Insulation Advice & Green Building Insights

Insulate Your Home and Save Money

Insulation Tips

The fall has officially arrived in New England and winter is approaching quickly! With temperatures already slipping below freezing in some areas, the thought of high heating costs is on our minds. Insulate your home and save money. By adding or upgrading your insulation, you can save money on heating costs, thus making your home more energy efficient. By using Efficiency Maine, you can save up to $3,000 by upgrading the insulation in your home!

The Green Cocoon is located just over the border in Massachusetts, but we also service our sister states like Maine. Maine is known for its diverse landscapes, lighthouses, and its delicious bounty from the sea. However, it is also known for its harsh winters. And, that has many homeowners bracing themselves for indoor drafts, cold floors, and hard-to-heat rooms. What if you didn’t have to put up with these home comfort pains this winter?

Why Upgrade My Home’s Insulation?

Many Maine homeowners don’t realize just how effective insulation can be at making their homes more comfortable and efficient. Insulation in key areas like the attic, basement, and exterior walls slows heat transfer into and out of the home. This means that in the winter, that valuable heat you’ve paid for stays inside your home, right where you want it. Cellulose and spray foam insulation are especially effective insulation materials (which is why we install them in homes here in Maine!)

With the right insulation upgrades, you can expect benefits like:

Fewer drafts and cold spots
Warmer floors
Lower annual heating/cooling costs
Enhanced overall comfort
Greater home energy efficiency
Reduced outside noise

When insulation is paired with proper air sealing to eliminate air leaks, the benefits go even further!

Insulate & Save up to $3,800 with Efficiency Maine Rebates

While an insulation upgrade does have an upfront investment, there are valuable local incentives available through Efficiency Maine to offset that cost. As a matter of fact, upgraded insulation helps you save money on your heating bills over time, and insulation has a remarkably short payback period.

Currently, you can receive up to $3,000 on an insulation rebate, $400 on an energy assessment and another $400 when you air seal troubled spots. The Department of Energy graphic below has a useful cross-section diagram illustrating the most common air leakage spots.

Take Advantage of Efficiency Maine Rebates with The Green Cocoon

As a Residential Registered Vendor with Efficiency Maine, we’re here to help homeowners on the southern coast of Maine save on their next insulation project. In addition to assessing the unique insulation needs of your home, we will help you determine the rebates for which you qualify.

The Green Cocoon would love to help you. We are just a phone call away at (978) 462-0082.

Prepare for a “Shake, Shiver and Shovel” Winter with Eco-Friendly Insulation

Home Maintenance Tips

According to Farmers’ Almanac (Almanac), we are in for a “Shake, Shiver and Shovel” winter. According to their extended forecasts, this winter season will have plenty of snow, rain, and mush—as well as some record-breaking cold temperatures! With the temperature cooling, it is the perfect time to save money and prepare for the shake, shiver and shovel winter with eco-friendly insulation. Make your home more energy-efficient by replacing your old insulation one of The Green Cocoon’s eco-friendly insulations.

The first day of winter and the shortest day of the year, officially arrives on December 21, 2022, but that doesn’t always mean that the cold temperatures and snow storms will wait until then. So what’s in store for New England? Read on.

According to the Almanac, “The first bite of winter should come earlier than last year’s. December 2022 looks stormy and cold nationwide with an active storm pattern developing and hanging around for most of the season over the eastern half of the country.” We think there will be a white Christmas this year!

New Hampshire Known for Crazy Weather

If you live in New Hampshire, you are no stranger to crazy winter weather. According to NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information, the coldest temperature on record in New Hampshire (-50°F) was on January 22, 1885. That was at the summit of Mount Washington. Likewise, many winters in New Hampshire bring snow, rain, ice, and chilly temps.

A well-insulated home is crucial, especially the week of January 16-23, 2023. The Almanac raises a red flag for bouts of heavy rain and snow across the eastern two-thirds of the country. Additionally, this will be followed by what might be one of the coldest outbreaks of arctic air they have seen in several years. How cold? Try 40 degrees below zero!

Use Eco-Friendly Building Insulation

Many homeowners don’t realize how effective insulation can be at making their homes more comfortable and efficient. Insulation in key areas like the attic, basement, and exterior walls slows heat transfer in and out of the home. This means that in the winter, your expensive and valuable heat stays inside your home, right where you want it. Cellulose and spray foam insulations are especially effective insulation materials.

With the right insulation upgrades, you can expect benefits like:

Fewer drafts and cold spots
Warmer floors
Lower annual heating/cooling costs
Enhanced overall comfort
Greater home energy efficiency
Reduced outside noise

When insulation is paired with proper air sealing to eliminate air leaks, the benefits go even further! So don’t keep throwing your money out the window. The Green Cocoon has eco-friendly building insulation that comes in various forms. We have what you need!

Comfort You Can Feel All Season Long

Good insulation will keep your home warmer in the winter. It will also maintain an ambiance inside, depending on the season. Proper insulation helps in maintaining indoor temperatures, diminishing energy waste, and healthier living conditions.

Winter warmth: Heat is prevented from escaping through insulation, and in turn, this does not require the furnace to run nonstop to keep rooms warm.
Summer relief: Properly installed insulation in your attic can prevent heat from getting into your home and reduces the load on the air conditioner.

Wherever we can expect unwanted air to escape or leak, closed cell spray foam insulation is preferable. In cold weather, the foaming compound expands into these holes, keeping the heat inside. In warm weather, hot air has no opportunity to seep through. Meanwhile, cellulose insulation, which prides itself on recycling paper, can be set in large areas of walls and attics to make life comfy and efficient year-round.

With insulation properly installed, temperatures are regulated inside, and there is hardly any draft all year round, and this can lead to lighter utility bills.

Eco-Friendly Choices That Make a Big Difference

Environmentally friendly insulation materials are designed to provide high performance while limiting the environmental impact. Sustainable alternatives help lower energy usage. The following are some of the most prevalent choices for insulation:

Cellulose insulation for attics: Made using recycled paper materials, it is treated with fire-retardant and offers very good thermal performance. It is among the most environmentally friendly insulation options available.
Closed cell spray foam insulation: Depending upon the buyer, some could consider this to be on the pricier side. However, the individual will be paying for excellent air barriers and protection systems. The savings will come from lower energy bills and upkeep costs.

So, these materials are better for the environment and alleviate pests, mold, and water from damaging your home.

The Long-Term Value of Professional Installation

Even the highest quality eco-friendly insulation will not be able to perform the way it is expected to if installed improperly. For this very reason, it is important to work with trustworthy professionals, who are aware of what materials are best suited to your home and its environment. Contractors should perform and inspections and Make recommendations on the best insulation for your home and budget whether cellulose, spray foam, or a combination of the two.

When you are looking for companies specializing in house insulation around your area, give particular consideration to companies that work with environmental friendly products.

Final Thoughts

Installing eco-friendly insulation is an important decision in home makeover projects to prepare any house for winter. It minimizes negative environmental impact, lessens energy bills, and ensures comfort year-round. Whether using cellulose attic insulation on big spaces or closed cell spray foam insulation to address target air sealing, this one is going to pay off for years to come.

Hurricane Season Means It’s Time to Check the Roof!

Home Maintenance Tips

Every year as storm season rolls around, millions fear for the safety of their family as well as the safety of their home. Hurricane season in New England is defined as June 1 to November 30. However, 75 percent of the 40 tropical systems that have impacted our region in the past century have struck during the months of August and September.

Add Strength to Your Home

Spray foam is used as a high-performance adhesive. If you mix the A and B sides of spray foam together, the curing liquid sticks to everything. This creates a strong bond with most any type of surface. In a foam form, the curing polyurethane adhesive rises to fill small gaps between irregular surfaces. This is closed cell spray foam. It reduces excess waste and energy consumption in buildings by up to 50% while adding strength—R-value (7 per inch).

Used in Construction Industry

Polyurethane adhesives are used to bond gypsum board to framing, especially in manufactured housing applications. Two inches of closed cell spray foam between wall stud framing can provide nearly the same racking strength as a half inch of oriented strand board (OSB) sheathing, according to sprayfoam.com. The same application of closed cell foam below the roof deck, between the rafters and trusses (new construction or retrofit), can increase the wind uplift resistance by a factor of three. It can also provide a secondary water barrier if the roof shingles fail.

You worked hard to put the roof over your family’s head. Don’t let a storm carry it away! Contact us and ask how you can get closed cell spray foam in your home today!

Understanding Vapor Barriers

Insulation Tips

Before you start any project, understanding vapor barriers is a must. This ensures that the insulation will be installed correctly. Sadly, that is not always the case.

Many homeowners want to save money, so they install the insulation themselves. Or, they hire licensed professionals who haven’t been educated on the proper installation techniques. But, the biggest mistake we see is people installing a double vapor barrier—installing a covering (usually plastic) over an already existing vapor barrier.

Understanding vapor barriers

“The function of a vapor barrier is to retard the migration of water vapor. Furthermore, vapor barriers are not typically intended to retard the migration of air. That is the function of air barriers.”[1]

Moreover, a vapor barrier is any material used for damp proofing, typically a plastic or foil sheet. Additionally, these sheets resist diffusion of moisture through the wall, floor, ceiling, or roof assemblies of buildings.[2]

What does a vapor barrier do?

A vapor barrier is very important in managing moisture in your house. It is meant to prevent or deter the movement of water vapor in your walls, ceilings, floors, and roof. This will be important in helping keep your house free of mold, mildew, and structural rot, a problem that, in most cases, goes unnoticed until it is too late.

Vapor barriers are particularly applicable when using spray foam insulation services. Closed cell spray foam insulation, in particular, is a great choice to use in areas such as basements or crawlspaces, since it insulates as well as forms a vapor barrier. Conversely, open cell spray foam insulation is more permeable to vapor and tends to be applied where moisture must escape.

Though both spray foam types can improve energy efficiency, the vapor barrier can be used improperly, which can trap moisture rather than block it. This is why it is important to use experienced home insulation contractors who know about moisture control.

What can I use as a vapor barrier?

There are a wide number of materials available to create effective vapor barriers, including:

Elastomeric coatings
Aluminum foil
Paper-backed aluminum
Polyethylene plastic sheet
Asphalt-coated Kraft paper
Metallized film
Vapor retarder paints
Extruded polystyrene or foil-faced foam board insulation
Exterior grade plywood
Sheet-type roofing membranes
Glass and metal sheets[4]

Where do I need a vapor barrier?

The IRC (International Residential Code) divides North America into eight climate areas. This is done for the purposes of determining when a vapor barrier might be needed in a building. Additionally, the IRC recommends builders install a Class-I or -II vapor barrier on the interior side of homes in climate zones 5 and above, and in the Marine 4 zone. However, if you air condition your house in the summer, you might trap condensation in your roof or walls for part of the year. If this is the case, be sure to use a Class-II vapor barrier on the interior of the wall. Moreover, you can use a Class-III vapor barrier on the interior. Pair that with spray foam insulation on the interior of the wall or roof. Furthermore, when building in hot, humid climates (zones 1 to 3), you should not have a vapor barrier on the interior side of the wall.[5]

Major Problem

Incorrect use of vapor barriers is leading to an increase in moisture-related problems. Vapor barriers were originally intended to prevent assemblies from getting wet. However, they often prevent assemblies from drying. In like manor, vapor barriers installed on the interior of assemblies prevent assemblies from drying inward. This can be a problem in any air-conditioned enclosure, below grade space, or a vapor barrier on the exterior. Additionally, a problem can occur where brick is installed over building paper and vapor permeable sheathing.[6]

Building in a Cold Climate While Adhering to Building Codes

Is a vapor barrier required in New England? Yes! Not to mention that as a builder your first step is to consult your local and state building codes. In many colder North American climates, vapor barriers are a required part of building construction.

You may find that vapor barriers are often not required in warmer climates. And, if installed in the wrong climate or on the wrong side of building materials, a vapor barrier can cause more harm than good. By the same token, this circumstance may prevent water vapor from drying, which in turn can cause rot and mold.[7]

If you don’t know the building requirements for your area, ask an expert!

Double Vapor Barrier – Don’t Do It!

The most common and risky error in insulation work is the installation of a double vapor barrier. It occurs when a second vapor material is installed over existing insulation that has its own vapor barrier, such as a polyethylene plastic sheet over fiberglass insulation.

At The Green Cocoon, we make sure that all work is done per local building requirements and best practices. We do not make mistakes, whether we are putting in closed cell insulation, cellulose attic insulation, or spray foam. We will ensure that we assist you in the right insulation system and vapor barrier installation to meet the requirements of your home.

It is better to be safe than sorry, so when you are unsure, leave it to the certified professionals to do your insulation right the first time.

In conclusion, if you need insulation, contact us and let us decide what type is best. Let us do the thinking for you!

[1] Building Science (2011). BSD-106: Understanding Vapor Barriers. Retrieved from buildingscience.com.
[2] Wikipedia (2019). Vapor Barrier. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org.
[3] Energy.gov (2019). Vapor Barriers or Vapor Diffusion Retarders. Retrieved from energy.gov.
[4] Energy.gov. Vapor Barrier
[5] Fine Home Building (2009). How It Works: Vapor Drive. Retrieved from finehomebuilding.com.
[6] Building Science, BSD-106.
[7] IKO Commercial, (2019). An Introduction to Vapour Barriers and Vapour Retarders. Retrieved from iko.com.

The Experience of Our Summer Intern

News and Awards

When you hear the word intern, what comes to mind? Someone to get you coffee? Someone to do your filing and paperwork? For Mareike Mueller, The Green Cocoon’s summer intern, it was a whole different experience. We sat down with Mueller to find out a little bit about her summer internship experience with The Green Cocoon.

Mueller is a student at Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts, and is studying business and management in the field of digital marketing. Some of her core courses are Fundamentals of Business, Business and Management Responsibility, Accounting, Digital Marketing, and more. Her plans are to graduate in 2024.

Job responsibilities

Mueller’s weekly routine consisted of going out to look at jobs for potential customers with our director of sales. She was also able to take photos at various jobs and at the New Hampshire home inspectors’ seminar. Mareike also wrote blog posts for the website and generated content ideas for social media posts. Additionally, she created “The Day in the Life at The Green Cocoon” video, soon to be on our YouTube channel.

“This is the first internship where I was truly immersed in the marketing world,” said Mueller. “During my summer intern experience, I was able to use my creativity. But by working in a small business, I realized how many aspects of marketing are involved. It isn’t just the social media portion. You have the sales part and the networking part.”

What was a highlight?

“My favorite piece of this whole experience was the day that I went into Boston,” said Mueller. “VP and Director of Sales Candace Lord and I looked at six jobs. I had the opportunity to look at a job the company was currently working on. It was cool to see the guys in full swing, utilizing their skill in spraying. It gave a whole new perspective to what they do at The Green Cocoon. Moreover, I was able to take photos and videos of the guys working, which is something I enjoy a lot.”

The benefits of hiring an intern

According to Indeed, there are many benefits to hiring an intern. Here are five:

A larger workforce – Interns are valuable support and help to current employees, even if tasks given to them have modest levels of responsibility. By taking on tasks as an intern, other colleagues can pursue creative or more advanced projects.
Mentorship opportunities – Internship programs give current employees an opportunity to mentor future leaders in the field, and it can promote a healthy work culture and build company morale.
A new perspective – Interns offer a fresh look at a company’s day-to-day business and procedures and can share ideas on strategy, plans, policies, and more. As an intern, one can be part of brainstorming sessions and meetings or give input and suggestions to company or internship leaders.
Positive publicity – Communities and industries often commend those who provide internships to the next generation of business people. Companies that offer internships can establish or grow their connections with universities and colleges, increasing their visibility on campuses and ability to recruit other students.
An employee candidate pool – Companies can select and develop future talent through internships. Furthermore, internships increase staff retention rates, since many interns secure job offers after their internship ends. As a former intern, you assimilate into the new role faster than an external hire might.

Thank you, Mareike, for all of your hard work. You always have a home with us!

If your company is interested in hiring an intern and have questions regarding the process, feel free to reach out. We will get back to you.

To learn more about The Green Cocoon, visit our website, thegreencocoon.com.

Green Cocoon Presents at American Society of Home Inspectors

News and Awards

Candace Lord, The Green Cocoon VP & Director of Sales, recently presented at a seminar. It was for the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Northern New England Chapter. The presentation was held at Puritan Conference Center in Manchester, New Hampshire. Moreover, the seminar focused on materials and their uses and common installation mistakes. It also involved vapor barriers, moisture concerns, and other insulation-related topics.

Education

Lord focused on the insulation types offered by The Green Cocoon, such as open and closed cell spray foam, rockwool and mineral wool. In addition, she educated local inspectors and builders about the science behind the different types of insulation. Equally important, she taught on its specific purpose in a variety of different spaces and settings.

“It was an honor to be invited to speak at the ASHI meeting,” said Lord. “A great insulation company doesn’t just install insulation. They must know the inner workings of the products they use and be able to teach that to others.”

About The Green Cocoon

The Green Cocoon is a leader in the industry. They lead not only in customer service and installation, but also in building science and industry knowledge. They are a BPI (Building Performance Institute) certified company. BPI was founded in 1993 and has become the nation’s premier standards development and credentialing organization for residential energy auditing and upgrade work. Learn more!

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