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Author: Candace Lord

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Green Cocoon Purchases New IDI DV18 Vacuum + Defender

News and Awards

The Green Cocoon (TGC) is thrilled to announce it recently purchased an IDI DV18 Vacuum + Defender (DV18). The DV18 Gas Vacuum is the first of its kind with the debris containment system integrated directly with the vacuum. The DV18 features a steel fan and chamber and is powered by a rugged 18hp Briggs & Stratton V-Twin engine. This vacuum is intended for removing all types of blown insulation and for recycling damp spray.

New Machine Improves Indoor Air Quality

“We purchased this new machine to remove old insulation before we add anything new,” said James Materkowski, owner and president of TGC. “In the past, we used other contractors to do this work, but now we can do it ourselves! This helps to keep our costs down and also helps with quality control. Removing old insulation before adding new helps to improve indoor air quality and make the new insulation more efficient!

Some of the features of the DV18 are:

  • 6” (15.2cm) inlet and outlet allows for substantial volume
  • Engineered and designed to eliminate engine vibration and fan blade stress
  • 12-volt Magnetron® Electronic Ignition system
  • Input/output safety switches
  • And more!

If you’re feeling cold and have been putting off updating your insulation, contact us!

About The Green Cocoon

The Green Cocoon, LLC delivers energy-efficient, eco-friendly insulation solutions to residences and businesses throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Southern Maine. Our first priority is to provide you with the safest, most effective insulation. This helps keep the heat in your house during the winter, and keeps the cool air in during the summer. After all, that’s why you’re considering an insulation solution in the first place. Great insulation means you’ll use less fossil fuel and electricity, thus leaving a smaller carbon footprint.

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Building Code Insulation Requirements

Home Maintenance Tips

Building codes are always changing, so it is important to stay up-to-date on building code insulation requirements. Thanks to the Insulation Institute for creating this great guide as a go-to resource for staying in the know on state building codes.

Building Code Insulation Requirements Guide

The Building Code Insulation Requirements Guide also includes ASHRAE 90.1 Compliance for Metal Buildings, Facts About Certified NAIMA 202-96® Insulation, and more! Read now.

green-cocoon-hand-wash

The Coronavirus and Your Safety

News and Awards

Updated April 1, 2021
New Hampshire Governor Sununu has extended the statewide mask mandate through April 15, 2021. More.

Updated November 20, 2020
New Hampshire Governor Sununu issued a statewide mask mandate in an effort to slow spread of COVID-19. The mandate applies to all indoor public spaces, in addition to outdoor spaces when social distancing cannot be maintained. More.

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker also issued a statewide mask order on November 6. Governor Baker is requiring face masks or cloth face coverings in all public places, whether indoors or outdoors, even where they are able to maintain 6 feet of distance from others.

Due to the nature of our work, we require our insulation experts to wear protective gear, which protects you and them from the coronavirus. Our sales people also wears masks while inside your home. They also have hand sanitizer in their vehicles.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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March 20, 2020
At The Green Cocoon, the safety and well-being of our employees and our customers is always our priority. We are actively monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and taking steps to help keep our employees and customers safe. We wanted to share with you some steps we are taking.

Protecting our employees and customers

As our employees interact with customers and the general public, we have taken steps to limit exposure to the virus.

Employees

closed cell spray foam insulation ma TGC gangThe Green Cocoon has 12 employees, so we are a small, but mighty group. We are postponing our team meetings, providing remote-work solutions, and continue to reinforce safe behavior in every environment—from customer homes and businesses to our offices. We are in continuous communication with our employees reminding them about the importance of good hygiene, providing them with health education and support whenever needed. Employees who feel ill have been told to not report to work.

Customers

When we first meet you, The Green Cocoon sends one sales person to your home. They have washed their hands and sanitized their vehicles before coming into your home. Once we are hired by you, we send a crew of two people to perform the actual work. Safety regulations mandate that homeowners be absent from the home while insulation is being installed. And, our employees must wear a protective suit, thus limiting your and their exposure while they are in your home.

If you have any questions, please contact us. We are open for business!

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The Green Cocoon Is a Member of the US Green Building Council

News and Awards

The Green Cocoon (TGC) is a member of the USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council). This organization is committed to a sustainable, prosperous future through LEED, the leading program for green buildings and communities worldwide. The USGBC’s vision is that buildings and communities will regenerate and sustain the health and vitality of all life within a generation.

Education and Resources

“USGBC offers a wide-variety of courses and certifications,” said James Materkowski, president of TGC. “I love that they are helping to advance the knowledge of green building and sustainability concepts and practices.”

To learn more about USGBC, go to their website, https://usgbc.org.

The Green Cocoon has a new cellulose machine for spray foam insulation nh

Say Hello to Our New Cellulose Machine

News and Awards

It Will Make Us Faster and More Efficient!

The Green Cocoon, LLC has purchased a new Cellulose Machine. This machine is ideal for installation of loose fill cellulose insulation throughout any area of the home. The machine has wheels for easier maneuverability and transport and comes with 100 feet of hose (two 50′ sections with connector) to achieve optimum coverage.

The Green Cocoon has a new cellulose machine for spray foam insulationThe new Krendl 800-G processes 77 bags of cellulose per hour, thus allowing us to become faster and more efficient. That means we are in and out of your home in less time!

Moreover, the 800-G is the only dual power source insulation blowing equipment capable of switching from electric to gas, to assure TGC is NEVER without power. Krendl Machine designed the 800-G for the insulation contractor who may not always have a readily available power source.

Listen to her engine hum!

If you’re ready to start that insulation project you’ve been putting off, now is the perfect time. Contact us and one of us will get back to you right away!

Spray foam insulation being installed by The Green Cocoon of Salisbury, MA.

Do You Need a Thermal Barrier When Using Spray Foam?

Insulation Tips

There is a lot of confusion when it comes to thermal barriers regarding what they are and when they are needed with spray foam application. Luckily, we understand this subject and will explain the thermal barrier and the International Residential Code (IRC) in a way that you can understand.

What is a thermal barrier?

A thermal barrier is a material that is applied between spray foam insulation and the interior living space. Moreover, the IRC says that all foam plastic insulations have to be separated from the interior of the building by a 15-minute thermal barrier. One such barrier is half-inch gypsum board (drywall). Because any type of spray foam is combustible, along with most other building materials, we need to protect the wall from the foam. By installing gypsum board over the foam, we have protection on the inside of the building for a life-saving purpose.

The IRC is trying to provide enough time for occupants to get out of the house in case of fire. A thermal barrier will give an occupant about 15 minutes to escape.

Not every area of your home has to have a thermal barrier. So, what needs to be covered and what can be exposed?

Can spray foam be left exposed?

The quick answer is yes and no, because spray foam can be left exposed in some areas of the home with other areas requiring a thermal barrier, according to the code.

If the area of the home that has been sprayed with foam is directly connected to the living space or used for storage, then it has to be separated by a thermal barrier. This would be your exterior walls and ceilings.

spray foam insulation contractor spraying ceiling - green-cooon

There are exceptions to the rule, which are the crawl space, attic, and basement rim joists. Rim joists never require thermal barriers, and attics and crawl spaces that are not used for storage or living space do not need a thermal barrier. They’re already treated with an ignition barrier. The only time a crawl space or attic needs a thermal barrier is when the space is used as an auxiliary living space or storage.

There are a couple of ways to omit or provide an alternate to the thermal barrier. One of those is large scale test using something like a cementitious-based product. If it passes the test, it can be used as a stand-alone thermal barrier.

You could also use an intumescent coating (swells up when heated). It has been tested over a specific spray foam to provide an interior finish system that acts like a thermal barrier. For example, if you’re going to install spray foam on the underside of a roof deck in an open roof assembly like in a restaurant, you would put the spray foam on the underside. You can’t leave it exposed to the inside of the building, so you’ll need to use a thermal barrier to go over it, such as drywall or thermal barrier paint.  What do we do?

If you have an intumescent coating that has been approved, then you apply that over the spray foam. The coating is now an interior finish that we can leave exposed inside the restaurant, which meets interior standards.

Learn more about insulation code

In conclusion, you now have a grasp of thermal barriers, but you might have more questions about meeting insulation code in your area.

If you want to make sure your new home or remodeling project meets code, please contact us.

References

  1. Spray Foam Advisor, Thermal Barriers, Sep 29, 2017, sprayfoamadvisor.com
  2. Retrofoam of Michigan, What is a Thermal Barrier and When is it Needed with Spray Foam? December 26, 2018, retrofoamofmichigan.com
Green Cocoon Insulation MA - Gorman Homes

Gaco Profill Spray Foam Used on Northshore Project

Projects

The Green Cocoon recently completed a project in Massachusetts and had the privilege to work with Gorman Homes. “We work with these guys quite often and they’re great,” said Jim Materkowski, The Green Cocoon President. “We used Gaco Profill in the walls to eliminate open cell shaving waste.”

The Gaco ProFill System is the first complete spray foam system to offer a consistent cavity fill and a smooth surface with no trimming needed. The self-compressing characteristic of this tough, true polyurethane based spray foam is the reason Gaco ProFill can be quickly and easily installed behind a membrane (either Gaco ProFilm or Gaco ProWeb) as part of the Gaco ProFill System. (gaco.com)

There is hardly any waste, which means the Gaco ProFill System provides higher yields than most open cell foams. Consequently, scrap disposal expenses are greatly reduced or eliminated.

If you have an insulation project coming up, please contact us for a quote.

closed cell spray foam insulation ma TGC gang

Northshore Rehab

Projects

The Green Cocoon was fortunate to work with Red Hammer Builders from Georgetown, Massachusetts on this project. The house, which is located on the northshore of Massachusetts, was built in the early 1900s. 

The project is a full gut rehab, and closed cell spray foam was applied throughout the building.

As you can see, everyone is wearing protective equipment to protect you and themselves from Covid-19 AND the insulation!

Earth Day Goes Digital During Covid-19 Pandemic

News and Awards

Even though many of us at The Green Cocoon are working from home just like you amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, we can still do our part on Earth Day 2020 (EARTHRISE).

 

Alejandro Alvarez / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

From the 2020 NCAA Basketball Tournament in the U.S. to the UEFA Champions League and Europa League in Europe to the Grand Prix in Australia, just about every big spring event this year has been cancelled or postponed. But the annual event coming up on April 22, Earth Day, will be held rain or shine. You don’t want to miss it!

Earth Day History

This year is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, which began as a “youthquake” in 1970 with former Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson leading the charge.

Here’s a little history: On April 22, 1970, millions of people took to the streets to protest the negative impacts of 150 years of industrial development. In the U.S. and around the world, smog was becoming deadly and evidence was growing that pollution led to developmental delays in children. Biodiversity was in decline as a result of the heavy use of pesticides and other pollutants. The global ecological awareness was growing, and the U.S. Congress and President Nixon responded quickly. In July of the same year, they created the Environmental Protection Agenc. They also created robust environmental laws such as the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act, among many. Earth Day is now a global event each year, and more than 1 billion people in 192 countries now take part in what is the largest civic-focused day of action in the world.

EARTHRISE: Earth Day Goes Digital

The theme for this year’s Earth Day is Climate Action. Earthday.org states, “Climate change represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable.” With the coronavirus wreaking havoc on us all and limiting our activities, Earth Day organizers had to get creative.

In a recent press release, Earth Day Network noted that they are shifting their actions from massive worldwide cleanups to a strictly online campaign. The title of their movement is EARTHRISE, which is a “global, digital mobilization that drives actions big and small, gives diverse voices a platform and demands bold action for people and planet.” Over the course of 24 hours, EARTHRISE will fill the digital landscape with global conversations, calls to action, performances, video teach-ins, and more. Learn more. 

Some people have already started recruiting others to do their part by hosting Facebook events. For example, Amanda Merlino from Florida is hosting a “Get Trashed for Earth Day” event on April 19th. She is encouraging people to grab “a plastic bag, wear some gloves, and pick up all of the discarded trash that you see. Post pictures or video of your efforts to encourage others to get involved.”

How to Celebrate Earth Day at Home

While none of us are sure how long this pandemic will last, each of us can take steps to ensure we don’t turn one crisis into another. Strive for sufficiency over efficiency, avoid the urge to panic-buy and learn how to cook for a few days with what you have in the house, rather than run to the store for one item.

Take a walk and pick up trash

Whether you walk by yourself and pick up trash or you recruit others to do it, seeing a clean street shows pride for one’s town or city.  Join an event like Amanda is holding or hold one yourself. Doing something with others increases one’s motivation.

Cut way back on water

Since you’re not going out, consider cutting back on showering to save water and energy (but keep washing your hands!). Unless you’re in direct contact with medical professionals or constantly out in the world, try showering several times a week instead of every day.

Embrace frugality

Try eating the same breakfast every day for a week. Keep your pantry stocked with humble ingredients that are also delicious. Now is a great time to pass your frugal life skills onto your kids. Breakfast is important!

Let your yard go wild

Treehugger.com says to “Turn your lawn back into a productive plant community. Plant clover. Stop raking your damn leaves and use them as a home compost pile instead. Grow vegetables in your yard. Plant a wildlife hedge instead of building a fence.”

Stay healthy

Help overworked healthcare professionals and hospitals by keeping your own immune system strong. Go on a walk for both a mental and physical break. If you’re unable to go outside, try one of these “visual soundscape” videos to relax. Reduce your consumption of meat and dairy.

In summary, all of us working together can save the planet. We just need to get along. Stay healthy and strong this Earth Day. Learn more about Earth Day.

The Green Cocoon spray foam nh owner, Jim

The Green Cocoon Is an “Essential Business” and Will Remain Open

News and Awards

The Governors of Massachusetts and New Hampshire have asked all non-essential businesses to close. The Green Cocoon (TGC) is excited to be listed as an essential business, and thus will continue working on all projects as planned, unless other arrangements are made.

Employees Working From Home

All office employees are now working from home and only the installers are coming to the shop. They get the supplies they need and then head off to the project site.

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Taking Extra Precautions

“We are a very small crew and are taking extra precautions in the office by deep cleaning surfaces frequently,” said Vice President Candace Lord. “By law our installers have to wear respirators while at the job site, so they are already better protected from the virus. Moreover, TGC uses mechanical ventilation while we work, which creates a negative pressure in the house. This actually prevents any of our air from getting into your house!”

If you have any questions about your current project or would like a consultation for something new, please contact us. Stay safe and healthy everyone.

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