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What Is The Best Type Of Insulation For Hot Climates?

There are different types of hot climates depending on your region. Some states experience dry heat while other places like Florida suffer from wet, humid weather. Some forms of insulation might be suitable for those who live in dry areas, but those same materials might not hold up in moisture-prone environments. The professionals at Foam Bear Tampa are here to show you the best type of insulation for hot climates.

Why Quality Insulation Is Crucial For Hot Climates

It goes without saying that having poor insulation can make you feel hot and uncomfortable. But there are more dangers and inconveniences that come with intense heat if it’s not kept out of your property. By letting enough hot air inside, you could also experience:

• Deadly heat stroke
• Trouble breathing for those with asthma
• Potential fire hazards
• A broken AC followed by the cost of repairs or a replacement

Types Of Insulation To Avoid

Before we get into which type of insulation you should be using for hot climates, you first need to know why your current insulation isn’t up to the task. Many buildings, especially residential homes, come with low r-value fiberglass or cellulose as traditional forms of insulation which could lead to hot interiors:

Fiberglass

Also referred to as rolled batt insulation, this is the type that’s most commonly found in homes and commercial buildings alike. But just because it’s the most common option doesn’t mean it’s the best choice. One of the main problems with fiberglass insulation is that it doesn’t always provide a tight seal since it’s made up of sheets that can leave gaps between the seams where hot air can seep through.

Cellulose

Insulation made with cellulose quickly degrades in humid climates. That’s because this material is super absorbent but it holds onto all that moisture until it starts to form mold and mildew. And since Florida air tends to be wet, you can expect cellulose insulation to last as little as a handful of years. Plus, loose-fill methods are unable to provide a sealed barrier which makes them rather useless for hot climates.

How Closed-Cell Spray Foam Holds Up To Intense Heat

If all of the usual types of insulation are insufficient for dealing with intense heat, then what should you be using when faced with hot climates? Closed-cell spray foam is the best type of insulation for hot and humid environments like Florida because it has the highest r-value while also ensuring an air-tight seal. Its expansive nature is what makes it reliable in closing up gaps and cracks, and its thick and dense composition makes it able to repel water and moisture from humid air. This means that on top of having a cool and comfortable environment to relax in, you can also worry less about mold spreading on the walls and ceiling.

Get Spray Foam Insulation In Tampa!

Want high-quality spray foam insulation suited for hot climates? Call Foam Bear Tampa today at (727) 580-1090 to ask about our products and to receive a free quote! We offer closed-cell and open-cell spray foam insulation for all of your needs in a top brand that you can trust.

4 Signs Of Poor Attic Insulation And How To Fix It

It’s not uncommon for a home to have poor insulation, especially if it hasn’t been checked out before purchasing the house first. Years can go by in blissful ignorance until certain inconveniences start happening from within, and then it becomes a problem that’s too hard to ignore. But how do you know for sure that it’s the insulation that’s causing it? The experts at Foam Bear Orlando will teach you the most prevalent signs of poor attic insulation and the best ways to fix it!

1. Mold Growth On The Walls

When moisture is introduced into the home, the attic is usually the first point of entry. Since people don’t check their attics often, mold can form on the walls, corners, and crevices and spread at a rapid rate without anyone realizing it until the problem becomes more than just a minor hassle to deal with. This is why it’s a good idea to inspect your attic regularly, but if you’re already seeing signs of mold in your insulation, it might be time to call a professional to remove the mold for you. After that, you should take preventive measures like removing your old insulation and replacing it with spray foam. Closed-cell spray foam has water-repellent qualities that can keep moisture at bay and prevent mold from forming in the future.

2. Condensation In The Window Panes

If you have windows in your attic, take a close look to see if there are any water droplets stuck in between the panes. If you have poor insulation, the humidity from outside is easily transferred inside where moisture can build up where you least expect it which is one of the main causes of condensation. Closed-cell spray foam insulation has the highest R-value, meaning that it’s the best for regulating temperatures and keeping out humidity. First, it’s a good idea to carefully wipe up any condensation you can find and dry up the area before it can damage the property.

3. Consistent Drafts From The Same Location

Poor insulation can leave cracks, making it easy for gusts of wind to travel inside. If you consistently feel a draft coming in from the same spot, you’ll want to take a moment to feel around your attic to see exactly where it’s coming from. You’ll also be able to tell something is off if you notice drastically different temperatures throughout various parts of the house. In this case, open-cell spray foam can help remedy the situation since it expands much larger, up to three times in size. This makes it incredibly useful for sealing all kinds of gaps, even in spots that are normally difficult to reach.

4. Higher-Than-Normal Electric Bills

Very persistent drafts are usually followed by increased charges on your energy bill. If you follow the recommendations regarding spray foam types and proper installation from earlier, this problem will most likely solve itself! Eliminating drafts and inconsistent temperatures will make it easier for your air conditioner to regulate the atmosphere of your home, thus reducing your energy usage by a great amount.

Replace Your Old Insulation With Spray Foam!

If you’re seeing signs of poor attic insulation, call the experts at Foam Bear Orlando! Our team of professionals can remove your old insulation and replace it with high-quality spray foam insulation which will relieve you of all of these problems. Call (727) 580-1090 to ask for a free estimate!