Cozy up to the right insulation for warm winter nights

I'm often asked what type of insulation should a homeowner buy for their home. As a restoration, remediation, and mitigation contractor, my main goal is to return the home or building back to its pre-loss condition. However, my personal goal is to improve the comfort, efficiency, durability and healthfulness of the building. To achieve these goals, it's necessary to control the movement of heat, air and moisture within and through the building envelope; otherwise the building will develop fungal growth. Because of that fact attention to insulation and air-sealing is critical.

Areas most susceptible to energy loss and moisture development are the ones no longer seen after the home is built. Generally those locations are the attic, crawl space, and exterior walls.

For years stuffing fiberglass batts between ceiling joists, floor joists, and in stud bays was a common method of insulating homes and buildings. However, it does have its problems. Fiberglass works best in an enclosed space where it can trap air between drywall and the exterior sheathing of a stud wall, for example. Batts generally do not fit snugly around wall penetrations or against uneven surfaces. When used in ceiling and floor joist moisture vapor condenses on the interior surface and puddles. Condensation also occurs on cold water plumbing and around cold metal air ducts. It is at these areas that fungal growth generally starts.

Spray foam insulation and air barrier is the fastest way to seal up a rim joist. It works great in sealing up floor and ceiling joist as well. When sprayed between floor joists, the mixture sticks to the surrounding surfaces. The foam expands to fill holes made by wail and floor penetrations, and it seals wood joints, stopping air and water vapor from entering or escaping. Once the foam expands fully, it insulates the cavity as well. Foam doesn't allow air to move through it, it always performs at its full rated value.

When cleaning with any cleaning product, always wear eye protection and rubber gloves to protect your hands.

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266), e-mail them to madan@surfl.ws or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church street, Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed do? For more information about Ed, check him out online at www.NWEES.COM

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection and remediation contractor. Ed is the chief executive officer of Northwest Executive & Environmental Services, LLC