Residential & Commercial Insulation Contractor Blog

Understanding Vapor Barriers

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?

Vapor barriers are installed along, in, or around walls, ceilings, and floors. Of course this is done to prevent moisture from spreading and potentially causing water damage. Additionally, a true vapor barrier is one that completely prevents moisture from passing through its material, as measured by the “moisture vapor transmission rate.” If the material has any porousness, but the barrier still provides protection from moisture, it is called a vapor diffusion retarder.[3] Furthermore, vapor retarders also are commonly referred to simply as vapor barriers. The barrier terminology is less accurate because, in most cases, the products don’t completely barricade the vapor.

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!

What is a double vapor barrier? The insulation in Photo A was installed by an inexperienced insulation installer. Additionally, the brown paper on the fiberglass is a vapor barrier. By putting poly plastic over everything, the installers created a double vapor barrier. Not to mention that this type of installation creates future moisture, mold, and rot problems. Moreover, in Photo B the cellulose netting is not strapped and it is starting to sag. Furthermore, the staples are ripping out and the ceiling could come down at any 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, Team

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

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 at https://thegreencocoon.com/about-us.

Summer Safety Tip: Be “Fireworks Smart”

Safety

With the fourth of July weekend just around the corner, fireworks safety is very important. The Green Cocoon wants everyone to be safe this holiday season. Here is a summer safety tip, be “fireworks smart.” Follow these guidelines from the National Council on Fireworks Safety to ensure you use fireworks safely.

Stats to Consider for Fireworks Safety

In 2017, 8 people died and over 12,000 were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents. Of these, 50% of the injuries were to children and young adults under age 20. Over two-thirds (67%) of injuries took place from June 16 to July 16. And while the majority of these incidents were due to amateurs attempting to use professional-grade, homemade, or other illegal fireworks or explosives, an estimated 1,200 injuries were from less powerful devices like small firecrackers and sparklers.

The National Safety Council advises the best way to safely enjoy this 4th of July is to watch a public fireworks display conducted by professionals. However, if fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to use them, be sure to follow these safety tips.

General Fireworks Safety Tips

Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
Older children should use fireworks only under close adult supervision.
Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from onlookers, houses and flammable materials.
Light one device at a time; maintain a safe distance after lighting.
Do not allow any running or horseplay while fireworks are being used.
Never ignite devices in a container.
Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks; douse and soak them with water and discard them safely.
Keep a bucket of water and hose nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire.

“Fireworks Smart” Before, During, and After

The National Council on Fireworks Safety urges consumers to be “fireworks smart” – before, during, and after their fireworks display.

Before: Choose an open area away from spectators, homes, buildings, and dry vegetation. Use a garden hose to wet down the area before firing.
During: As each device burns out, soak it using a hose or bucket of water.
After: Place all used items in a covered, fireproof container and leave it outside and away from homes and buildings.

Special Safety Tips for Sparklers

Children under the age of 12 should not use sparklers without very close adult supervision.
Always remain standing while using sparklers.
Never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers.
Never hold or light more than one sparkler at a time.
Sparklers and bare feet can be a painful combination. Always wear closed-toe shoes when using sparklers.
Sparkler wire and stick remain hot long after the flame has gone out. Be sure to drop the spent sparklers directly into a bucket of water.
Never hand a lighted sparkler to another person. Give them the unlit sparkler and then light it.
Always stand at least 6 feet from another person while using sparklers.
Never throw sparklers.
Show children how to hold sparklers away from their body and at arm’s length.
Teach children not to wave sparklers, especially wooden stick sparklers, or run while holding sparklers.

Watch this informative video on Fireworks Safety.

Company Core Values Guide Us

Core Values, News, Team

As we continue to grow as a company, we realize it’s important to show our community who we are and the company Core Values that guide us.

Core values

Our current core values represent our identity and reflect who we are and how we want to be recognized both internally and externally. They are the foundation upon which our company culture continues to thrive and will help us achieve long-term success.

Happy employees are vital

People ask why we use Core Values to guide us. We concluded: because happy employees are vital to the health and success of every organization. Employees are brand champions who represent the company outside of the office. They are the ones with the innovative ideas and the drive to make those ideas real.

Happy employees influence customers

Having defined company values not only benefits employee engagement and how employees interact with us, but can be an influence if someone wants to support our business. Our core company values shape the work environment and the business decisions our leadership team makes. And although the concept might sound like corporate jargon, the values defined by The Green Cocoon shape how we build a great team, create great services, and deliver the best experience for our customers.

Values Displayed

When you walk inside our corporate headquarters, you will notice there are Core Value banners hanging on the walls. They read:

Always be positive.
Believe in yourself.
Empower your team.
Make an impression that counts.
Always do what you say you will do.

These banners help remind us of our Core Values. Those reminders are important to help keep us on track to be the best we can be, not only for our customers, but also for our employees.

Why You Need Blower Door Testing

Blower Door Testing, Building Science, Energy Efficiency, News, Save Money, Thermal Bridging

Blower door testing helps us understand where structures leak and is the first step toward building tighter, more energy-efficient homes.

What is a blower door test?

The purpose of Blower Door Testing is to measure the air tightness of a home and check for air leakage. A blower door is a powerful fan that mounts into the frame of an exterior door. The fan pulls air out of the house, lowering the air pressure inside. The higher outside air pressure then flows in through all unsealed cracks and openings.

Blower Door Testing Diagnostic Tool - The Green Cocoon Insulation — Image courtesy of energy.gov/.

These are some reasons for establishing the proper building tightness:

Reducing energy consumption from excess air leakage
Avoiding moisture condensation problems
Avoiding uncomfortable drafts caused by cold or warm air leaking in from outside
Controlling outdoor contaminants, pests, and odors from entering your home.
Determining proper sizing and airflow requirements of heating and cooling equipment.
Determining whether mechanical ventilation is needed to provide acceptable fresh air and maintain indoor air quality in your home.

Determine the air infiltration rate

While the blower test is being conducted, our insulation specialist may use an infrared camera to look at the walls, ceilings, and floors. Moreover, this test finds specific locations where insulation is missing and air is leaking.

Preparing for a blower door test

Our experienced insulation specialist performs the blower door test. This includes a walk-through of your home, setting up the blower door, and conducting the test. The following steps will help prepare your home for a blower door test:

Plan to do a walk-through of your home with the specialist. Be prepared to point out areas that you know are drafty or difficult to condition comfortably.
Expect the specialist to request access to all areas of your home including closets, built-in cabinets, attics, crawl spaces, and any unused rooms.
The specialist will need to close all exterior doors and windows, open all interior doors, and close any fireplace dampers, doors, and woodstove air inlets.
If you heat with wood, be sure all fires are completely out – not even coals – before the specialist arrives. Remove any ashes from open fireplaces.
Expect the specialist to set controls on all atmospheric fossil fuel appliances (e.g., furnace, water heater, fireplaces, and stoves) to ensure that they do not fire during the test. The specialist should return them to the original position after the test.
Expect the test to take up to an hour or more, depending on the complexity of your home.

The Green Cocoon offers custom, cost-effective solutions to make your home or office building more comfortable. Additionally, this saves you money on your energy bills. Our troubleshooting and diagnostic skills separate us from the pack! For more information, contact us

Blower Door Testing

How We Celebrated Earth Day 2022

Environment, Giving Back, News, Team

Earth Day 2022 was April 22nd and The Green Cocoon team celebrated in style! Our VP Candace Lord joined Insulation Specialist Meaghan Stewart to clean up their local community. Joined by Jeff Dick and Ben Vestal of Nexamp, a solar energy company, they brought their dogs, trash pickers, and trash bags and started picking! Watch our video on YouTube!

About Earth Day

Earth Day started in 1970 to raise awareness of and institute policy change for pollution. Of course, EARTHDAY.ORG growing out of the first Earth Day, was a natural progression. EARTHDAY.ORG is the world’s largest recruiter to the environmental movement, working with more than 150,000 partners in over 192 countries to drive positive action for our planet. The mission of EARTHDAY.ORG is to diversify, educate and activate the environmental movement worldwide.

“We are thrilled to be involved with Earth Day,” said Lord. “We are just trying to do our part to keep the community clean.”

Keeping the “Green” in Green Cocoon

Helping to celebrate Earth Day goes hand-in-hand with The Green Cocoon’s efforts to make little to no negative impact on the environment. Furthermore, we do this with our work and the products we offer and use. Our business is hinged on honesty, transparency, and trust. Moreover, we want you to feel comfortable throughout the entire process, from initial conversations through implementation and beyond.

Learn more about The Green Cocoon at https://thegreencocoon.com/about-us/.

Earth Day 2022

Announcing a New Way to Reach Us: Live Chat

Insulation, News, Team

Visitors to The Green Cocoon’s website may have noticed a new bright green bubble on the left-hand side of their screens. Announcing our “Live Chat,” which is a new way to reach us. And, when you see that statement, we are online and happy to help!

Say Hi to Kate

If you missed the green bubble, just look in the lower, right-hand corner of the page. You will see a smiling face. That is Kate, our Chat Representative. We are thrilled to be able to connect with our customers in a new way, in real time, to answer some of their questions immediately.

Live Chat a Natural Progression

Adding Live Chat was a natural progression in our customer care, and we are part of a larger trend. In an informal survey of a variety of business web sites, the option to chat live is prevalent. Statistics show that consumers across the Internet find chat a valuable resource when they are choosing a company.

According to Forrester’s Consumer Technographics®, 42% of U.S. online adults said that it was important for companies to offer live online chat on their websites. That is up significantly from 27% in 2019. And, research has shown that live chat can improve conversion rates, meaning more sales.

“I believe that businesses need to be aware of the ways their customers prefer to engage,” said Jim Materkowski, President of The Green Cocoon. “And then they need to be willing to offer those various avenues of communication. For us, we started to noticed an increase of phone calls from website visitors who had simple questions or inquiries. As I put myself in those customers’ shoes, I knew my preference would be to click to chat for a quick answer. If that option was available to me, I’d rather chat than have to call in.”

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

Best of BBB Awards 2022

Awards, News

The 2022 Best of BBB Awards look to recognize businesses that operate with integrity and excellence. The Better Business Bureau^® created this award to celebrate local businesses. And, they wanted to recognize the positive impact they have on our community.

TGC Has a Chance to Win the Award!

The Green Cocoon, LLC has the chance to win this award with our customers’ help to further stand out with media exposure, social media promotion and more.

Please vote for us to help us win this prestigious award! We thank you for your vote for the Best of BBB award!

About The Green Cocoon

The Green Cocoon delivers energy-efficient, eco-friendly insulation solutions to residences and businesses throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and 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.

To learn more about us, visit our website, www.thegreencocoon.com.

Why Use an Insulation Expert

News

Why use an insulation expert? Because when insulation isn’t installed correctly things happen!

The Green Cocoon received a call from the manager of an apartment complex because they had frozen pipes in the attic. What we discovered was that the insulation was placed incorrectly, and they didn’t add enough of it over the pipes. Consequently, the pipes were freezing.

Difficult location

The pipes were in the far back corner of the very large attic. So our VP Candace was the lucky one who got to walk on a small 2 x 4 catwalk to find the problem. And she did! Just take a look at how dirty she got after crawling around in the cellulose!

Cover your tracks

It is very important to cover your tracks after walking in cellulose insulation. Candace made sure she did just that! If not covered, all of the holes created by her footprints would leave cold spots.

Use an expert

Whether you are building an apartment complex or updating the insulation in your attic, make sure to use an insulation expert. Your wallet will thank you!

Understanding vapor barriers

What does a vapor barrier do?

What can I use as a vapor barrier?

Where do I need a vapor barrier?

Major Problem

Building in a Cold Climate While Adhering to Building Codes

Double Vapor Barrier – Don’t Do It!

Job responsibilities

What was a highlight?

The benefits of hiring an intern

Education

About The Green Cocoon

Stats to Consider for Fireworks Safety

General Fireworks Safety Tips

“Fireworks Smart” Before, During, and After

Special Safety Tips for Sparklers

Core values

Happy employees are vital

Happy employees influence customers

Values Displayed

What is a blower door test?

Determine the air infiltration rate

Preparing for a blower door test

About Earth Day

Keeping the “Green” in Green Cocoon

Say Hi to Kate

Live Chat a Natural Progression

TGC Has a Chance to Win the Award!

About The Green Cocoon

Difficult location

Cover your tracks

Use an expert

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