Professional Services
Insulation & Air Sealing
Types of insulation: HOW, WHERE, WHY
Enhance Your Home’s Comfort and Efficiency with Superior Insulation and Air Sealing
The Importance of Insulation and Air Sealing
Proper insulation and air sealing are vital for maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient home. In Maine’s diverse climate, effective insulation retains heat during harsh winters and prevents unwanted heat gain during humid summers. Air sealing complements insulation by reducing drafts and preventing conditioned air from escaping, leading to lower energy consumption and utility bills.
Our Specializations: Cellulose and Spray Foam Insulation
At DH Insulation and Home Performance, we specialize in cellulose and spray foam insulation, offering significant advantages over traditional fiberglass and rockwool batts.
Understanding the Stack Effect
The stack effect refers to the movement of air into and out of buildings due to pressure differences between the interior and exterior. In colder climates like Maine, warm indoor air rises and escapes through leaks in the upper parts of the house, such as attics. This creates a negative pressure that draws cold outside air into the lower parts, like basements or crawl spaces. This continuous cycle increases heating demands and reduces indoor comfort. Proper insulation and air sealing, especially in attics and basements, are essential to mitigate the stack effect.
Cellulose Insulation
- Composition: Made from recycled materials, cellulose is an eco-friendly choice that fits into tight spaces, sealing air leaks effectively.
- Thermal Performance: Cellulose requires less thickness to achieve the same R-value as fiberglass, enhancing energy efficiency.
- Soundproofing: Its dense composition provides superior sound-dampening properties, enhancing indoor comfort.
- Fire, Mold, and Pest Resistance: Treated with boric acid, cellulose insulation is highly resistant to fire, mold, and pests. Boric acid acts as a flame retardant and inhibits the growth of mold and mildew. Additionally, it is toxic to insects and small rodents, deterring infestations.
Before and After Dense Pack Cellulose Insulation
Spray Foam Insulation
- Air Sealing: Spray foam offers excellent air sealing capabilities, reducing drafts and improving energy efficiency.
- Moisture Barrier: It acts as a vapor barrier, preventing moisture infiltration and reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth.
- Structural Integrity: Spray foam adds rigidity to structures, enhancing overall building strength.
Comparing to Traditional Insulation Materials
- Fiberglass Batts: While cost-effective, fiberglass often requires greater thickness to achieve desired R-values and may not seal air leaks effectively.
- Rockwool Batts: Although rockwool has a higher R-value per inch compared to fiberglass and contains recycled material, it is less effective at sealing air leaks compared to cellulose and spray foam.
Efficiency Maine Rebates
Upgrading your home’s insulation and air sealing is more affordable with Efficiency Maine’s rebates:
- Low-Income Households: 80% of the project cost, up to $8,000.
- Moderate-Income Households: 60% of the project cost, up to $6,000.
- All Income Levels: 40% of the project cost, up to $4,000.
Additionally, federal tax credits are available for insulation materials, offering 30% of the net cost after rebates, up to $1,200 per year.
Why Efficiency Maine Rebates Focus on Cellulose and Spray Foam
Efficiency Maine’s rebate programs prioritize cellulose and spray foam insulations due to their superior performance in air sealing and thermal efficiency. These materials effectively reduce air leakage and provide higher R-values, leading to significant energy savings and improved comfort for homeowners.
Contact Us Today
Ready to improve your home’s comfort and energy efficiency? Contact us for a consultation and take advantage of available rebates to make your insulation and air sealing upgrades more affordable.