Building Science Archives - The Green Cocoon

Ice Dams and How to Prevent Them

Building Science, Home Maintenance, Insulation, R-Value, Roof Health

Does your house have icicles hanging from the roof during the winter? If so, there is something going on that could potentially cost you thousands of dollars. It is called an ice dam and here’s how to prevent them.

What is an ice dam?

If the attic isn’t properly insulated, during the winter the warm air will escape and melt the first layer of snow on your roof. Many uneducated contractors will tell you to increase your attic insulation to prevent ice dams. While this may slow down the buildup of ice dams, it will essentially increase the speed of your heat loss. Consequently, the heat loss will make your home less efficient.

DIYers (do-it-yourself) like to solve the problem by putting heat tape on the roof, but that can be incredibly damaging to the shingles. Furthermore, the tape does not solve the problem, which is inefficient insulation and heat loss.

The layer of snow that is against the roof will melt and run down the roof shingles. You can’t see this happening because it is under the pile of snow. Once the water reaches the overhang where it is colder, an ice dam starts to form. This process happens over and over; the ice dam gets bigger; and the water gets higher. Eventually, water will get under the shingles!

As the melting continues, the ice dam and water lift the shingle more and more. Eventually, it hits the top of the shingle. That is when water can get into your house, and potentially cause thousands of dollars in damage.

How to prevent ice dams

Whether you are creating a conditioned or unconditioned attic, we recommend the same things.

Seal the gaps – First you need to air seal any gaps or holes in the floor or roof. There are several products that we suggest you use. Please contact us so we can help you decide which product is best for you.
Use correct R-value – Make sure you have enough R-value. Remember, fiberglass doesn’t have a constant R-value so we don’t recommend it. In southern New Hampshire, you need a minimum of an R-49.
Ventilate the attic – If you plan to insulate the attic floor, make sure to allow for proper ventilation to prevent condensation. If you are not sure you have adequate insulation, give us a call and we will come out and take a look.

Using a spray foam in the attic is the best choice because it fills the holes and crevices. We recommend closed cell spray foam for several reasons:

It has a higher R-value per inch than open cell spray foam.
Closed cell spray foam is a vapor barrier and water can’t permeate it.
It sticks to the walls and fills all the crevices and holes.

Learn more about Closed Cell Spray Foam by watching a video on our website. Contact us with questions.

Trace and Reduce Air Leaks to Save Money

Blower Door Testing, Building Science, Energy Efficiency, Insulation, News, Save Money

Whether you’re building a new home or making an older one more energy efficient, tracing and reducing air leaks can help you save you money. One way to trace and reduce air leaks is with a blower door test. We are thrilled that we were able to help one of our clients find the air leakage!

Blower Door Number Reduced

In order to trace and reduce air leaks, a blower door test was needed. Our pre-insulation blower door test number was 3,132 CFM (cubic feet per minute). After we insulated and air-sealed the space, the number was 2,009 CFM. We reduced it by 1,123 CFM or 35 percent! This is pretty exciting because the Building Performance Institute says that 1 square inch of air leakage is equal to about 10 CFM¹. So that’s 112 square inches, which is an almost a full-sized open window! With that amount of reduced CFM, our customer will see a drastic improvement in his heating bill this winter.

Purpose of 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. Learn more about Why You Need Blower Door Testing

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Recently, we teamed up with York EcoHomes. A York EcoHome is a York (Maine) household that commits to receiving and considering Eco-Friendly actions that will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. They are also a program of York Ready for Climate Action, a great way for residents to help accomplish the Town of York’s goal of 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030.

Insulation Savings Programs

The Green Cocoon is the go-to insulation company for programs like York EcoHome and Efficiency Maine. Efficiency Maine is the administrator for programs to improve the efficiency of energy use and reduce greenhouse gases in Maine. Luckily, one of our customers lives in York, Maine, and was able to take advantage of the insulation savings programs.

Visit our website, thegreencocoon.com, to learn how we can save you money by insulating your home.

[1] Building Performance Institute, Inc. Technically Speaking: What the Blower Door Test Tells You. (Nov. 9, 2017). Bpihomeowner.org

Invest in Insulation

Building Science, Energy Efficiency, Financing, Insulation, Save Money

One question we always get asked here at The Green Cocoon is, “What is the R.O.I. (return on investment) on insulation?” Consumers want to know if the upfront cost is worth it and more importantly, how long it takes to see the payback. Let’s break this down and find out!

Energy Costs Analyzed

Energy costs vary per state, and since we are located in Massachusetts, we will use that state. The average winter heating bill for oil (most popular) is about $2,343 per year (based on a 1,903 sq. ft. home)[i]. The average yearly electric bill is around $3,516[ii], and much higher in the summer months due to the use of air conditioners. That comes to a moderate total of $5,859 annually.

Some of our customers have seen reductions in their heating and cooling bills of up to 75 percent, but for the sake of this example, let’s just say that by insulating your home you save 40 percent. That is a savings of $2,331 per year! If the average insulation job for a medium-sized home is around $8,000 (give or take a few thousand depending on size and material), it would take just under five years to get the return on your investment. After that, you are pocketing an extra $2,331 per year. Think of all of the things you could do with that money! What does that money equal?

What You Can Do With Savings

Here’s what you can do with $2,331:

You can buy almost three months’ worth of groceries for a family of four. This is based on a Massachusetts’ family spending an average of $10,235 per year or $853 per month[iii].
You and your significant other could take a one-week cruise to the southern Caribbean from Boston.
Fill the gas tank in your car for almost one year (depending on car size and miles travelled).
Invest it every year and after 30 years you would have almost $140,000 (based on a 4% return)!

As you can see, insulation is well worth the investment. The question isn’t, “Can I afford it?” The question is, “How can you not?”

If you don’t have the money upfront for insulation, there’s no need to wait to start saving. Ask us about our interest-free financing options.

[i] Commonwealth of Massachusetts (2019). Household Heating Costs. Retrieved from mass.gov.

[ii] Electricity Local (2019). Residential Electricity Rates & Consumption in Massachusetts. Retrieved from electricitylocal.com.

[iii] 24/7 Wall St. (2022). Cost of Living in Massachusetts. Retrieved from 247wallst.com.

Insulate Your Home and Save Money

Building Science, Energy Efficiency, Insulation, Save Money

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

Building Science, Insulation, Save Money, Weather

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!

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

Building Science, Insulation, Weather

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

Building Science, Insulation

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.

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?

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

Importance of Vapor Barriers and Ventilation

Building Science, News

Recently, our vice president Candace was asked to take a look at a property and give a quote for insulation. Our sales staff usually videotapes their meetings with clients to help them decide on the best insulation for the job. We wanted to share this video to show you the importance of vapor barriers and ventilation.

Thermal Bridging and Condensation

In the first part of this video, you will see water droplets dripping off the nails that are poking through. Because the nails were put in from the outside on the north facing part of the house where there is not a lot of sunlight, there is thermal bridging. Consequently, any moisture that comes in is hitting the wood and making it wet. But the nails are where the water is condensing. As the water runs down the wall and gets closer to the floor, you can see that there is frost in the soffit. Because heat rises, the soffit is much colder.

Add a Vapor Barrier

Adding ventilation can temporarily solve this problem, but then heat and moisture would be pulled from the house even faster. And, losing heat is not energy-efficient. What should happen is a vapor barrier should be created at the thermal envelope to prevent the moisture from ever getting into the space. The other alternative is to spray foam the roof so the surface of the roof is protected by the foam. And because of its R-value, the surface of the foam will never be cold enough for the moisture to reach a dew point and condense.

At 38 seconds, you will see that on the other side of the house, there is an identical eve space that is significantly warmer. In fact, it is 20 to 30 degrees warmer, and there is no moisture. Consequently, the nail heads don’t show any rust. This is a good example of why vapor barriers and ventilation are important.

Insulation Is Key

Our recent blog about Rockwool insulation being designed for use as exterior continuous insulation is a great read. It will help you understand the importance of vapor barriers and ventilation.

If you have questions about our products, check out the FAQ section of our website. You may find your answers there. If not, contact us!

Watch the video on our YouTube Channel!

Why Proper Attic Insulation Is Crucial

Building Science, Energy Efficiency, Save Money

Your attic does much more for your home than store your stuff. It is designed to provide a protective barrier for your home from cold, heat, and humidity. But in order for your attic to do its job, it must be properly insulated.

Traditional Insulation Not Effective

The Green Cocoon has almost two decades installing insulation and has discovered that traditional insulation isn’t effective in most cases! The most common types of insulation used in one’s attic are fiberglass and blown cellulose. The problem with those types of insulation is that many inexperienced contractors install them without sealing to prevent airflow. With fiberglass or cellulose, air can move quickly through the insulation and with that air comes moisture.

green-cocoon-nh-attic-insulation — Improper attic venting causes mold and moisture issues. Baffle vents were present but soffits were blocked.

Escaping Heat Causes Problems

If heat is escaping into the attic from below, and the attic is not properly vented, the warm air will heat the roof causing ice d am s to form. Some contractors try to fix ice dams by increasing the ventilation in the attic. But what they should be doing is putting in proper insulation! It’s all about the R-va l ue.

In New England, the R-value requirements for an existing attic is R-38, but for new construction it requires a value of R-49! That’s because newer construction techniques are becoming more efficient.

Did you know that R-value is measured in an air-tight vacuum chamber and allows researchers to conduct physical experiments without any interference from the environment? Your wall is not a vacuum chamber and the materials do not perform the same in the real world, unless completely air-sealed like the chamber. R-value is not constant, so it’s important to use the right type and amount of insulation.

Closed Cell Spray Foam Recommended

Closed cell spray foam is the only insulation material approved for spraying directly against the roof deck because moisture can’t pass through it. This, along with the fact that the foam fills the holes and crevices, makes it the best insulation choice to prevent condensation in the attic.

The Green Cocoon Attic Insulation NH — Nails are rusty and sheathing is rotted. Closed cell spray foam to the rescue!

Proper Ventilation

If you have properly insulated and air-sealed your attic, you won’t have heat loss or moisture build-up. We suggest installing a soffit and ridge vent, or two gable vents to help with air circulation, if you have an uninsulated roof.

If your attic is insulated with fiberglass or cellulose, and you have insulation covering the roof slopes, you need to have a vent behind it. As mentioned above, moisture can potentially pass through the insulation and condense on the roof causing a host of issues.

Reasons Not to Ventilate

If you have HVAC and/or ductwork in the attic, you don’t want to vent the attic because you will lose a lot of efficiency. The heating system will try to warm the house from a 10-degree attic and cool it from 130! A conditioned attic will prolong the life of your equipment as well as save you money with your heating and cooling bills.

Start Right and Properly Ventilate

If you have fiberglass or cellulose insulation already installed, then it is crucial that you have adequate and proper ventilation. But, upgrading your insulation saves money and efficiency in the long run. Don’t use ventilation as a way to solve inefficiencies with subpar insulation. That’s like putting a band aid on a bullet wound!

If you want more information on how we can help you, con t act us.

Category: Building Science