Things to Consider When Choosing an Insulation Contractor

Posted on May 27, 2022

Insulation is a worthwhile investment for your home, but choosing the right insulation contractor is key! When properly selected and installed, insulation helps ensure your home stays safe and comfortable all year round. Ready to upgrade your home or business’s insulation? Keep these tips in mind when deciding on an insulation contractor.

Knowledge of home’s systems

Insulation doesn’t act in isolation, which is why it is important for your home insulation contractor to have a thorough understanding of your home’s systems, including your home’s air-sealing, ventilation, and energy performance. This understanding of your home’s systems is key to providing the best insulation recommendation for your home. In addition, your contractor should have experience working with a variety of exteriors, including wood, siding, brick and more for both new and existing homes.

Thorough consultation

Installation of your home’s insulation should begin with a thorough consultation! At Creative Conservation, we take the time to provide an expert review of your home or business and address any questions or concerns you have before we begin your insulation project. We strive to provide the best product to help you meet your goals.

Recommendations and reviews

Do your research! Don’t choose an insulation contractor just because they appear first in your Google search. Ask friends and family for recommendations and check out reviews on Google and social media!

Certifications and training

Verify that your insulation contractor has the certifications, licensing, insurance, and training necessary to effectively install your home’s insulation! An experienced insulation contractor should be able to effectively recommend and install insulation, as well as follow industry guidelines for dealing with and disposing of old insulation materials.

With locations in Richmond, Charlottesville, Roanoke, and Northern Virginia, Creative Conservation is the number one provider of foam insulation, sprayed systems, and waterproofing in the state of Virginia. You can trust us to handle all your residential and commercial insulation needs. Call today for a free consultation! (800) 798-1127

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5 Signs It’s Time to Update Your Insulation

Posted on January 13, 2022

Proper home insulation promotes a healthy, comfortable environment and energy savings for your family. When your home is not insulated properly, due to deterioration, moisture, infestation or not enough insulation, the consequences to your home’s air quality and temperature regulation is in jeopardy. Here are a few telltale signs it may be time to update your crawl space and/or attic insulation:

  1. High energy bills

As the winter cold sets in, pay attention to your energy bills! Rising energy bills, especially in the cold of winter or heat of summer, can be a sign that your home’s insulation isn’t doing its job! It also means your home’s HVAC system could be working overtime, which may lead to further repair and replacement costs.

  1. Unusual drafts

Indoor drafts result when different areas of your home are not sealed properly from the outside air.   If you experience unusual drafts even after closing doors and windows, it could be a sign you are due for a home insulation update! Cold floors, frozen pipes, and rooms that tend to stay too hot or too cold can also be a sign.

  1. Animal Infestation

As unpleasant as it may be to consider, pests and rodents may have taken up residence in your home’s attic or crawl spaces, causing damage to your home’s insulation and posing additional threats to the air quality and safety of your home. Inspect insulation regularly to look for signs of damage!

  1. Moisture

Any insulation that is damp or wet must be replaced! Not only can wet insulation lead to the growth of dangerous mold and mildew, wet insulation that is sagging or falling down is not performing as it should.

  1. Insulation that is Compromised

The insulation in your home should be inspected periodically, whether by a professional or just by the homeowner.  A lot of times, insulation is damaged or displaced by other contractors working in your attic or crawl space.  Fiberglass and Blown Insulation tends to settle over the years requiring adding additional insulation or replacing the insulation with an upgraded type of insulation like Sprayed Foam.  Building codes change periodically as well.  Updating your insulation based on current insulation codes, keeps your house properly insulated and more energy efficient.

At Creative Conservation, we are passionate about delivering cutting edge energy efficient solutions to ensure optimal comfort, safety, and energy savings for your home. Contact us today at (800) 798-1127 for a free estimate!

Posted in Cellulose Insulation, conditioned crawl space, Energy Conservation, Energy Saving, Environment, Home Comfort, Insulation, Open Cell Foam, R Value, Sealed Crawl, Spray foam, Spray Foam for Business, Unvented Attics | Leave a comment

Why Fall is the Best Time to Insulate Your Home

Posted on November 16, 2021

Fall is a wonderful time of the year! The leaves are changing, the weather is cooler, and the holidays are right around the corner! As we head into the end of November, many of us are already planning for upcoming holiday festivities and cooler weather. Winter will be here before we know it! As you plan for the season, remember to make sure your home is prepared. Don’t wait until it is too late to insulate your home – get ahead of the problem!

Fall is the perfect time to prioritize your home insulation. Here’s why:

  1. Milder temperatures – Fall brings ideal temperatures for insulation installation. The summer heat has fizzled out and the winter cold has not yet set in, making it a perfect time for the work to be completed.
  2. Dryer air – Along with cooler temperatures, fall also brings dryer air! Dry air is crucial for a successful insulation installation. If the air is moist, moisture can get trapped below the insulation layer, making it less effective and increasing the likelihood of mold and mildew down the road.
  3. Higher savings – According to a report by the Environmental Protection Agency, the average homeowner with a sealed and insulated home saves around 15% on annual utility bills – savings that continue for years! Save money on bills by insulating earlier, instead of waiting for the cold to hit.
  4. Prevent frozen pipes – Ensuring your home is properly insulated before the cold sets in can also help prevent frozen and burst pipes, damages that can cost your family a lot of money!
  5. Improve air quality – In the same way insulating your home provides a barrier to the elements, it can also keep allergens and pollutants at bay! Breathing cleaner air can help you stay healthy during cold and flu season.

Many homeowners put projects like insulation installation on the backburner – we get it! However, the benefits of a cozy, comfortable, and cost-efficient home are well worth it. If you believe your home is not prepared for the coming cold, consider adding insulation!

At Creative Conservation, we specialize in home insulation to keep your space comfortable, efficient, and environmentally-friendly. Contact us today!

Posted in Energy Conservation, Energy Saving, Home Comfort, Insulation, Open Cell Foam, Spray foam, Spray Foam for Business, Sustainable Living | Leave a comment

Spray Foam Insulation 101

Posted on September 14, 2021

Fall weather and temperatures are wonderful, but if you’re like most of us, your thoughts have already started to wander to the upcoming holidays and inevitable colder weather. It will be here before you know it! When it gets cold outside, we normally rely on our HVAC systems to keep our homes warm and comfortable. But if your house is not properly insulated, your HVAC system will have to work harder than normal and your home still won’t be as comfortable as it could be.

That’s where spray foam insulation comes in.

Spray foam is exactly what it sounds like — a liquid foam that hardens to form a solid, air-tight foam insulation. It is an environmentally-safe, non-toxic way of insulating residential and commercial buildings. As opposed to traditional insulation, it is installed by directly spraying the polyurethane foam onto the wall and floor cavities. It can also seal spaces around electrical outlets and light fixtures.

Traditional insulation, like fiberglass and cellulose, operates like a wool sweater. It can keep you warm, but air is still able to pass through. This air leakage is what causes high heating and cooling bills in your home. According to the US Department of Energy, 40% of a home’s energy is lost as a result of air infiltration through walls, windows and doorways. Spray foam insulation, on the other hand, acts as a hard, air-tight seal against your walls that prevents cold air from seeping into your home during the winter months. It can insulate as much as 50% better than traditional insulation products.

While traditional insulation is cheaper than spray foam insulation, it is also less effective – especially during the cold winter months. Spending a little more to invest in spray foam insulation will pay off in the short- and long-term.

10357132_779761965401966_6036351367115416556_nThere are two types of spray foam insulation – closed cell and open cell. Open cell spray foam is softer and weaker form, because of the tiny open cells within the foam. Closed cell spray foam, on the other hand, creates a harder foam because the cells are closed and packed tightly together.

Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Open cell uses fewer chemicals, provides a strong air barrier and can reduce outdoor sounds; however, it is not as air-tight as a closed cell foam would be. Closed cell is much denser, making it a stronger barrier against air leakage and water vapor. It can be used anywhere in the home as well as outdoors. Because of its stronger structure, though, it is more expensive than other alternatives.

If you’re considering installing spray foam insulation in your home, give us a call for a free consultation. Our team of professionals would be happy to learn more about your needs and make recommendations specifically for your home.

Posted in Energy Conservation, Energy Saving, Home Comfort, Insulation, Open Cell Foam, Spray foam, Spray Foam for Business, Sustainable Living | Leave a comment

Creative Conservation is in NOVA!

Posted on April 7, 2021

Creative Conservation has had roots in the Northern Virginia area for over a decade. We are happy to announce that Creative Conservation has acquired and partnered with another established company in the area, Nova Spray Foam.

When we asked our President, Thomas Sprouse, about what this means for the Nova area he said, “Merging with Nova Spray Foam expands our reach in the Virginia and DC while increasing our retrofit business in both areas. Creative Conservation combines the two companies’ reputations and experience to deliver first-rate residential and commercial spray foam jobs.”

Spray foam is an economical insulation choice for commercial buildings. Because of its superior air-sealing qualities and ability to minimize sound, spray foam is an ideal solution for commercial projects. The expanding liquid form is installed by spraying it into wall and floor cavities and is able to insulate concrete slabs, as well as finished walls. Once applied, the foam expands up to 100 times its original volume, creating a barrier against exterior sound, moisture, and temperature.

Our customers can feel confident knowing they will receive the same high-quality work that both Creative Conservation and Nova Spray Foam are known for. Regardless of building type or size, spray foam insulation is an environmentally-friendly choice that can improve the performance of your space and reduce your overhead costs. For a free consultation, contact Creative Conservation today!

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