Category: Insulation Tips

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green-cocoon-r-value, photo courtesy of bpihomeowner.org

Did You Know? Insulation R-Value Changes

Insulation Tips

In the world of building construction, improvement, and insulation, we talk about R-value all the time. Usually, we talk about it as if it’s a constant number. We see R-19 stamped right there on the product, so that’s what it is, right? Well, did you know that the insulation R-value changes?

What Is R-Value?

R-value is a measure of resistance to heat flow through a given thickness of material. Furthermore, it is important, but it’s just one of a few key factors that determines the effectiveness of an insulation material. R-value is tested in an air-tight vacuum chamber, which means that typical insulation materials like fiberglass and cellulose do not actually perform with that value unless paired with intense air sealing measures.

green-cocoon-closed-cell-r-value-chart[1]

How Is R-value measured?

Because of scams involving R-value claims that didn’t match reality, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) devised the R-value Rule to protect buyers of insulating products. In fact, in 2013 the FTC handed down its largest fine ever ($350,000) to a company claiming that its paint had an R-value of 100.[2]

So, the R-value Rule requires testing insulation using one of four American Society of Test Methods (ASTM) standards. The basic requirement is that the mean temperature must be 75° F (24° C) with a temperature difference of 50° F (28° C) across the insulation.[3]

According to Building Science Corporation, most R-value testing is done with a temperature of 50° F (10° C) on the cold side and 100° F (38° C) on the hot side.[4]

The Lowdown on R-value

The main point here is that R-value isn’t some constant number for a given material, and installation isn’t the only factor that affects it. As you can see above, temperature has a significant effect as well.

The team at The Green Cocoon knows that the performance of the insulation is affected by how well it is installed. Energystar.gov has developed guidelines for grading the quality of installation. Moreover, they’ve developed a table that shows what levels of insulation are cost-effective for different climates and locations in the home.[5]

Compression

Improperly installed insulation loses its R-value. For example, fiberglass can lose up to 50 percent of its prescribed R-value when compressed. Additionally, when you compress fiberglass batt insulation, the R-value per inch goes up, but the overall R-value goes down because you have less inches or thickness of insulation.[6]

Fear not, closed cell spray foam is the only insulation material that has an almost constant R-value. The reason is because you cannot pass air through it or compress it.

Contact us to find out more about R-value or for a free quote.

[1] Building Performance Institute (April 4, 2017). What Does R-Value Mean? Retrieved from bpihomeowner.org.

[2] FTC.gov (January 31, 2013). FTC Action Leads to Court Order: Home Insulation Marketer to Pay $350,000. Retrieved from ftc.gov.

[3] Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (March 31, 2020). R-value Rule. Retrieved from ecfr.gov.

[4] Building Science Corporation (April 12, 2013). Info-502: Temperature Dependence of R-values in Polyisocyanurate Roof Insulation. Retrieved from buildingscience.com.

[5] Energy.gov. Recommend Home Insulation R-Values. Retrieved from energy.gov.

[6] Insulation Institute. The Facts About Compressing Fiber Glass Insulation. Retrieved from insulationinstitute.org.
green-cocoon-insulation-ma-open-cell

Homeowners Beware: Isynene Spray Foam and Your Safety

Insulation Tips
How safe is it to re-enter my home after installing Icynene® spray foam?


Homeowners and building managers often ask us about a product called Icynene, a liquid spray foam insulation. Icynene Inc. claims people can re-enter the building one hour after installation. We decided to investigate that claim for ourselves.

The Green Cocoon follows OSHA’s and the manufacturers’ guidelines when using spray foam insulation. Those guidelines state that re-entry should only happen 24 hours after installation has been completed.

Let’s Do Some Math

According to icynene.com, “Low VOC Icynene Classic Max and Icynene ProSeal spray foam products allow for re-entry after 1 hour and re-occupancy after 2 hours of active ventilation (at 40 ACH) following installation, allowing for minimal impact on construction schedules.”

Let’s have a look at 40 ACH (40 air changes per hour). Take a small, 2-story house that has a 24’ x 36’ footprint, which is 864 square feet. If we figure it has two stories at 8 feet tall, the basement is 8 feet tall, and the band joists are 1 foot tall, that’s an overall height of 25 feet.

fan-green-cocoonNow let’s take the square footage (864 feet) times the overall height (25 feet) and you’ve got 21,600 cubic feet. When multiplied by 40 ACH, you will have to move 864,000 cubic feet of air in an hour!

If we take the cubic feet of air moved in an hour and divide it by 60 minutes, we calculate that we’ll need to move 14,400 cubic feet of air per minute. That takes some pretty big fans, but the average insulation company uses fans that move 2,500 cfm of air (like the one in the photo). That means that you have to have six of these fans running while you are spraying and you’ll need to leave them running for an hour once you finish spraying. And this is on a small house! The larger the house, the more fans you will need!

TGC regularly works on homes that would require 12 or more fans to hit the number. That is a lot of fans to purchase, set up, take down, and move around from job to job.

Safety First

Ask your contractor how many and what size fans they are planning to use if they install Icynene. We suggest you stop by the home and take a peek to make sure the contractor uses the right number of fans needed (see math above). Your safety should come first.

TGC chooses not to offer Icynene spray foam as Icynene reps are only allowed to spray Icynene. TGC is an independent spray foam insulation company, so we spray the product that we think is the greenest and safest for our customers. We don’t like to be pigeon-holed into using one product that might not be the best fit.

Before you purchase any spray foam insulation, get a second opinion from The Green Cocoon.
Metal-Building-Green-Cocoon-Insulation

Spray Foam and Metal Buildings

Insulation Tips

To foam or not to foam. Why you might choose to use spray foam inside a metal building even though the interior is not heated or cooled.

One of our frequently asked questions is whether there is a benefit to spraying two or three inches of foam on the inside of a metal building, even though it is not going to be heated or cooled. The answer may surprise you.

Savings or Comfort?

Are you looking for savings or comfort? If a metal building is going to be air-conditioned (cooled) or heated, then we expect the building to be insulated. It is our job to help you save money by offering the best insulation possible. However, sometimes savings is not the key reason that you decide to buy spray foam insulation. Sometimes, it all comes down to comfort.

truck-in-front-of-building-green-cocoon-spray-foam-insulation

Baby It’s Hot in Here!

If the temperature outside is 100°F, then the outside skin of your metal building is going to be around 150°F. It won’t take long before the radiant heat from the metal skin radiates to the inside of the building.

Insulate with Spray Foam!

If you have high traffic in your building, or you plan to leave the doors open to allow large equipment to be moved, you may opt to not condition the structure. You may think it is a waste of time. But when you insulate the building on the inside, especially with spray foam, you create a radiant barrier— a barrier between the heat source and your living space.

In the south, for example, the inside temperature will remain around 100°F during the hottest part of the day, even after the sun goes down. The temperature will be pretty close to the outside roof deck. If you didn’t have that radiant break on the inside walls and underside of the roof deck, the radiant heat would come off of the metal and heat the space. Thus, you would get a hotter environment inside than the temperature outside because of the radiant load coming off of the roof deck.

You see this happen a lot inside attics, metal buildings, workshops, etc., where you don’t get consistent conditioning. If you have a radiant load that is building up and a surface that gets really hot, then it radiates some of that energy to the air inside the space.

If you have insulation questions, check out our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact us. We would be happy to help you!
Solar Panels in a Field - Green Cocoon Insulation

New Report on Environmental Impacts of Spray Polyurethane Foam

Insulation Tips

The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) recently published a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Use Phase Analysis report. The report evaluates the environmental impacts and performance of spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation. It compares the environmental impacts of spray foam insulation as compared to fiberglass insulation, specifically measuring cumulative energy demand and global warming potential for homes insulated in different US climate zones.

Three Homes Tested

Three homes were equally insulated according to 2018 IECC requirements in their respective climate zones using fiberglass as a baseline and various types of spray polyurethane foam insulation. What was  the conclusion?

SPF Insulation Can Reduce Carbon Emissions

After reading the report, our biggest surprise was how SPF insulation can reduce carbon emissions! “The report shows the reduction in carbon emissions by using SPF insulation instead of fiberglass in a single home is the equivalent of removing 14 to 23 automobiles from the road for an entire year.”

Read the entire article at sprayfoam.com.

Questions? Contact us and we’d be happy to answer them!

iSprayfoam.com (March 23, 2021) – SPFA Releases Report on Environmental Impacts of SPF
home insulation company green cocoon

How to Store and Apply Spray Foam in Cold Weather

Insulation Tips

Learning how to store spray foam insulation during the winter months takes expertise. “How cold can it be when applied?” and “At what temperature should it be stored?” are just two of the many questions that need to be answered before you can apply spray foam during cold weather.

Use the Correct Material

The Green Cocoon suggests you monitor the health of your roofYou must use the correct material for the environment, especially in cold temperatures. According to IDI Distributors, “closed cell foams can be formulated into winter blends that are designed to withstand colder environmental and substrate temperatures. Open cell foams, however, cannot be formulated this way. Therefore, creating a suitable environment in which to apply open cell is critical for product performance.”

Use the Correct Temperature

Before you start applying spray foam insulation in cold weather, the material needs to be properly conditioned. This means maintaining the right temperature on the storage containers (drums). IDI says drums should be stored and used between 70- and 80-degrees Fahrenheit to get the best results. The Green Cocoon is happy to say that we always heat the product and the job site (we heat the inside of the room before we spray it). The temperature must be at least 40 degrees or we won’t spray. To keep our products warm, we use drum heaters, which are like blankets for the drums. Also, the drums are always stored inside our heated warehouse. Every product is different, so we suggest you check the technical data sheet for product-specific temperature ranges.

Proper Storage

green-cocoon-spray-foam-insulation-rigProper storage of both the applicator and the spray foam is critical for a successful application during cold weather conditions. Both components must be at a minimum of 70°F to ensure that the supply pumps can move the material to the spray machine at an appropriate rate.

At The Green Cocoon, our material and hoses are heated.  If your contractor has an older machine, it may not be able to heat the material to the required application temperature. That is why keeping the drums warm is so important.

Heaters

As mentioned above, heaters should be used to warm up the substrate prior to spraying foam. Indirect heaters are always recommended, but the most common heaters used are “torpedo heaters.” These heaters can work well when properly monitored, but it’s worth noting that they rely on fossil fuels that produce moisture. This humidity may condense on cold substrates creating moisture issues such as poor adhesion or shrinkage. Applicators should avoid the use of gas fired heaters if possible, to reduce this risk.

At The Green Cocoon, we use indirect heaters to heat the space of a spray foam job. Indirect heat does not give off CO2 into the structure. TGC has a heater on the truck and also brings in an electric heater to heat the job site.

It is also important to make sure the heaters get turned off prior to spraying foam insulation in winter. If the fumes from spraying get drawn through the heater, it can put off toxic fumes. Heat should be maintained in the building for at least 24 hours after spraying to allow the foam to complete the curing process.

To sum up, before you hire a spray foam insulation company, ask them what their process is when spraying foam insulation during the winter months. If you have any questions, please contact us. We’d love to answer them!
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
mineral-wool-installation

Mineral Wool Insulation Market Increasing

Insulation Tips

ROXUL Inc. Now ROCKWOOL

According to PRNewWire.com, the global mineral wool insulation market is expected to reach an estimated $23.7 billion by 2023. Moreover, the CAGR (compound annual growth rate) is expected to be 3.8% between 2018 to 2023. The major growth drivers are increasing construction activities and tougher global government regulations. Additionally, stricter building codes for energy efficiency and fire safety regulations have added to mineral wool insulation growth.

Emerging Trends

Emerging trends, which have a direct impact on the dynamics of the mineral wool insulation industry, include the shift towards eco-friendly insulation (“green”). Likewise, there is the growing focus on glass wool insulation recycling and the development of lightweight and highly fire-resistant insulation.

Mineral Wool Is Recyclable

The Green Cocoon uses mineral wool insulation and has been for quite some time in the New England area. Mineral wool is friendly to both people and the environment and is gaining in popularity. It is 100% recyclable, VOC-free, and formaldehyde-free.

ROXUL Now ROCKWOOL

ROCKWOOL (formerly ROXUL Inc.), North America’s largest producer of stone wool insulation, is the mineral wool we use. ROXUL rebranded itself to ROCKWOOL in early 2019. Furthermore, the ROCKWOOL brand has been marketed internationally for 80 years, and it will now be adopted in North America.

If you would like more information on mineral wool insulation or its application, please contact us.

Photo courtesy of familyhandyman.com.
a pile of fiberglass insulation from a clients home

Why We Say, “Don’t Use Fiberglass Insulation!”

Insulation Tips

We recently got a call from a homeowner who wanted their attic insulation replaced. Their old fiberglass insulation was wet and dirty and needed to be replaced. Not only that, it had originally been installed upside down, leading to moisture problems.  We weren’t surprised by this situation as we get calls for help all the time. Our advice is to do it right the first time. That's why we say, "Don’t use fiberglass insulation!!

In cold climates fiberglass just won’t do

Fiberglass insulation is significantly cheaper than spray foam insulation, but it is also less effective, especially in extremely warm conditions. Summers in New England regularly hit above 100°F. Spray foam is more expensive, but you get your money back within five years.[1]

Used in roughly 85% of American homes, fiberglass insulation is the most common form of home insulation. Spray foam insulation has less market share, but is increasing in popularity.[2]  Why? Because it is MUCH better and you pay once. Professional installation is required for spray foam insulation, but hey, would you have the plumber fix your broken tooth?

Energy efficiency of fiberglass vs. spray foam

The composition of fiberglass insulation does not stop air from passing through it. On average, more than 30% of heat or air conditioning escapes where fiberglass insulation is installed. If poorly installed, fiberglass can also leave spaces around fixtures, allowing even more heating or cooling to escape.

Spray foam insulation fills all spaces, preventing air from escaping. It acts as an air barrier. Spray foam insulation is significantly more efficient than fiberglass and has a higher R-value.[3]

Problems with fiberglass

Incorrect installation – Failing to fill the wall cavities and compressing the batts are two of the most prevalent installation mistakes. They’re also the leading causes of poor performance, which is why some green building consultants, architects, and builders recommend other products. Their answer for total fill: cellulose.[4]

In a recent project we repaired, the insulation was originally installed incorrectly. As a matter of fact, because it was installed incorrectly, the vapor barrier (the brown paper side) couldn’t do its job – to trap moisture against the floor. The raft paper has to be facing the conditioned space, in this case the attic floor.

It’s cheap – That means that many home builders can offer it to reduce the cost of the home. But don’t be fooled. You may pay less now, but you’ll pay more later, for sure.

Rodents love it! – Rodents prefer safe, warm, and sheltered environments – making the inside of your walls and attic the ideal home. Insulation that can be found in these places can be even more inviting since it is a source of warmth for the scurrying critters. The malleability of fiberglass insulation makes it easy for a nest to be made, and insulation can be moved where ever needed. Once one nest is established and a rodent is comfortable enough, a colony of rodents can soon follow. With the displacement of materials, you could see a difference in the heating as warm air can now escape from your house in those areas.[5]

Length of life

Fiberglass insulation can last several years, but during that time it loses its effectiveness and you never have a complete seal against air flow. The level of effectiveness also depends if any moisture is present. You may need to replace this type of insulation or add to it as it settles and deteriorates over time.

Spray foam, on the other hand, can last as long as 80 years or more. It’s a much more permanent and effective option. While you’ll pay more up front, the longevity and efficiency of spray foam make it a very cost-effective option. [6]

In closing, when it comes to which is best in the spray foam insulation vs. fiberglass debate, spray foam wins, hands down. If you’re a DIYer, you may be used to installing fiberglass insulation. But if you’re looking for something that will last a lifetime, let a professional install spray foam. [7]

[1] The Green Cocoon (2019). Invest in Insulation. Retrieved from thegreencocoon.com.
[2] Diffen (2019). Fiberglass Insulation vs. Spray Foam Insulation. Retrieved from diffen.com.
[3] Diffen, Fiberglass
[4] Probuilder (2015). Home Insulation Choices: Fiberglass, Cellulose, or Foam? Retrieved from probuilder.com.
[5] Apple Pest Control (2017). Rodents and Your Insulation. Retrieved from applepestcontrol.com.
[6] Good Life Energy Savers (2018). Spray Foam Insulation vs Fiberglass: What’s the Difference? Retrieved from goodlifeenergysavers.com.
[7] Good Life Energy Savers. Spray Foam
Photo of hemp Insulation. The Green Cocoon writes about Hemp Insulation

Insulation of the Future: The Green Cocoon Investigates Hemp

Insulation Tips

The United States demand for insulation is estimated to rise 3.7 percent per year to approximately $9.5 billion by 2021.[i] And with so much demand, new types of insulation are being tested for the future. We will focus on one—Hemp.

According to Green Building Advisor, “Two North American companies are producing insulation for residential construction from locally sourced hemp fiber. This gives builders an alternative to fiberglass, plastic foams, and other more conventional materials.”[ii]

Europe Has More Access to Hemp

In Europe, builders have access to hemp insulation, but availability has been limited in the U.S.  Some U.S. builders have toyed with a mix of hemp fibers and lime called “hempcrete.” But, because of U.S. laws, extensive use of industrial hemp has been blocked.

One Canadian company capable of producing threadlike hemp insulation on a commercial scale is Montreal-based MEM Inc.  Not far behind producing hemp fiber insulation is a biomaterials supplier in Louisville, Kentucky, called Sunstrand. And, new on the scene is Nature Fibres, a Canadian company based in Quebec. [iii] The interesting fact about Nature Fibres is they moved into Asbestos, Quebec, to start up their business. The town was named after asbestos because of the former industry in town. But, due to the associated health risks, those manufacturing facilities are closing their doors.

Benefits of Using Hemp

The benefits of using Hemp for insulation are many. It is biodegradable and has a very long service life. “Walls opened up in France 50 years after construction showed hemp insulation looking essentially brand new.” Hemp is composed mostly of a natural fiber (88% hemp fiber and 12% polyester fiber) with no chemical binders and no VOC (volatile organic compounds) off-gassing. As a result, it allows water vapor to pass through it. and is naturally repellant to rodents and insects.

It is clear that with all the changes in the market and with regulations, the insulation industry needs to keep up with demand and changing times. The Green Cocoon is a company that looks to help people lower their carbon footprint by increasing their home's efficiency. We do this while using the greenest products available on the market.

[i] Walls & Ceilings (2019, August 6). An Optimistic Look into the Insulation Future. Retrieved from wconline.com.
[ii] Green Building Advisor (2018, March 8). Hemp Insulation Comes to North America. Retrieved from greenbuildingadvisor.com
[iii] Eco Home (2018, October 19). Hemp Insulation in Canada & USA – Insulating Naturally Is an Eco-Friendly Alternative. Retrieved from ecohome.net.

Can’t sleep? Adjust the temperature.

Insulation Tips

If insomnia is a problem, maybe your bedroom is too hot or too cold. Both can affect sleep in surprising ways.  Are you keeping your room too cool for comfort because your home costs a fortune to heat? Don't lose sleep to save money! Contact us to find out how you can make your home more energy and cost-efficient.

How Air Temperature Affects Your Sleep

Experts agree the temperature of your sleeping area and how comfortable you feel in it affect how well and how long you snooze. Why? “When you go to sleep, your set point for body temperature -- the temperature your brain is trying to achieve -- goes down." "Think of it as the internal thermostat.” If it’s too cold or too hot, the body struggles to achieve this set point. That mild drop in body temperature induces sleep. Generally, Heller says,“if you are in a cooler [rather than too-warm] room, it is easier for that to happen.” But if the room becomes uncomfortably hot or cold, you are more likely to wake up. He explains that the comfort level of your bedroom temperature also especially affects the quality of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, the stage in which you dream.

What’s the Best Temperature for Sleeping?

Recommending a specific range is difficult because what is comfortable for one person isn’t for another. While a typical recommendation is to keep the room between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit, Heller advises setting the temperature at a comfortable level, whatever that means to the sleeper. There are other strategies for creating ideal sleeping conditions, too. Experts from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, for instance, advise thinking of a bedroom as a cave: It should be cool, quiet, and dark. (Bats follow this logic and are champion sleepers, getting in 16 hours a day.) Be wary of memory foam pillows, which feel good because they conform closely to your body shape -- but may make you too hot. And put socks on your feet, as cold feet, in particular, can be very disruptive to sleep.
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