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6 Warning Signs Your Old Insulation Could Be Making You Sick

Old insulation plagues many houses across America, and most homeowners choose to place the problem at the bottom of their priority list not realizing the dangers. If this sounds like you, Foam Bear Tampa is here to change your mind by telling you the warning signs of sickness caused by old insulation!

Tiny Glass Perils – Why Old Fiberglass Is Dangerous

Fiberglass is one of the most common insulation materials, but it’s also one of the most deadly. When you allow fiberglass to get old and let it sit in your home, it can let loose particles that pollute the air. These tiny fibers made of glass can cause a lot of damage if they get into your eyes, skin, or lungs. Even hidden within your walls, it doesn’t take much room for microscopic particles to escape and endanger your living space.

Identifying the Signs of Illnesses Caused By Insulation

So what happens when deteriorated fiberglass penetrates your various orifices? Fiberglass can have a severely negative impact on the body, triggering intense allergies or causing chronic illnesses like asthma or other respiratory diseases. You’ll be able to tell apart symptoms triggered by fiberglass from illnesses caused by other means by familiarizing yourself with these warning signs:

  1. Irritated eyes and throat
  2. Watery eyes and nose
  3. Burning eyes, nose, and throat
  4. Itchy skin
  5. Skin rashes
  6. Trouble breathing

These symptoms are all cause for alarm, with some cases being more worrisome than others. What’s even more concerning is that getting sick isn’t the only side effect of poor insulation that you may experience. Learn more about the top risks of improper insulation in your home to watch out for.

What Type of Insulation Doesn’t Make You Sick?

If you want to prevent yourself from getting sick from old insulation, simply avoiding fiberglass still won’t guarantee the best experience. Some materials like cellulose, steel wool, and injection foam can deteriorate over time or settle so that they’re no longer as effective as the first day they were installed. For insulation that won’t make you sick and won’t degrade over time, spray foam insulation is the better solution.

Spray foam consists of liquid compounds, so you won’t have to worry about tiny particles infiltrating your body. It sticks to itself and holds its shape for as long as a lifetime, so it won’t get “old” the way that fiberglass does. Many people who have made the switch from fiberglass to spray foam have noticed a significant difference in their health and overall quality of life!

Discover the Best Spray Foam Experience Near You

Upgrading to spray foam insulation is easy, especially if you live in Tampa. That’s because reputable spray foam installers like Foam Bear take care of the entire process for you from vacuum and removal of your old fiberglass insulation to installing brand-new spray foam from trusted brands. These useful services ensure that all traces of fiberglass are removed to preserve your health and that you experience the best benefits of premium insulation.

Get A Home Refresh With Foam Bear Tampa!

Ready to transform your home into a safe haven devoid of harmful irritants? Call Foam Bear Tampa today at (727) 580-1090 to learn more about our services and to receive a free estimate on vacuum removal and spray foam installation! We’ll help you cultivate a happy and healthy home with our profound expertise in all things spray foam.

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Here’s 4 Ways How Spray Foam Insulation Preserves R-Value

In Florida, where extreme temperatures and intense weather conditions are the norm, not every type of insulation is great at insulating. But how do you know that yours is doing its job? If you have anything other than spray foam, we can already tell you it’s time for an upgrade. Learn more about how spray foam insulation preserves R-value before reaching out to Foam Bear Orlando for premium spray foam insulation paired with an expert installation near you!

R-Value 101: Why It Matters

The term “R-value” comes up often when researching anything about insulation. That’s because this is the metric used to determine how well a certain material insulates. The higher the R-value, the greater the ability to resist the flow of heat passing through the substance. What does this mean for your humble abode? This factor alone can influence the comfort level of your home as well as your energy usage.

”I have fiberglass insulation. How much R-value do I have?”

Fiberglass may be common, but that’s not because it’s the best. In fact, the R-value for fiberglass is rather low at around 2.9-3.8 which is not a lot, especially for Orlando. Closed-cell spray foam has an R-value of 7 which easily outperforms fiberglass. But how does this sticky substance accomplish such a feat? Let’s go over some of the incredible traits of spray foam that help it retain its high R-value:

1. Spray Foam Keeps Its Shape

A common issue with other insulative materials like cellulose and fiberglass is that they tend to settle over time. Once the material migrates to one side, leaving other areas unprotected, the R-value diminishes. Spray foam is able to maintain its high R-value over time because it holds its shape for many years. You don’t have to worry about the foam settling and leaving behind exposed spots because it’ll stay put exactly where it was sprayed!

2. Spray Foam Can Resist Moisture

Did you know that spray foam can repel water? The same can’t be said about other materials, and that’s one of their many downfalls. In any other situation, moisture can eat away at the insulative material which diminishes its precious R-value. Since spray foam is practically impervious to water damage, moisture won’t cause its R-value to take a hit. The ability to prevent water damage also makes spray foam resistant to mold.

3. Spray Foam Creates An Air-Tight Seal

The versatility of spray foam during the application stage is also crucial in maintaining such a higher R-value. That’s because it expands on impact which is useful for air-sealing your home. By eliminating gaps for cold or hot air to pass through, spray foam excels at being the best insulator in more ways than one!

4. Spray Foam Has A Longer Lifespan

Most of the fiberglass insulation that’s commonly present in homes already has a depreciated R-value. That’s because the effects of fiberglass only last a few years before it degrades, and it’s rare for homeowners to find the desire to replace it so often. This is why poorly insulated homes are practically an epidemic. Spray foam insulation is guaranteed to have a much longer lifespan, primarily due to its durability. This reigns true every time of year.

Learn more > How Does Spray Foam Work In The Winter Versus Summer

Do you want to make sure you get the most out of your spray foam insulation? Check out our helpful guide on how you can ensure your spray foam lasts longer!

Boost Your Home’s R-Value With Spray Foam From Foam Bear!

You deserve a comfortable home, and our premium spray foam insulation at Foam Bear Orlando offers high R-value so you can get the best living experience. Ask us for a free estimate on your next spray foam installation by calling (727) 580-1090 today!