There are many ways to keep your home cool this summer, and every summer after. Small tricks like air sealing to more extensive changes such as foam insulation or replacement windows, cool, comfortable homes are possible. Air sealing, foam insulation, and replacement windows are three services that many energy companies offer to keep the hot summer air out and the cool, conditioned air in!
The effectiveness of the home insulation is measured in its resistance to heat flow- R-value. The higher the R-value of the insulation, the more efficient the insulation is. The most common types of insulation are cellulose (R-3.8 per in.), loose-fill fiberglass (R-3.4 per in.), fiberglass batt (R-3.2-3.8 per in.), spray foam (up to R-7 per in.), and rigid foam (R-3.8 to R-8.7 per in.). This wide variety of insulation may seem daunting. Still, with the help of an energy expert, the choice will be simple, all you need to do is to find a quality spray foam insulation contractor near you.
Liquid foam insulation
Liquid foam insulation — combined with a foaming agent — can be applied using small spray containers or larger quantities as a pressure-sprayed (foamed-in-place) product. Both types expand and harden as the mixture cures. They also conform to the shape of the cavity, filling and sealing it thoroughly.
Slow-curing liquid foams are also available. These foams are designed to flow over obstructions before expanding and curing. They are often used for empty wall cavities in existing buildings. There are also liquid foam materials that can be poured from a container.
Installation of most liquid foam insulation types requires special equipment and certification and should be done by experienced installers. Following installation, an approved thermal barrier equal in fire resistance to a half-inch gypsum board must cover all foam materials.
Costs
Foam insulation products and installation usually cost more than traditional batt insulation. However, foam insulation has higher R-values and forms an air barrier, eliminating some of the other costs and tasks associated with weatherizing a home, such as caulking, applying house wrap and vapor barrier, and taping joints. When building a new home, this type of insulation can also help reduce construction time and the number of specialized contractors, saving money.
Window Replacement
Windows with low-emissivity (Low-E) are also an excellent investment that will keep your home cool on those incredibly hot summer days. Low-E coating on windows controls the heat transferred through the window. It is a type of insulated glazing virtually invisible, microscopically thin, and applied directly on the surface of one or more panes of glass. With this coating, Windows keeps the sun’s heat out of the house and lasts 10-15 years without peeling, saving energy, increasing comfort, and reducing fabric fading.
You can choose the best option to make your house cool in the summer. Foam Insulation is getting more and more popular these days, because not only to keep your home cold temperature in the summer but also to keep your house warmer in the winter.