Lewis Insulation Blog Posts

The Basics of Cellulose Insulation

Posted December 21, 2023 by Lewis Insulation & filed under Cellulose Insulation, Insulation Info.

When it comes to creating a comfortable and energy-efficient home, insulation plays a crucial role. Among the wide variety of insulation materials available, cellulose insulation stands out as an environmentally friendly and effective option. At Lewis Insulation, we have decades of experience with insulation, and specifically are proud to offer cellulose insulation to Rogers and the surrounding Twin Cities area. As experts in the topic, we have highlighted the key points to know about cellulose insulation below!

What is Cellulose Insulation?

Cellulose insulation is a type of thermal insulation made primarily from recycled paper, which is treated with fire-retardant chemicals for enhanced safety. This eco-friendly composition is a significant departure from traditional insulation materials like fiberglass or foam board, which often rely on non-renewable resources.

Eco-Friendly

One of the standout features of cellulose insulation is its commitment to sustainability. This insulation is typically composed of up to 80% recycled materials, diverting tons of waste from landfills and giving it a new purpose. This dedication to recycling not only reduces environmental impact but also aligns with the growing demand for eco-conscious building practices.

Thermal Performance

Cellulose insulation is often picked for its excellent thermal performance. It effectively slows down the transfer of heat, providing a barrier against both extreme cold and scorching heat, making it a prime example of what insulation should do for your home. This characteristic makes it a versatile choice for homes located in various climates, from chilly northern regions to hot and humid southern areas.

Effective at Filling Gaps

Unlike some other insulation materials, cellulose is particularly adept at filling gaps and voids in walls, ceilings and attics. This unique property ensures more comprehensive coverage, reducing the likelihood of air leaks and improving overall energy efficiency. The result is a home that remains comfortable year-round, with reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills.

Fire Safety Measures

Safety is often another large concern when it comes to home insulation. Cellulose insulation addresses this concern through the incorporation of fire-retardant treatments during the manufacturing process. This treatment not only enhances the material’s resistance to combustion but also contributes to a safer living environment.

Indoor Air Quality

Cellulose insulation doesn’t just contribute to a greener exterior; but it also promotes a healthier indoor environment. Its composition discourages mold growth, and unlike some synthetic materials, it doesn’t release harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This makes it an ideal choice for those who prioritize both environmental sustainability and indoor air quality.

Cellulose insulation goes beyond its role as a thermal barrier; it’s a sustainable choice that aligns with the principles of recycling, energy efficiency and safety. Whether you’re renovating an existing home or building from scratch, understanding the basics of cellulose insulation can guide you toward creating a comfortable and environmentally conscious living space.

Are you ready to choose cellulose insulation in Rogers or the surrounding Twin Cities area? Call Lewis Insulation today at 763-477-2612 or contact us!

Home Insulation and Energy Efficiency: Myths vs. Facts

Posted September 21, 2023 by Lewis Insulation & filed under Residential Insulation.

Homeowners are often bombarded with advice on how to make their homes more energy efficient. One of the most common recommendations is to improve insulation. However, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding insulation and its impact on energy efficiency. At Lewis Insulation, we understand home insulation in Plymouth and want to debunk some of the most common myths.

Myth 1: All Insulation is the Same

Fact: Not all insulation materials are created equal. Different types of insulation have varying levels of effectiveness and suitability for specific areas of your home. There are many different types of insulation materials available, such as fiberglass, cellulose, foam board and spray foam – each with their own pros and cons.

Myth 2: Insulation Alone Will Drastically Reduce Energy Bills

Fact: While proper insulation is a crucial component of energy efficiency, it’s not a standalone solution. A holistic approach to energy efficiency is imperative. This approach often includes factors like air sealing, efficient HVAC systems and lifestyle choices. It’s essential to know that insulation works in conjunction with these elements.

Myth 3: Adding More Insulation is Always Better

Fact: Over-insulating a space can be as problematic as having insufficient insulation. There is an insulation “sweet spot” in each home, where too much insulation beyond that can lead to issues like moisture problems and reduced indoor air quality.

Myth 4: Insulation Stops Heat Transfer Completely

Fact: Insulation slows down heat transfer; it doesn’t stop it entirely. Insulation helps to address the principles of heat transfer (conduction, convection and radiation), however, it does not fully stop heat from transferring.

Myth 5: Insulation is a One-Time Investment

Fact: Insulation can degrade over time and lose its effectiveness. Regular maintenance and insulation inspections are required to ensure it continues to perform optimally.

Myth 6: Insulation Doesn’t Matter in Warm Climates

Fact: Insulation is beneficial in both cold and warm climates. Insulation helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and reduce cooling costs in hot climates by keeping conditioned air in and outdoor heat out.

In the world of home energy efficiency, misinformation abounds. By dispelling these common myths and presenting the facts about insulation and its role in reducing energy consumption, you can make more informed decisions about how to improve your home’s efficiency. Remember that achieving a truly energy-efficient home involves a combination of factors, and insulation is just one piece of the puzzle. Stay informed and consult with the professionals at Lewis Insulation when making decisions about insulation upgrades to ensure you get the best results for your home and budget.

Do you need home insulation in Plymouth or the surrounding Twin Cities area? Call Lewis Insulation today at 763-477-2612 or contact us!

4 Myths About Attic Ventilation

Posted June 20, 2023 by Lewis Insulation & filed under Attic Ventilation.

One of the most commonly misunderstood things about the home, attic ventilation comes with its own fair share of myths. As attic ventilation experts in Minneapolis, Lewis Insulation is here to discuss these myths! If you have any questions about attic ventilation, contact us.

Attic ventilation is an important topic to understand as it’s estimated that about 90% of homes have unreasonably high levels of moisture. Proper ventilation can protect your belongings, your roof and your insulation.

1. The More Attic Ventilation, The Better

One of the myths we hear the most frequently is that more attic ventilation is always better. Unfortunately, just as is the case with air conditioning units and furnace capacities – more is not always better. While too little attic ventilation is definitely an issue, having too much may be an even bigger risk.

Roof vents create more access to the inside of your home, so having too many can increase the risk of leaks, weak spots for storm damage, or sparks entering your home and causing destruction on the inside.

This leaves the question: how much ventilation is just right? Unlock Goldilocks who needs to test out multiple options to make the right choice, your decision is simpler – just call your local professional! We are able to identify the proper amount of attic ventilation to keep everything just right.

2. Roof Vents Equals Attic Ventilation

Simply having roof vents does not mean that you have adequate attic ventilation. Depending on your home, roof and type of roof vents, your roof vents may not do much of anything for your attic ventilation. Each home and roof is unique, so the best way to ensure that you have proper attic ventilation is to hire a professional to install a ventilation system that will work for you.

3. Roof Vents Allow Warm Air to Escape During Winter

Many people fall into the belief that attic ventilation causes lower energy efficiency due to warm air rising. However, if your warm air is rising straight up to your attic and out of roof vents, you have bigger problems than attic ventilation.

Chances are, if warm air is escaping through roof vents during the winter, you have an insulation problem. Unfortunately, insulation problems can also increase moisture – meaning that attic ventilation remains a considerable concern as well.

4. Only Warmer Climates Need Roof Vents

This statement normally originates from people who assume roof vents are only to increase energy efficiency in the summer by allowing heat to escape – and while this is a benefit of good attic ventilation, there are other pieces that are better designed for energy efficiency. Shingle color, sun exposure and insulation each contribute more to energy efficiency.

However, attic ventilation is still very necessary, even in cooler climates. In fact, colder climates tend to benefit even more from proper ventilation than warmer ones. Colder climates have to worry more about condensation in the attic due to the chill outside, meaning that proper ventilation to keep moisture levels low is infinitely more important.

Now that you are armed with a better understanding of attic ventilation for your home in Minneapolis – are you ready to call an expert to make sure your ventilation is up to its job? Call Lewis Insulation today at 763-477-2612 or contact us!

Pros and Cons of Foam Insulation

Posted February 20, 2023 by Lewis Insulation & filed under Residential Insulation, Spray Foam Insulation.

Insulation acts as one of the primary barriers to escaped heat during the winter and cool during the summer – both of which impact the overall energy efficiency of your home. Especially when living somewhere with such a wide range of temperatures and winters as harsh as Minnesota experiences, insulation is an important piece to making sure your home stays comfortable all year round. That’s why we’ve consolidated a list of pros and cons about foam insulation in Rogers! Here at Lewis Insulation, we have experience working with multiple kinds of insulation, but foam is one of the most popular – and for a reason!

Pros

Increased energy efficiency.

While this can be said of any insulation choice, spray foam insulation improves the thermal envelope around the home, allowing less air to escape the home and keeping your home warm or cool as desired for a lower cost!

Superior R-value.

When compared to traditional rolled or blown in insulation, foam insulation boasts a higher R-value. This means that less heat can be conducted through the material, making it a more efficient insulator.

Contributes to structural strength of home.

Foam insulation has also been proven to increase the structural strength of a home! Due to how spray foam insulation is installed, it can increase the durability of the home.

Moisture resistance.

Additionally, foam insulation has the highest moisture resistance of commonly used types of insulation. In fact, FEMA has classified it as having the highest resistance to flood damage!

Cons

Requires professional installation.

Spray foam insulation is not a DIY project. It requires proper and precise mixing of chemicals to ensure an effective installation and can pose safety risks if handled incorrectly.

Failing to adhere to manufacturer’s guidelines causes long-term issues.

Without proper experience and understanding of manufacturer’s guidelines, there can be long-term issues caused by unprofessional installation. Failing to adhere to guidelines can cause prolonged odors, oily residue and ineffective insulation.

Health concerns during installation.

Finally, due to the nature of mixing chemicals, foam insulation can pose a health risk if the installer is not fitted with the proper PPE. Gloves, eye protection and masks are all strictly required during installation and handling of spray foam installation to avoid any health risks.

Luckily, all of the cons are negated when you choose to hire a professional like Lewis Insulation! We understand the manufacturer’s guidelines for each insulation we work with and ensure that each contractor on site wears the proper PPE to keep them safe.

Are you ready to have new foam insulation installed in your home in Rogers or the surrounding Twin Cities area? Call Lewis Insulation today at 763-477-2612 or contact us!

Replace Your Residential Insulation for Energy Efficiency this Winter

Posted November 25, 2022 by Lewis Insulation & filed under Residential Insulation.

Winter is quickly approaching here in Minnesota, which means now is the time to prepare your home for the harsh weather to come. Have you noticed drafts coming in through your attic making your home feel chillier? Don’t spend a fortune on energy bills this winter, instead allow Lewis Insulation to replace your residential insulation in St. Michael or the surrounding areas!

Inadequate insulation can increase your energy bills. In fact, an estimated 75% of heat can be saved with effective insulation! Think of how much you could cut down on your energy bills by saving three quarters of your heat.

Additionally, by requiring less energy to heat your home, you can actually reduce your carbon footprint! New insulation for your home can help you become more environmentally friendly while also saving you money.

Even if you are thinking of selling your home soon, investing in new insulation is still a good thing to consider. On average, home value increases $20 for every $1 reduction in annual utility bills. With how much heat you’ll save thanks to your new insulation, the value of your home should jump up as well!

New insulation may seem like a large investment to start, but once you factor in monthly savings on your energy bills, you’ll see the return on investment is quick and high! New insulation is one of the best investments you can make in your home this time of year, as energy prices continue to rise, and cold weather is here to stay.

Each home is different, meaning that the right insulation could vary from your house to your neighbors’. Here at Lewis Insulation, not only are we ready to help you prepare your home for the upcoming winter by replacing your old insulation, but we can also help you determine which insulation is the best fit for your house and needs!

So, give us a call today to learn more about how new insulation can protect you from skyrocketing energy costs this winter. We are happy to talk more about the benefits of new insulation before the coldest months of the year or discuss the specific needs of your home!

When it comes time to install or replace residential insulation in your home in St. Michael or the surrounding areas, choose the best. Call Lewis Insulation today at 763-477-2612 or contact us!