WHO ARE WE?Mesa, AZ Insulation Pros Whether it's something as simple as adding insulation to an existing garage door to help minimize extreme temperature fluctuations, or as extensive as insulating an entire new construction project, we have you covered. Our technicians have several decades of experience and know which material types work best in which applications. We eliminate the guesswork by having the knowledge and the experience of having helped so many customers before you. We've already made all of the mistakes over the years, so you can rest assured in knowing that your insulation job will be done correctly and affordably. Don't wait to give us a call. Click the button or fill out the form down below! Text.
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What Is Insulation? How Does It Work?
Insulation can be any material utilized to fill voids, gaps, and cracks and is typically found inside of walls and above ceilings. The main purpose of insulation is to assist with regulating the temperature in a given space by way of absorption or reflection of heat.
Insulation performs this task by slowing the movement of heat from one space and helping to prevent it from entering into another cooler space. During our hot Arizona summers, for example, insulation helps shield our otherwise comfortable living/working spaces from the extreme heat that exists outdoors, and in the colder winter months insulation helps keep the warmer air where we want it--indoors.
When installing business or home insulation, it is very important to use the appropriate material for the desired application and end result. Two main considerations must be made: location of the proposed installation site, and the recommended maximum thermal performance, or r-value, for that particular location. These factors will help in determining which type of insulation is the most appropriate, and will be the most effective, for the desired outcome. Below we will discuss the different types of insulation to include the type of material, where it is most beneficially applied, method for installation, and the advantages of each different type.
Insulation performs this task by slowing the movement of heat from one space and helping to prevent it from entering into another cooler space. During our hot Arizona summers, for example, insulation helps shield our otherwise comfortable living/working spaces from the extreme heat that exists outdoors, and in the colder winter months insulation helps keep the warmer air where we want it--indoors.
When installing business or home insulation, it is very important to use the appropriate material for the desired application and end result. Two main considerations must be made: location of the proposed installation site, and the recommended maximum thermal performance, or r-value, for that particular location. These factors will help in determining which type of insulation is the most appropriate, and will be the most effective, for the desired outcome. Below we will discuss the different types of insulation to include the type of material, where it is most beneficially applied, method for installation, and the advantages of each different type.
Insulation--Types, Applications, Method Of Installation & Advantages
Blanket: Batts And Rolls
This insulation type can be made of fiberglass, plastic fibers, mineral wool and/or natural fibers. It is primarily used for exterior walls, including foundation walls, as well as floors and ceilings/attic insulation. This insulation is fitted between the studs or joists, and the main advantages are that it is a fairly straight-forward process and any do-it-yourselfer could tackle it on their own. Batt and roll insulation also comes in the appropriate size to not require much cutting if installed in areas with standard spacing of studs/joists and it's relatively inexpensive.
Concrete Block Insulation
This is exactly what it sounds like; foam board which can be placed inside or outside of concrete block to provide additional insulation. Some concrete block manufacturers even incorporate air or foam beads into their blocks to raise the r-value of the blocks. This form of insulation is used on unfinished walls, to include foundation walls, where concrete block exists. Insulating concrete blocks require a specialized skillset as they are often just surface bonded after being dry-stacked (without the use of mortar). Both applications significantly increase r-values effectively making the structure more efficient at maintaining temperature.
Foam Board Or Rigid Foam
This insulation can be made of polyurethane, polystyrene, phenolic, and/or polyisocyanurate. It is typically used for exterior walls, including foundation walls, floors/ceilings, and low-slope unvented roofs. If installed indoors, it is required to be covered with 1/2" gypsum board or other building code approved material to aid in fire resistance. If installed outdoors, it must be covered with a weatherproof facing material. The biggest advantage of foam board or rigid foam insulation is the relatively high r-values compared to the thickness of the material.
Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs)
This material is either foam blocks or foam boards. It is used in unfinished walls, including foundation walls, in new construction. These forms are installed as part of the building structure and assist in creating the structural element of the wall. Due to the nature of it being built right into the walls, it gives it a high thermal heat resistance rating.
Blown-In/Loose Fill
The most common types of blown-in or loose fill insulation are either mineral wool, fiberglass, or cellulose. It is typically used in enclosed existing walls or new open wall cavities, and is also used in unfinished attic spaces as well as other hard-to-reach areas. This material is blown in using special equipment and usually requires at least two people to install. It is one of the best options for areas that are already finished, have obstructions or irregular shapes, and/or are just plain hard to get to.
Reflective System
This insulation is commonly made of cardboard, plastic film, polyethylene bubbles, or foil-faced craft paper. It is typically used in unfinished walls, ceilings, and floors. These materials are fitted between, the joists, studs, beams, and/or rafters. This insulation medium can be installed by a do-it-yourselfer and it is the most effective insulating material at preventing downward heat flow.
Rigid Fibrous/Fiber Insulation
Made of fiberglass or mineral wool, and it is most commonly used for ducts or other areas requiring insulation being subjected to high temperatures. This material is used primarily by HVAC technicians. They fabricate it into ducts for a custom-fit. The biggest benefit of this material is its ability to withstand high temperatures.
Spray Foam Or Foamed In Place
Created with phenolic, polyurethane, cementitious, or polyisocyanurate, this material is used in enclosed existing walls, new open wall cavities, and unfinished attic spaces. It is applied using spray containers or, in larger areas, it is pressure-sprayed. This is a good option for adding additional insulation to previously finished areas, irregularly-shaped areas, and/or areas with obstructions or accessibility issues.
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)
Made from foam board or liquid foam insulation core, these panels are fit together like puzzle pieces to create the walls and roof of new construction builds. Houses built with SIPs have better insulation properties than traditional build techniques, and they take considerably less time to build.
Areas We Offer Our Services To
Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Queen Creek, Maricopa, Gilbert, Apache Junction, Ahwatukee, Litchfield Park, Tolleson, Avondale, Buckeye, Goodyear, Laveen, Peoria, Glendale, Sun City, Sun City West, Fountain Hills, Surprise, Carefree, Cave Creek, New River, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, Guadalupe, El Mirage, and the entire greater Phoenix metropolitan area
For any insulation needs in the the San Francisco Bay Area, CA, please use our partner site by clicking the link to the right: bay area insulation contractor.
For any insulation needs in the the San Francisco Bay Area, CA, please use our partner site by clicking the link to the right: bay area insulation contractor.