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Thursday 05-07-2009 5:43pm ET
| Expert Information
The Insulation Man is a full service Home Performance Contracting Business that has existed under current management since 1989. The Insulation Man provides effective building envelope solutions for new construction and retrofits of older homes and businesses within an 80 mile radius of Binghamton, NY. We offer technical assistance with home performance issues concerning moisture, heat loss, and indoor air quality. We use Diagnostic Equipment and our own experience and knowledge to find problems and recommend solutions. Once the problems are found we use urethane foam, cellulose, and other materials to repair faults in the building envelope. We also use subcontractors to repair or replace HVAC equipment and distribution systems, windows, and doors.
We Believe:
...that the house should be viewed as a system
...that all building components are interrelated
...that changing one aspect affects another
...that insulation and air sealing will tighten a house and may trap odors, molds, radon and combustion byproducts
We Test:
...combustion appliances to see that they operate safely
...the integrity and tightness of the building envelope
...your home looking for characteristics in the house that will affect your comfort, safety, and budget, and explain them so you can confidently decide on solutions.
| | Services We Provide
Blown in cellulose is much better
than traditional fiberglass insulation at stopping all components of
heat loss. By design, this product will fill all voids in insulated
spaces. It is also typically installed at higher densities than
fiberglass batt insulation, allowing it to be much more suitable to
stop convective heat loss. The R value of this product will also be
more stable in adverse weather conditions than batt products because of
its higher density. Following are the typical types and means of
installation:
Loose: In a blown cellulose installation, the material is simply
blown into place in a loose, unconsolidated state. This is commonly
done in attics, where the cellulose is supported by the ceiling
beneath. Because the nature of blown cellulose causes it to settle over
time, extra material is added in the initial application.
Dense Packed: Cellulose can be blown in closed cavities like
walls, or cathedral ceilings, but in these situations it must be
installed at greater density to prevent settling. This process is
called “dense packing”, and it is an effective air barrier system.
Spray Cellulose: Spray cellulose is installed at higher
densities in open wall cavities. It is an effective air seal when it is
installed in cavities that will have an interior finish, and it has a
good R value. It is the least expensive and most effective insulation
product available for closed wall cavities. However, it is not
appropriate for all surfaces requiring insulation.
| Performance Consulting Service
Plan Review
The Insulation Man can review plans with owners and contractors to
assist them in providing answers to energy questions and decisions
concerning the “House as a System” building practices.
Ventilation
There are 3 types of ventilation in homes:
-Make Up Air – for combustion and exhaust only systems
-Roof Ventilation – to prevent roof rot
-Fresh Air Ventilation – to mitigate moisture and retain healthy air
Insulation
We ask these questions:
-How airtight can and should we make this home?
-What happens if we install a hot tub or a vent free fireplace?
-What type of insulation is best in this application? Why?
-What type of insulation is the least expensive?
-What type is the best at air sealing? Highest R value?
-Why did the Architect specify R-49 for the roof?
-Can we do better with less?
Moisture
We’ll find the answers to these questions:
-What sources of water are in this home?
-How can we control the Relative Humidity without wasting energy?
-Will a humidifier be necessary on the furnace? Why?
-How much fresh air ventilation should we plan for?
Heating System
We ask these questions:
-What limitations will the heating system have?
-Can we get the heat from the furnace to the rooms properly?
-What about return air?
-Will a furnace work better than a boiler?
-Why is a 96% efficient furnace sometimes less efficient than an 85% efficient boiler?
-What is the safest way to make hot water?
The Insulation Man knows how these types of systems interact, and can assist you in understanding them.
| Testing Services
We use both the Blower Door and an Infrared Scanner to test for air sealing. When used together, these devices can pinpoint air leakage paths, allow the contractor to improve his air sealing package and improve energy performance.
Blower Door
This device creates a small vacuum inside the structure and measures the flow necessary to maintain that vacuum. By comparing this flow rate with similar homes, we can understand the efficiency of your house We can also make determinations about the need for fresh air ventilation, make up air, and heating system size.
Infrared Scanner
This device allows us to find flaws in the insulation system and trace air leakage paths. We can actually see the heat patterns on the walls, allowing us to determine where the insulation is and where it isn’t working. We can then make precision repairs as necessary without tearing out walls or damaging building finishes.
Duct Blaster
This device allows us to measure the ductwork leakage in a home, and where to find it. If your home is heated with a duct system, it may be leaking hot air, compromising heat efficiency and costing you money.
Combustion Safety / Efficiency Inspection
We test for carbon monoxide emissions in gas appliances. Improperly vented appliances can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and allow heat to escape. Making the furnace and water heater more efficient reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the chimney. Less heat equals less draft, and a higher probability that the exhaust from these appliances may not exit the home. We advise people not to use vent-free heating appliances, and will take the time to explain why.
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