulation can fill small, hard-to-reach areas, so it’s perfect for unfinished attic floors.

Insulate Your New Home Properly

Before finishing the construction of your Kansas City home, contact a reputable insulation company. Our team here at A+ Insulation uses the best and latest insulation techniques to give you a power-saving, energy-efficient home.

Should You Insulate Your Interior Walls?

Kansas City regularly updates building codes to protect the safety, health, and welfare of local residents. Updates to the code minimize safety hazards at home, especially electricity-related ones. These updates almost always include insulation industry codes. Code updates push homeowners to address insulation issues and replace them when necessary.

Household Possibilities: Is It Time to Insulate Your Interior Walls?

Admittedly, insulation code updates are not enough to help homeowners decide whether to insulate their interior walls. While this is not exactly common practice, you may have heard of its energy-saving and sound-dampening benefits. So, if you are wondering if insulating your interior walls is a good idea, there are valid reasons for you to consider:

Insulation Makes Your Home More Energy Efficient

Warm during winter, cool during summer — home insulation contributes to your household’s comfort because it helps regulate both hot and cold airflow. Your living space should remain comfortable despite extreme weather and temperature fluctuations. When you opt for interior wall insulation, you use less electricity to regulate room temperatures and might notice lower energy bills in the long run.

nterior wall insulation reduces heat transfer for your storage rooms and unoccupied guest rooms. As a result, the temperature control prevents the framing from expanding and the drywall from cracking. You can save yourself the cost and hassle of fixing this issue, too.

Insulation Reduces Room-to-Room Sound Transfer

Imagine this: you come home after a long day at work and just want to relax in bed — but, you can’t because the rest of the family is watching an extremely loud action film in the movie room next to your bedroom.
Interior wall insulation reduces room-to-room sound transfer, creating a sound barrier that contains inside sounds and mutes unwanted outside noise. Keep in mind, however that sound travels through your interior wall’s wood framing, which means the insulation does not make the place entirely soundproof. But it remains an ideal choice for better sound control.

Insulation Prevents Fire from Spreading Quickly

When you live in a duplex or a townhouse, interior walls called party walls separate your living space from the people next door. In addition to reducing the sound infiltrating into your home, interior wall insulation prevents fire from spreading from the other side of the party wall to yours. Of course, there are fire codes in place that, when observed, help to safeguard your property, but extra measures also matter.

Maybe it’s Time for Interior Wall Insulation

The best time to add interior wall insulation is during new construction. But who says you cannot add insulation to existing walls even after you’ve been living in your current home for some time? It is better to be safe than sorry and late than never, as they say. Besides, insulation codes are updated regularly.

At A+ Insulation, our certified insulation technicians meet local building mandates and abide by the EPA standards for your safety and peace of mind. We minimize your energy bills, dampen heavy sounds from different rooms, and help protect your family from fire through quality interior wall insulation solutions.

Get in touch with us today for more information. You can also schedule a free, no-obligation home inspection so that we can determine the best type of insulation for your home.

How Does Insulation Affect Your Home’s Comfort and Safety?

Heat can escape from your home through the attic, especially if it doesn’t have enough insulation. Excessive heat loss can result in higher energy bills because your heating system has to work harder to provide enough warmth in your home. Insufficient insulation can also compromise the comfort of your home, during winter or summer.

Does Your Attic Have Enough Insulation and is it Safe?

How to Get Efficient Insulation?

Installing adequate attic insulation can help you enhance the comfort of your home, ensuring you don’t pay too much on your energy bills. Where do you start? With an audit.

Getting an energy audit in your home can determine how much energy you consume. Auditors can also identify the areas of your home where you lose energy the most.

Why is R-Value Crucial?

R-value is a vital factor that contributes to the effectiveness of your attic insulation. This refers to the resistant ability of an insulation material against heat flow. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) explains insulation with a higher R-value provides better insulation.

Each home may have a different required amount of R-value, depending on the climate in your region, your heating and cooling system, and where you will install the insulation. The age of your home is also a key consideration.

The DOE categorizes all American regions into different zones to identify how much R-value will suit their climate. Based on its graph, R-values of R38 to R60 can be ideal for attic insulation in Kansas City homes. Knowing the right R-value for your home can guide you in choosing the type of insulation for your attic.

What is the Risk for Asbestos Exposure?

Asbestos was once an insulation material due to its ability to resist heat and corrosion. Breathing asbestos fibers, however, can lead to the development of asbestos, a chronic lung disease that causes shortness of breath. Other symptoms include:

A persistent dry cough
Chest tightness or pain
Loss of appetite with weight loss

If your home has loose-fill attic insulation, you’re likely to be at risk for asbestos exposure. This type of insulation is loosely poured into joist or wall stud cavities, resulting in a great number of loose particles in your home.

Some vermiculite attic insulation can be a major source of asbestos danger. Vermiculite contaminated with tremolite, an asbestos-like mineral, can pose a danger to health. Houses built before 1990 are more likely to have asbestos-containing attic insulation. It’s because the company that provides the majority of this type of insulation closed in that year.

Choosing the Right Attic Insulation

Not all loose-fill insulation contains asbestos and can cause health problems. Materials, such as fiberglass, cellulose, and rock wool are safe for insulation with proper application. You may also choose from other types of insulation that fit your attic.

Although there are materials ideal for do-it-yourself projects, working with professionals minimizes the risk of costly mistakes.

Our team at A+ Insulation can provide safe solutions for your insulation needs to enhance the comfort of your home. We can inspect your attic to identify certain issues that need professional help, such as a leaky roof, insufficient attic ventilation, and old wiring that create a fire hazard. Our team knows how to handle insulation problems well to finish the work on time and on budget.

Choosing the Safest Insulation Type from a Health Perspective

Insulation is essential for any home. Despite this, many homeowners still take insulation for granted and miss out on the benefits that come with it. In fact, earlier research from the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) found that nearly 90% of US homes were under-insulated. Fluctuating temperatures, high energy bills, and water leaks in the attic are common signs of an under-insulated home.

Moreover, a modern home doesn’t necessarily mean it’s well-insulated. The amount of insulation home builders install may not be enough to maintain comfortable temperatures throughout the year, even if it’s up to code.

A+ Insulation can help you figure out where you may need to improve your insulation with a free home energy audit. We’ll help you get your home insulated adequately so that you can save money not just energy bills but on medical bills, as well.

How Insulation Improves Health

You may have heard of the benefits of insulation, such as how it prevents moisture condensation and improves temperature. What you may not hear as often is how these benefits help improve your health.

Even the distribution of indoor temperature reduces thermal stress and the adverse health effects of fluctuating temperatures like migraines, headaches, and joint pain. Regulated temperatures and the lack of condensation also improve the indoor air quality and lower the risk of mold growth.

Mold spores are one of the common reasons behind allergic reactions. Having a well-insulated and mold-free home reduces allergy symptoms and asthma flare-ups.

Recommended Insulation for Better Health

Proper insulation, regardless of what materials are used, already offers many with health benefits. However, a report from Energy Efficiency for All found that certain types of insulation are better for your health than others.

Corkboard is the report’s number one insulation type from a health perspective. Although the material is free of hazardous content, it is one of the most expensive and least available of insulation materials. The report recommends instead fiberglass and cellulose insulation materials for both cost-efficiency, availability, and health benefits.

Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass is one of the most popular types of insulation. It’s made of melted inorganic materials like sand or molten glass. The types of fiberglass insulation included in the report are:

Loose-fill fiberglass
Dense-pack fiberglass
Spray-applied fiberglass
Fiberglass batts or blankets (kraft-faced, unfaced, and polypropylene-scrim-kraft faced)

Cellulose

Cellulose insulation is commonly made from recycled newspapers and other recycled paper products. The fiberized paper is treated with mineral borate to make it fire- and insect-resistant. The list included the following cellulose insulation types:

Cellulose or cotton batts and blankets
Loose-fill cellulose
Dense-pack cellulose
Wet-blown cellulose

Parts of the Home to Insulate

Experts recommend that homeowners insulate their homes from the roof down to the foundation. Attic spaces, exterior walls, and floors above crawl spaces or unheated garages are prime spots for insulation. You can also maximize the health and energy benefits by undergoing a home energy audit. The audit results provide you with a more comprehensive list of places to fix and insulate.

Want to Save Money on Energy Bills? Make Your Attic More Energy Efficient

Improving your attic’s energy efficiency goes beyond helping you maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. It can also save you money on cooling and heating costs. If you’re looking to cut down your energy bill, take note of these suggestions to make your attic more energy efficient.

Seal Cracks to Reduce Air Leaks in the Attic

Foam spray Attic air leaks are holes, cracks, and other weak points where air can go in and out of your house. Ignoring this problem can promote the escape of cool air during the summer and heated air in the winter. This forces your HVAC unit to work harder, which increases your energy bill. On top of that, leaks in the attic may serve as starting points for significant water damage.

If you come across a leak in your attic, seal them as soon as possible. You’ll usually find leaks in the following areas:

Attic Hatch
Doors and Windows
Duct Chaseways or Furnace Flue
Recessed Light
Open Soffit
Plumbing Vents
Wiring Holes

If you’re still having difficulty finding attic leaks, check out the floor plan of your home and use it to locate possible air leak spots.

Install Attic Fans

Attic ventilation fans are an excellent choice for regulating the temperature of your house. They cool a hot attic by drawing hot air out of the area and bring colder air from the gable and soffit vents. If you’re going to install these fans, make sure that your attic does not have any leaks. If your attic has holes, these fans could draw conditioned air out of your house.

Ventilate the Attic

A house attic with insulation Venting the attic helps regulate seasonal temperatures inside the attic while letting you maintain a consistent temperature in your home with the help of your HVAC system. A properly ventilated attic enables outdoor air flow into the attic during winter. While it may look strange to allow cold air to enter your house in the winter, a cold attic can minimize the risk of melting the snow on the roof. Melted snow could refreeze in gutter systems, damage the roof, and result in interior water damage.

Additionally, a well-ventilated attic provides an escape route for warm air. When hot air stays in the attic, it can heat the roof shingles and raise the risk of roof damage. On top of that, trapped humid and hot air could cause the accumulation of moisture and result in the growth of mildew or mold.

Make Sure Your Attic Has Sufficient Insulation

Insulation is one of the best ways to enhance the energy efficiency of your attic. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, insulation can help you save up to 20 percent on your home’s cooling and heating costs. If your attic is in need of insulation, don’t hesitate to turn to A+ Insulation. We have experienced insulation professionals who perform efficient and diligent attic insulation work. Count on us to do the job correctly and on time. We want you and your family to enjoy lower utility bills and a comfortable and consistent temperature inside your home.

Can Spray Foam or Blow-In-Blanket Insulation Work for Your Home?

Man installing insulation Insulating your home offers many benefits. Two types of insulation, however, stand out among others because of the advantages you can experience from them. These include the blow-in-blanket system (BIBS) and the spray foam insulation, both of which A+ Insulation installs.

The Good News on Blow-In-Blanket System

Blow-in-blanket systems in Kansas City work because of the extremes in weather conditions. BIBS falls under fiberglass insulation, which is the type of insulation known to provide better thermal efficiency. In addition to thermal efficiency, what other pros can you expect from BIBS?

It blows in easily
It fills the space completely
It lasts for a very long time

Blow-in insulation can fit even in small gaps of the tiniest size, and it’s not that hard to install. You can also dwell on the safety of your home with a naturally fire resistant blow-in blanket system. For its bonus points, BIBS insulation can reduce noise, prevent the growth of mold or mildew, and remains pest resistant.

The use of fiberglass insulation prevents the leak of any chemical odor. The excellent thermal performance of the blow-in-blanket system gives your home the energy efficiency it needs while reducing energy costs, so you can save more money.

Spray Foam Insulation and Its Perks

In all our years as insulation installers, we’ve found that 30 percent of your home’s energy can escape through walls, roof, and floors. This is due to air leaking from these areas. Spray foam insulation can prevent this from happening, helping you save on your energy bill at the same time.

Similar to the blow-in-blanket insulation, spray foam insulation fills and seals every crack. Spray foam, as flexible sealant insulation, makes continuous air barriers in different areas. Polyurethane spray foam expands up to 100 times its original size to seal every gap in walls, ceilings, and crawlspaces for total insulation.

R-Values and the Effects of BIBS and Spray Foam Insulation

You also need to consider R-value when installing a type of insulation. Kansas, according to the Department of Energy, falls under Zone 4, which needs R-5 insulation sheathing beneath a new siding.

Remember, R-value heavily relies on the installation of the insulation. Blown-in blanket systems, when installed by skilled experts, achieve the correct density and R-values. You can depend on BIBS to fill in existing finished areas, particularly irregularly shaped areas. It can also fill in the crevices around obstructions.

Spray foam also can cover up finished areas and seal gaps in irregularly shaped areas. You can apply this using a small spray container or in larger quantities as a pressure sprayed product.

The Finest Insulation for Your Convenience

Go to A+ Insulation and expect the best insulation for your household. Whatever type of insulation you choose, we’ll know what to do. We have technicians who can add the right insulation in the right amounts in the best places to provide you the best comfort you deserve.

With our experience in the industry, we can help you save energy, time, and money. Call us to schedule an appointment.

2 Types of Spray Foam Insulation: What Makes Them Different From Each Other?

Room undergoing renovation Spray foam insulation is one of the most popular types of insulation for homes and commercial buildings. Starting off in liquid form, spray foam is applied to tight spaces where it expands up to 60 times its original liquid volume.

This method of application allows for the even distribution of spray foam insulation to be inside walls and ceilings. This also makes for an ideal method for filling in hard-to-reach places like air ducts and crawl spaces. As the foam expands, it dries and becomes solid insulation.

According to the Department of Energy, spray polyurethane foam insulation (SPF) is 50% more effective at insulating buildings, compared with traditional insulation products. In addition to this, SPF is also versatile and easy-to-install, making it the more cost and energy efficient choice for insulation material.

Spray foam insulation can be categorized into two types: light density open-cell and medium density closed-cell. Both types have their own unique advantages and are the most commonly used variants of insulation in commercial buildings and homes.

Remember, though, that spray foam insulation contractors in Kansas City stress that it’s always best to consult with a professional service provider before applying spray foam insulation to your structure.

Light-Density Open-Cell Spray Foam (ocSPF)

Commonly known as half-pound foam, light-density open-cell SPF, or ocSPF, is semi-rigid foam with a sponge-like appearance. During installation, this SPF expands in such a way that it creates small, open cells that are filled with carbon dioxide. Because it expands during application, ocSPF can fit most cracks and crevices. This product sticks to irregular surfaces to form an air sealing insulation.

OcSPF also has the unique advantage of being pliable. Over time, buildings can contract and expand depending on the weather. Because of its flexibility, ocSPF twists and adjusts with every contraction and expansion, minimizing the need for reinstallation.

Although it can’t block vapors, ocSPF is effective at acting as an air and sound barrier. Because of these traits, ocSPF is usually recommended for interior walls and most indoor applications.

Medium-Density Closed-Cell Spray Foam (ccSPF)

Foam spray Medium-density closed-cell foam insulation, or ccSPF, is often referred to as two pound (2 lb) foam, due to it being heavier than open-cell spray foam. CcSPF is more rigid than ocSPF, and it comes with a higher Long-Term Thermal Resistance (LTTR) value.

Because of its rigidity and weight, ccSPF can act as both a vapor barrier and an air barrier, making it more efficient than ocSPF. CcSPF also has the unique advantage of adding to the structural strength of walls and ceilings.

When choosing insulation materials and installers, always go for a professional company with trained professionals and OSHA 30 certification. Quality insulation can help lower energy costs and protect structures from weather damage. With over a decade of providing insulation services in Kansas City, A+ Insulation has the tools and the know-how to effectively install insulation for both homes and commercial buildings. Contact us today and our in-house team of experts will help find the most appropriate solution to your insulation needs.

Long-Term Planning: Insulation During Spring Reduces Cooling Costs in Summer

Insulation installation Residents of Kansas City always look forward to springtime. The fresh air is a welcome delight after months of chilly days and bundled up nights. The locals gear up for festival season, St. Patrick’s Day, and the Brookside Art Annual which are all citywide celebrations that pump up people of all ages. Of course, the spring season also brings back the Kansas City Royals, our boys in blue, to the baseball park.

As much time as KC locals spend outdoors, however, it also pays to be more attentive to what goes on at home during the transition season from the coldest to the warmest days of the year. When you plan your springtime activities, include home renovations and preventive maintenance on your list. The changing weather affects the utilities that keep you comfortable all year round despite the weather, after all.

Having said that, maybe it is time to install or replace the attic insulation in your Kansas home this spring.

Why Is Attic Insulation Important?

Many homes in the local community do not have attic insulation. This is unfortunate, considering how attic insulation serves as a consistent source of comfort for the household. It keeps heated air inside during winter and keeps the home cool during summer. In other words, it keeps your family warm during cold days and helps regulate indoor temperature on humid ones.

Moreover, attic insulation is a wise decision because it helps homeowners save on energy bills. Our team has actually seen first-hand how attic insulation helps cut down energy costs at home, especially during the warmest months of the year when people tend to turn up the AC.

Heat travels through the ceiling and may escape or enter the home through gaps or leaks in your attic. So, if the attic has proper insulation, then it will make the home more energy efficient in addition to making it more comfortable for the household.

But of course, for optimal energy saving, you need the help of a professional to ensure the even distribution of the insulation. Alternatively, if you already have attic insulation, a professional can check insulation levels to determine whether you need a more effective replacement.

Professional attic insulation also addresses other problems such as leaky roofing, fire hazards, and limited ventilation.

Why is Spring a Great Time for Attic Insulation?

Spring is a great time to install or replace attic insulation. Your household may have exhausted the HVAC system throughout the winter, so now’s a great time to let it recover and direct your attention to the insulation. Furthermore, spring installation also prepares you for the warm, humid weather that summer is sure to bring. This way, you wouldn’t spend so much on home cooling costs in the future.

Keep in mind, though, that the level of insulation your attic should have depends on your location as well as on what product you use for it. But generally speaking, homes in the KC metro may have insulation of at least R-49, which is approximately 18.5 inches deep, to effectively reduce energy costs.

At A+ Insulation, we offer various solutions for attic insulation in Kansas City. You may choose among InsulSafe SP, cellulose, spray foam, and batted insulation. Call our office, today, for a free no-obligation evaluation before summer comes along.

Insulating Your 1960 Home? Best Types of Insulation for Old Homes

Balcony of an old home Warm, cozy, and full of character, you love your 1960 home.

As much as you love your decades-old abode, however, it tends to get drafty. In winter, the cold draft can get so bad that you’re beginning to see adverse effects on the health and comfort of your family. On days when it’s extra cold, moreover, your heating system has to work harder, costing you more in maintenance and replacement expenses down the road.

If you’re tired of putting up with drafty air and compromising your comfort, your most viable option is adding insulation. Insulating an old home not only makes the space more livable and energy-efficient but also helps preserve the house’s beauty and historical significance. If you decide on selling the home in the future, up-to-date insulation can give you a strong selling point.

Things to Consider Before Installing Insulation

While there are many benefits to adding insulation to old houses, it’s not exactly an easy task. If your home was built before the 1960s, chances are, there is very little insulation to none at all. Before the energy crisis happened in the 1970s, energy was cheap and abundant that it was more cost-effective to heat homes than to insulate them.

Today, it has become more cost-effective to insulate a home. There are myriad options as far as materials are concerned. Experts agree that among these materials, batts and blow-in cellulose are the easiest to retrofit into an old home. Many insulation contractors also prefer installing spray foam insulation, as this works well in regulating air flow, controlling moisture, and insulating while maintaining a high R-value (the material’s capacity to resist heat flow).

Depending on your home’s age, potentially dangerous products may have been used in the installation. A professional insulation contractor should be able to detect urea formaldehyde or asbestos, as the presence of these materials may entail remediation.

Where Do You Add Insulation?

Insulation being added It’s often easiest to add insulation to the attic area. If your attic is unfinished and unconditioned like many old homes, adding batt insulation to the underside of the roof is a smart move.

If the home has a basement or crawl space, you may also opt to insulate the floors of the living space above. Insulation contractors prefer to do this by installing batts into the floor joists’ stud bays.

Onboarding experts to assess the entire home should be your first step. A pro can accurately evaluate the scope of insulation, the severity of air leakage, as well as your options for re-insulation. They can also give advice or two in the areas of the home that will provide the most payback when insulated.

When in need of experienced professionals who can help you add insulation to an old home, turn to A+ Insulation. We have been the authority in batt, cellulose, spray foam and blanket insulation in Kansas City since 2004. We are prepared to add insulation to any part of the home from the walls to the attic, basement, and more.

Talk to one of our consultants about the most viable options for your home. Call us at 913-281-2250 or fill out our form today.

Addressing Skin Irritation and Other Health Risks of Pink Fiberglass Insulation

American households are no stranger to pink fiberglass insulation. Many homes have thick rolls of the material in their attic. In fact, at some point, it was the most popular choice for insulation.

Made from extremely fine woven glass, fiberglass traps air to slow down the spread of heat or cold in a structure. It poses a minimal fire hazard and, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, its thermal insulation may reduce residential energy costs by up to 40%. As such, it is a frequently used material for residential property insulation.

Pink fiberglass insulation effectively keeps homes warm in the winter and cool during the summer. But it does not come without a price. The material could trigger asthma, bronchitis, and eye irritation. Moreover, it could cause itchiness and skin irritation.

Get Familiar with the Risks of Fiberglass Insulation

Pink fiberglass insulation, consisting of extremely fine glass fibers, comes in different forms. Most commonly, it comes in the form of blankets and loose-fill.

The former, which may either be fiberglass batts or rolls, are attachable to walls for stability. The latter, which may contain 20% to 30% recycled glass content, are applicable to both open-blow applications (i.e. attic paces) and closed-cavity applications (i.e. wall interiors and floor cavities).

The material may also come in the form of rigid boards and duct insulation. But regardless of which type is most suitable for your application — and how functional it is — fiberglass insulation comes with certain health risks.

Fiberglass insulation, when disturbed, has the tendency to release small particles or fibers in the air. The people exposed to it may inhale the material’s particles during installation or removal, resulting in respiratory complications. Their skin may also come in contact with the particles, resulting in itchiness and irritation.

Respiratory Ailments

No matter how long you’ve been using pink fiberglass insulation, you still need to be careful when handling them. Inhaling fiberglass particles may trigger reactions from your respiratory system. It may lead to nose bleeds and severe coughing. It may aggravate asthma or bronchitis, too, if you are prone to either condition.

Much like wood and metal, it does not easily break down. As such, inhaling fiberglass particles may cause further damage to your lungs and the rest of your respiratory system.

Eye Irritation

Inhaling fiberglass particles may cause respiratory ailments, but the health risks do not stop there. Particles may break free from the material and get in your eye. This causes immediate effects such as eye irritation and inflammation.

Much like when other foreign particles get in your eye, fiberglass particles may cause severe or permanent eye damage, when not addressed correctly and immediately.

Skin Irritation

The most common health risk of fiberglass insulation is skin irritation. This occurs when your skin gets in contact with fiberglass particles, resulting in itchiness and skin rashes.

Particles may come in contact with your skin and trigger allergies, especially if you have sensitive skin. They may lodge into your pores and cause skin dryness. Either way, you may end up with irritated skin, itchiness, and red rashes for days to come.

Exposure to fiberglass could happen during renovation for your home or when you visit a friend whose home is under construction.

Remedies After Exposure

You’ll want to protect yourself when you expect to be around renovation or construction. Appropriate clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and gloves. This reduces the risk of itchiness and skin irritation that occurs when the skin accidentally comes in contact with fiberglass particles.

While you’re at it, wear a face mask to avoid inhaling fiberglass particles and protective goggles to prevent them from getting into your eye.

But once you’re exposed to fiberglass, you can reduce its impact through a couple of ways.

Use Baby Powder

Rub baby powder on exposed areas such as the neck and your wrists, areas where there may be gaps in protective clothing, to avoid itchiness. In case baby powder is not available, you may use corn starch or plain talc powder as a substitute.

Shower Twice

Despite protective clothing and a sprinkle of baby powder, fiberglass particles may still linger. As such, you might want to shower twice.

First, take a cold shower to rinse off any particles. The cold keeps your pores closed, so you no longer have to worry about fiberglass seeping into your skin. Afterward, take a hot shower to open up your pores and make it easier for you to get rid of any particles that may have slipped through the previous precautionary measures.

The man-made mineral fiber is useful for residential and commercial applications. But because it is an irritant, you need to be careful around the material. And until more studies are conclusive about its health effects, it’s better to trust its installation or removal to a professional.

Go for Professional Installation

Working with a professional team will mean getting reasonable rates for the services of licensed and insured insulation contractors. It means having the insulation up and working within a convenient schedule and your required timeframe. Licensed installers not only get the job done quickly but safely, too.

Professional installers have sufficient education and experience to know what type of insulation works best for your home. They can provide industry-leading fiberglass insulation that offers ample coverage while reducing your home’s energy demand and costs. They can also ensure that the insulation will not retain moisture leading to mold or fungus growth.

A+ Insulation has the experience and knowledge to ensure professional insulation installation that improves your comfort and your safety.

Our trained and experienced team will handle your fiberglass installation needs, using high-grade materials that do not compromise your health and budget. We not only ensure your home is energy efficient and comfortable all year round, we also keep our work neat. We cover everything with plastic to keep your home clean while we install.

We are licensed and insured, and well prepared to take on any insulation job.

Get professional advice and experience professional service that combines safety and efficiency. Call us today for your insulation needs.