Foam Bear, Author at Foam Bear

Should You Combine Different Types Of Insulation?

Countless Orlando homeowners are out there getting crafty by mixing different types of insulation, or so they think. You might have heard of people lining fiberglass batt and roll with foam boards, or even DIYing spray foam to touch up their existing fiberglass or blown-in insulation. While it may sound like a smart idea, it’s anything but. Handling insulation improperly by mixing it up can lead to serious issues with moisture, performance, and safety. We’re here to fill you in on safe practices for a comfortable home and reliable insulation!

Looking for premium insulation you can count on? Reach out to Foam Bear Orlando today to get started on a free estimate.

Mixed Insulation Can Trap Moisture In the Home

How does mixing insulation collect moisture? By layering different types of materials, all with varying levels of moisture resistance, it’s entirely possible for moisture to pass through one type of insulation and be blocked by the other. This causes water to wedge its way between layers and build up over time. This is a fast track to mold and mildew in places where you wouldn’t think to check.

To ensure that your insulation repels moisture like it should in humid climates like Orlando, it’s better to rely solely on top-notch spray foam insulation with optimal moisture resistance.

Conflicting Insulation Materials Impacts Thermal Performance

Just like how different types of insulation have varying levels of moisture resistance, each material also comes with drastically different thermal ratings. These materials can interfere with each other through conflicting thermal performance, leading to poor results overall. For example, spray foam offers the highest R-value for residential insulation in Orlando. But if you layer spray foam over old fiberglass insulation, the older material can contaminate your new foam. Your attempt at reinforced insulation will then backfire and cost you more in energy usage.

Forcing Incompatible Insulation Can Create Safety Hazards

Outdated insulation with traditional materials like fiberglass or cellulose is highly flammable. This risk doesn’t go away just by covering it up with fire-resistant insulation like spray foam. If anything, you’re permanently cementing these flammable materials in tight spaces, trapping imminent danger where you can no longer reach it. Sticking with just spray foam insulation for your Orlando home is a great way to guarantee optimal fire resistance that will save you precious seconds in case of an emergency.

Introducing Different Insulation Can Negate Warranties

Arguably, one of the worst mistakes of mixing insulation is voiding your warranties. Premium spray foam products in Orlando often come with outstanding warranties as long as you go through a qualified professional. By DIYing your insulation and getting other materials involved, the manufacturer won’t feel obligated to reimburse you if anything goes wrong. After all, it would be your decision to tamper with their product, and not a factory defect from their end, that will be the cause of poor performance in your home.

Better Ways to Meet Your Home’s Unique Needs With Spray Foam Insulation

With so many downsides, what would compel someone to combine different types of insulation in the first place? Many homeowners are misguided into thinking that mixed insulation can solve most problems around the house, like fluctuating temperatures, drafts, and air leaks in general. Sometimes, the concern lies with finding products that can insulate different types of house materials found in Orlando properties.

In any case, layering insulation isn’t the answer. But rather, the answer lies in relying on top-notch spray foam insulation from trusted contractors like the ones at Foam Bear!

Need An Upgrade? Trust Your Local Insulation Experts at Foam Bear Orlando!

For top-performing insulation, contact Foam Bear Orlando today at (407) 334-9327 to get a free estimate on high-grade spray foam products near you! We handle everything from vacuum and removal services to expert installation and more, so you can rest easy with reliable insulation that’ll last you a lifetime.

4 Tips To Lengthen Your Insulation’s Lifespan In Tampa

If you’re replacing your insulation every 10-15 years, you’re doing it wrong. Homeowners in Tampa are switching to spray foam as a smart long-term investment that stays strong for over 80 years with minimal maintenance. That’s no doubt impressive, but what if we said you could make this great investment even better? This helpful guide goes over some of the best ways to lengthen the lifespan of your insulation so you can make the most of your home upgrade.

Looking to upgrade to premium spray foam insulation near you? Call Foam Bear Tampa today to get started with a free quote!

1. Don’t Skip Your Routine Inspections For Insulation Quality

As with literally anything, early detection is key. Routine inspections are the best way to find any weak spots or room for improvement with your insulation. The neat thing about spray foam insulation is that it’s easy to touch up gaps as needed. Lots can happen when living in Tampa, like a higher risk of moisture and wind damage. Having an insulation expert come by to check on your property every so often is something that every homeowner in Florida should stay on top of.

How Often Should I Have My Insulation Inspected?

The frequency of these inspections may depend on the size of your property or the frequency of storms or hurricanes in the area. Regardless, Tampa homeowners should be scheduling an inspection at least once a year to ensure the lifespan of their spray foam insulation.

2. Check For Damage After a Tampa Storm or Hurricane

Not all inspections need to be planned out on an annual or bi-annual basis. If a storm or hurricane were to tamper with the integrity of your home, then getting it checked out in the aftermath just makes sense. Once everyone is safe and you’ve recovered from immediate threats, call up your trusted spray foam professionals to closely inspect your insulation for any physical damage and perform repairs on the spot.

What does physical damage after a storm or hurricane look like in Tampa? Familiarize yourself with these common signs:

Water leaks

Drafts

Rotting wood

Pest activity

Your local experts will know exactly what to look for and how to handle every situation. All you need to do is make the call as soon as possible to preserve the lifespan of your spray foam insulation!

3. Make Efforts to Keep Bugs and Pests Outside

The one thing that can quickly diminish the lifespan of your spray foam in Tampa is pest activity. In most cases, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about bugs or rodents eating up your spray foam because this material doesn’t have anything to offer wildlife in terms of sustainability. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Wondering what’s the best way to prevent pest activity from ruining your insulation? One proven method is to take every precaution by keeping them outside of the house. The moment you spot a crack or gap in your insulation, seal it up immediately.

4. Take Potential Mold Growth 100% Seriously

Think you might have mold? Now is the time to act. Not when it becomes more visible, not when you begin to itch and cough, but now. Mold is often called the #1 insulation killer in Tampa, with how quickly it spreads and eats away at fragile material. Thankfully, spray foam insulation is incredibly moisture resistant. Still, that doesn’t mean you should play with fire (or mold, in this case).

If you want to preserve your insulation and lengthen its lifespan, acting fast when it comes to mold or mildew is absolutely critical.

Author: Foam Bear

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