Earth Friendly Insulation

Insulation, by reducing the amount of energy required to heat or cool a building, is by its nature environmentally friendly. Residential and commercial energy use is responsible for 11% of all CO2 emissions in the United States. The Department of Energyā€™s ENERGY STAR program was created to help protect our environment, and insulation is key to achieving that objective. ā€œIf existing homes in the U.S. were insulated to ENERGY STAR levels, annual carbon emissions would be 11 percent lower and 29 million fewer tons of carbon would be released into the atmosphere.ā€ (Alliance to Save Energy, April 2011)

If insulation is green by its very nature because it saves energy, then why is “green” insulation greener? For some people, it’s green when it contains a high percentage of recycled materials; for others, it’s when it doesn’t contain substances that they may have sensitivities to. Still others consider insulation green when it’s made of natural materials.

Conserving the Environment

By choosing building products that are energy-efficient, conserve virgin resources, minimize waste and reduce pollution, you are making a tri-fold positive impact on the environment. Today, insulating is a ā€œno brainerā€ because it saves energy, so manufacturers of insulation material are diverting that extra brain power into developing materials and strategies that are safer for people and the environment, yet significantly more effective. Two such products are blown-in cellulose and rock wool.

Cellulose is made of at least 80% post-consumer paper waste– paper that might otherwise end up in landfills, releasing greenhouse gases as it decomposedā€”and is blown into all the spaces between framing on interior walls and ceilings. It doesnā€™t require any accelerants or adhesives. It takes less energy to produce than other types of insulation. It has a better resistance to air flow and prevents the upward movement of air created by temperature differences. And, it is non-toxic–no adverse health effects from cellulose insulation have been identified.

Rock wool, a by-product of steel smelting, is an excellent example of using waste as an environmental benefit. Using waste means less exploitation of natural resources and reduced energy in production. On top of being a super-insulator even in extreme temperatures, rock wool is also water repellantā€”diverting moisture that can cause damage to the structure and negatively impact interior air quality over time. Rock wool was, for many years, the most widely used type of insulation in North America and Europe.

Products like these, and those to come in the future, turn waste into viable materials that keep us on the path of responsible, sustainable building and retrofitting. To dig deeper into the benefits of using earth-friendly insulation in your home energy improvement project, feel free to contact us.Ā  Our highly knowledgeable team is well-versed in sustainable insulation materials.

SERVICES WE PROVIDE
Foundation Waterproofing

Using Mar-flex 5000, we can waterproof any structure with an adhesive seamless barrier that coats your foundation with a high-quality membrane.

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Spray Foam Insulation

The spray application method allows for continuous insulation and an air sealing barrier on walls, roofs, in tight corners, and all contoured surfaces.

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Cellulose Insulation

Made of 75-85% recycled paper, cellulose is the most environmentally friendly and efficient way to insulate your new or existing residential or commercial buildings.

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Green Remodeling

Beyond energy efficiency, weā€™ll work with you on a number of eco-friendly building improvements that help you qualify for certifications such as LEED for Homes or ENERGY STAR.

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Fiberglass Insulation

Made of up to 40% recycled materials, fiberglass is available as blown-in loose fill, rolls, or batts, and is one of the best ways to reduce your energy bills.

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Radiant Barriers

In a climate such as Virginiaā€™s, radiant barriers or ā€œfoil insulationā€ can be used in tandem with other materials to reduce cooling bills in the summer.

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Energy Audits

Weā€™ll find the leaks and shortfalls of your current insulation, then provide a cost-effective plan that works for you and your project.

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Weatherization

Optimizing your buildingā€™s energy efficiency is one of the best investments you can make for comfort, lower bills, a reduced carbon footprint, and air quality.

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Crawl Space Encapsulation

Vented crawl spaces are no longer the way to go. Reduce excess moisture and prevent mold growth by isolating the crawl space from outside moisture.

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Mold Remediation

From the lab test to the mold removal to prevention systems, our whole-home approach to air quality ensures comfort and safety for your family.

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