Insulation – Backup
Stay Cool! Upgrade Your Old Insulation
Ecotelligent Homes is an award-winning insulation contractor serving homeowners in the Metro Detroit area since 2009 with professionally installed cellulose blown in insulation and closed cell spray foam insulation. Our skilled and trained on-staff insulation crews install the following insulation services to meet ENERGY STAR standards and help your family enjoy a comfortable home all year long:
DOES YOUR METRO DETROIT HOME HAVE COLD AND DRAFTY ROOMS DURING THE WINTER?
Stop looking for the best space heater to improve the comfort of your cold and drafty rooms. A space heater is an inefficient Band-Aid that ultimately does not answer the question of ‘how to heat a cold room?’. Air sealing and insulation improvements professionally installed by Ecotelligent Homes will answer your question of ‘how to warm up a cold room?’ and will help your family enjoy year-round comfort and energy savings.
IS IT TOO WARM TO SLEEP IN YOUR ROOM IN THE SUMMER?
Summers can be hot and humid in Michigan--that's why families in Royal Oak bungalows, Bloomfield Township colonials, and Plymouth cape cods have all asked us ‘how to cool down at night?’ and ‘how to keep the house cool?’. They are impressed with how comfortable their homes are after Ecotelligent Homes installs air sealing and insulating, and you can be too.
Call 248-291-7815 for Ecotelligent Homes to professionally install your insulation for year round comfort!
Blog Posts
What is a Michigan Basement?
Growing up or living in Michigan, you’ve likely heard the term “Michigan basement.” But … do you know what it means? In this article, we’ll break it down: What is a Michigan basement, and how can you make the most of the basement you have.
How to Avoid a Space Heater Fire: Safety Tips + Alternatives
Heating equipment is one of the top causes of house fires in the US, especially during the cold months. Here we review the top tips to use space heaters safely and the best options to keep your home warm and cozy without space heaters.
How to Interpret Uneven Snow Melt on Roof
A patchy or uneven layer of snow on your roof means that you don’t have enough insulation in your attic, and you also most likely have air leaks that allow warm air from your home to enter the attic, warming the underside of your roof and melting the snow.
Case Studies
Case Study: How a Bungalow Beats the Heat in Michigan
Case Study: How a Bungalow Beats the Heat in Michigan Air Source Heat Pump, Attic Insulation, Heating & Cooling, Insulation, Rim Joist Insulation Estimated reading time: 7 minutes Our client Sarah L. recently moved into a charming 1942 bungalow in Ferndale, Michigan. Sarah found a lot to love, but just like any new home, there […]
Case Study: Modernizing a Mid-Century Home
Case Study: Modernizing a Mid-Century Home Air Source Heat Pump, Asbestos, Attic Insulation, Furnace, Heating & Cooling, Insulation Estimated reading time: 9 minutes Joseph W. and his family had just moved to a new home in Rochester, Michigan. Built in 1954, the home had lots of opportunities – almost no insulation with a 20+ year […]
Historic Home Wyandotte
Overview Homeowners of a historic home in Wyandotte were suffering from a cold 2nd floor in the winter and a hot 2nd floor in the summer. Problem The homeowners knew they needed insulation but weren’t sure how to insulate the attic because of the furnace and duct work on the attic floor. Approach Ecotelligent Homes […]
THE ECOTELLIGENT DIFFERENCE
Ecotelligent Homes is a home performance contractor, which means we are a one-stop-shop and we manage the project from start to finish. We follow a three-step process when assessing and improving the comfort and energy efficiency of your home.
We can identify the source of your comfort, health and efficiency issues and present you with a solution to resolve the problem at its root.
Our licensed and insured team will install your improvements to industry-leading standards.
Our quality assurance check confirms the quality of our work and its impact on your home’s energy efficiency, comfort and health.
What is a Michigan Basement?
Growing up or living in Michigan, you’ve likely heard the term "Michigan basement." But … do you know what it means? In this article, we’ll break it down: What is a Michigan basement, and how can you make the most of the basement you have.
If you have questions about your home in particular, please give us a call at (248) 291-7815 or send us a message anytime:
What is a Michigan basement?
In simple terms, a Michigan basement is a crawl space that is converted into a basement.
According to the State of Michigan's building glossary, a Michigan basement is a former crawlspace which has been dug out, generally to a depth of 5 to 7 feet to allow for a basement. The excavation begins approximately 2 feet in from the inside of the existing foundation walls in order to preserve the soundness of the existing foundation wall and footings.
The floors are usually just sand or dirt left over from the original digging job.
Original or crude Michigan basements lack power, water, or ventilation, but some have been upgraded over the years to accommodate water heaters, circuits, and other simple appliances.
Generally, these spaces are not finished like other basements; a finished Michigan basement is often referred to as a cellar.
The term Michigan basement is believed to have originated due to the prevalence of this particular style of basement construction in Michigan.
Michigan basements are typically shallow and have a partial or low ceiling height compared to standard basements. They are often used for storage or utility purposes rather than as livable space.
The term Michigan basement is not a technical or official construction term. Similar types of basements with low ceilings or shallow depths can be found in other regions, but they are referred to by different names.
Common features of homes built before 1950, Michigan basements are often found beneath old northeastern farmhouses and large homestead dwellings.
Advantages of a Michigan Basement
Unfortunately, Michigan basements provide little in the way of benefits for a modern homeowner.
They can be used for crude storage, as a root cellar, or as a storm shelter. However, their earthy and damp nature, along with low ceilings, limits their usability for everyday living.
Disadvantages of a Michigan Basement
Lack of Livable Space
Unlike full basements, Michigan basements are not typically designed for habitation. Their earthy and damp nature, along with low ceilings, makes them less suitable for creating comfortable living areas.
If you’re looking for additional usable living space, a Michigan basement may not meet your needs.
Moisture and Mold Concerns
Michigan basements are infamous for water seepage, dampness, and mold growth.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), molds produce allergens, irritants, and potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins) that can make you and your family seriously sick.
Mold loves to grow in the dark, moist conditions that are typical of Michigan basements. This puts the health of your family at risk because as much as 50% of the air you breathe inside your home can come from the crawl space or basement because of the stack effect.
We won’t go into too much detail about the stack effect, but it’s important to know the basics. You know that hot air rises. In general, cold air enters through the crawl space or basement of a home, then moves through the main floor and upper floor as it heats up, exiting through the attic.
Illustration of the Stack Effect
More likely than not, the air that you're breathing at home started in your crawl space or basement. If you have mold down there, then your risk of feeling sick at home is that much greater.
Ventilation Challenges
Ventilation in a Michigan basement may be limited compared to traditional basements.
Due to their partially below-ground nature and restricted access, these basements may have fewer or smaller windows, impacting airflow and natural lighting.
Structural Integrity
Michigan basements are often dug out from existing crawl spaces, which can affect the soundness of the existing foundation walls and footings.
Also, because of moisture intrusion, cracks, deterioration, and potential structural instability can result over time, leading to expensive repairs.
Energy Efficiency
The lack of insulation and unfinished walls in Michigan basements allow cold air to seep into your basement and, subsequently, other parts of your home.
These drafts can create cold spots near basement windows, doors, and any gaps in the walls. Cold spots make certain areas less comfortable, especially during winter months. The stack effect, where cold air enters low and rises through living spaces, exacerbates this issue.
If you don't control the movement of hot and cold air into your home, then you'll see significantly higher energy bills over months and years.
What can you do to make the most of your basement? The first step is to give us call at 248) 291-7815 or send us a message:
How do you insulate a Michigan basement?
There are multiple ways to insulate a Michigan basement. The most common options are closed cell spray foam, rigid foam board and open cell spray foam.
Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation
At Ecotelligent Homes, we recommend using closed cell spray foam insulation for a Michigan basement.
With the way Michigan basements are built, there are often awkward angles as well as big and small spaces that need to be filled with insulation. Closed cell spray foam has the ability to get into these areas making it one of the best options for a Michigan basement.
Closed cell spray foam insulation filling both big and small gaps in a Michigan basement has multiple benefits:
- The rock foundation and old timber joists that make up most Michigan basements have lots are areas that pests can take a liking to. Closed cell foam can help keep them out by covering and sealing the areas where they're likely to enter your home.
- Closed cell spray foam insulation in your Michigan basement can help enhance your home's air quality due to its air sealing properties and creating a vapor barrier. It will prevent unwanted pollutants from entering your home through the purous basement walls.
- The small areas in your basement rim joists can be filled with closed cell spray foam insulation to help prevent cold floors during Michigan's cooler months.
- Moisture is a common issue in Michigan basements which is another reason why closed cell spray foam is a good choice for it. Using closed cell spray foam insulation can help create a moisture barrier and prevent mold and mildew from becoming an issue in your basement.
Rigid Foam Board Insulation
Rigid foam board insulation is a lightweight rigid panel made from various types of foam like expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS) or polyisocyanurate. Rigid foam board is easy to install but has downsides.
Michigan basements typically do not have smooth walls meaning there will likely be gaps that allow unwanted air to enter or exit your home where the ridge material does not sit flush on the bumpy rock walls.
Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation
We do not recommend open cell spray foam insulation for Michigan basements.
Open cell spray foam insulation has many of the same benefits as closed cell spray foam insulation with one major exception. Open cell spray foam insulation is vapor-permeable, meaning it allows moisture to pass through the material.
If your Michigan basement is susceptible to water, open cell spray foam insulation will likely cause more problems that it solves.
Can you finish a Michigan basement?
Yes, you can finish a Michigan basement to make it a livable space as opposed to a storage area. A few things to consider when deciding to finish a Michigan basement:
- Ceiling height: Michigan basements have a lower ceiling height meaning excavation or lowering the floor, a costly endeavor, may be necessary.
- Egress requirements: A finished Michigan basement must have an emergency egress exit such as a window or door to make it habitable.
- Moisture: As mentioned, Michigan basements are known for moisture issues. Bulk moisture problems like flooding or foundation leaks need to be addressed prior to insulating with a closed cell spray foam.
- Heating and ventilation: Basements tend to be cooler than the upper levels of a home, so it is essential to consider heating and ventilation systems to maintain a comfortable temperature and adequate airflow in the finished space.
Is it time to insulate your Michigan basement?
We're here to help. Just give us call at 248) 291-7815 or send us a message when you're ready to schedule an appointment with one of our consultants.
Ecotelligent Homes
Since 2009, Ecotelligent Homes has completed more than 3,000 projects in Michigan. If you need help with new insulation, efficient HVAC, or abatement services, give us a call anytime: (248) 291-7815. Satisfaction guaranteed.
Got a project in mind?
Tell us about your project, and we'll send ballpark pricing in 2 minutes or less.
Categories
- Air Quality
- Air Sealing
- Air Source Heat Pump
- Asbestos
- Attic Insulation
- Cellulose Insulation
- Central A/C
- Crawlspace Insulation
- Duct Sealing
- Ecotelligent News
- Energy Audit
- Furnace
- Geothermal Heat Pumps
- Guest Blog Post
- Heating & Cooling
- Homepage feature
- Insulation
- Mold
- Renewable Energy
- Rim Joist Insulation
- Solar Energy
- Spray Foam Insulation
How to Avoid a Space Heater Fire: Safety Tips + Alternatives
Heating equipment is one of the top causes of house fires in the US, especially during the cold months. Here are the key findings from a report by the National Fire Protection Association.
- From 2016 to 2020, there were more than 44,000 home fires caused by heating equipment every year, resulting in hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries, and billions of dollars in damage.
- Heating equipment was behind 13% of all home fires, 18% of all fire deaths, 12% of all fire injuries, and 14% of all fire damage in that period.
- Space heaters were the worst offenders, causing 1/3 of all heating equipment fires, and most of the deaths and injuries. They are extremely dangerous if not used properly and kept away from flammable materials.
In this article, we’ll review the most important things you can do to use space heaters safely, and we’ll outline the best options to keep your home warm and cozy without space heaters.
If you have questions about keeping your home warm this winter, please give us call at (248) 291-7815, or send us a message anytime.
Home Fire Hazards from Different Heating Equipment
Space heaters cause more fires, deaths, and injuries than any other type of heating equipment. Out of every three home fires caused by heating equipment, one is caused by a space heater.
Out of every ten people who die in a home fire caused by heating equipment, nine are killed by a space heater. Out of every five people who get injured in a home fire caused by heating equipment, four are hurt by a space heater.
Home Structure Fire Trends by Heating Equipment Category: Annual Averages from 2016 to 2020
Tips to Use Space Heaters Safely
- Distance: Don’t let anything that can burn get too close to heating equipment. Keep a three-foot distance from any heat source.
- Children: Keep children away from space heaters. They can get burned or start a fire by accident.
- Switch: Turn off your portable heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep. They can overheat or tip over and start a fire. Nearly half of the fire deaths, and more than a fifth of the fire injuries and damage, occurred between midnight and 6am.
Percentage of Home Structure Fires that Heating Equipment Caused: Averages from 2016 to 2020
Tips for Safe Home Heating in General
- Professional: Hire a qualified professional to install and maintain your heating equipment. They will follow the local codes and manufacturer’s guidelines to make sure everything is working properly.
- Inspection: Get your heating equipment and chimneys checked and cleaned every year by a qualified professional. They will remove any dirt, dust, or debris that can cause a fire.
- Screen: Use a sturdy screen to cover your fireplace. It will prevent embers from flying out and starting a fire. Dispose of the ashes carefully after they cool down.
Want to Get away From Space Heaters? Try This.
Air Sealing and Insulation
Drafts and cold spots are caused by air leaks and poor insulation, which allow heat to escape from your home in winter and enter in summer. This makes your home feel chilly and uncomfortable, and forces you to use more space heaters or other heating devices to stay warm.
Air sealing and insulation allow you to avoid the need for space heaters by creating a tight and cozy envelope around your home.
Air sealing involves finding and sealing all the gaps and cracks in your home’s walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, and other openings. Insulation involves adding or improving the material that slows down the heat flow between the inside and outside of your home.
What’s more, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, air sealing and insulation can save you up to 15% on your annual energy bills.
Install a Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump
Another option to reduce your need for space heaters is to install ductless mini splits. Ductless mini splits are heating and cooling systems that consist of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units.
They do not require ductwork, which can lose up to 30% of energy due to leaks and heat loss. You can control the temperature of each room individually, which allows you to create different zones in your home and save energy by turning off the units in unoccupied rooms.
Ductless mini splits can also provide year-round comfort, as they can switch between heating and cooling modes depending on the season. They are especially suitable for converted spaces and add-on rooms, where extending ductwork can be difficult or costly.
According to the Department of Energy, ductless mini splits can save you up to 30% on your cooling costs and up to 60% on your heating costs compared to conventional systems.
Prevent a Space Heater Fire: The Bottom Line
If you’re in a pinch, it’s OK to use space heaters, but be mindful to use them safely. Make sure they have three feet of space from anything that can catch fire, and turn them off when you leave the room.
When you’re ready to power down the space heaters for good, give us a call at (248) 291-7815. We’ll give you a proposal to seal up air leaks, add insulation, and perhaps install a ductless mini split.
Ecotelligent Homes
Since 2009, Ecotelligent Homes has completed more than 3,000 projects in Michigan. If you need help with new insulation, efficient HVAC, or abatement services, give us a call anytime: (248) 291-7815. Satisfaction guaranteed.
Got a project in mind?
Tell us about your project, and we'll send ballpark pricing in 2 minutes or less.
Categories
- Air Quality
- Air Sealing
- Air Source Heat Pump
- Asbestos
- Attic Insulation
- Cellulose Insulation
- Central A/C
- Crawlspace Insulation
- Duct Sealing
- Ecotelligent News
- Energy Audit
- Furnace
- Geothermal Heat Pumps
- Guest Blog Post
- Heating & Cooling
- Homepage feature
- Insulation
- Mold
- Renewable Energy
- Rim Joist Insulation
- Solar Energy
- Spray Foam Insulation
How to Interpret Uneven Snow Melt on Roof
After it snows, have you wondered why some homes in your neighborhood have a consistent layer of snow across the roof, like this:
And some roofs have a patchy or uneven layer of snow?
Well, wonder no more! We’ll break down why this happens, why it matters, and what you can do about it. In a nutshell:
A patchy or uneven layer of snow on your roof means that you don’t have enough insulation in your attic, and you also most likely have air leaks that allow warm air from your home to enter the attic, warming the underside of your roof and melting the snow.
Why does this matter?
- First, you’re wasting money by paying to heat air that escapes into your attic. It’s like leaving a window wide open through the coldest months of the year.
- Second, the melting snow on your roof can cause ice dams, which result in mold growth, soggy insulation, cracked plaster ceilings and walls - basically all kinds of issues at home.
So, what should you do about it?
Go to the source of the problem - Add insulation to your attic and seal up air leaks. This creates a clear separation between the warm, conditioned area of your home and the cold attic, which maintains a temperature that’s consistent with the outdoor air.
The best part about this approach is that it not only resolves the issue with uneven snow melt and ice dams, but also, you’ll save money on your energy bills. Adding insulation to an under-insulated attic is the most cost effective upgrade most homeowners can do to make their homes more efficient.
The U.S. EPA estimates that average homeowners save an average of 15% on their heating and cooling bills by sealing air leaks and adding insulation.
If you’d like help with your home, start by giving us call at (248) 291-7815, or send us a message to connect with one of our consultants:
Why does my roof have patchy snow?
First off, let’s do some myth busting.
It’s not a lack of ventilation
Some people think that they have patchy snow because their roof isn’t properly ventilated.
That’s just not the case. To be clear - attic ventilation is really important. If you don’t have enough air flow in your attic, then you can have all kinds of issues with moisture, mold, and mildew. But a lack of ventilation doesn’t cause warm air from your home to melt the snow on your roof.
Attic insulation is the key
Adding insulation to your attic is like putting a warm hat on your head when it’s cold outside.
Heat naturally flows from warmer areas to cooler areas, so in the winter, attic insulation prevents heat from escaping through your roof, and in the summer, it prevents heat from entering through the roof.
Attic insulation works by creating a “thermal barrier” that reduces the flow of heat between the attic and the rest of the house. It’s essential to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, especially in rooms that are connected to the attic.
There are different types of attic insulation, such as cellulose, fiberglass, and spray foam insulation. Each type has a different R-value, which measures how well it resists heat transfer.
The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. We generally insulate attic floors to R-50. What does that mean? When you look at the floor of your attic, you should see a consistent layer of insulation that’s about a foot and a half deep.
If you have spray foam attic insulation, you should see a thick, unbroken layer of foam on the slopes of your attic.
Don’t forget to seal air leaks
Every attic insulation project that we do starts with air sealing. What’s air sealing? We use caulk and foam to seal large and small air leaks that we find. Here are the most common opportunities for air sealing in attics:
- Behind kneewalls: These are the short walls that separate the finished part of the attic from the unfinished part. They often have open stud cavities that allow air to flow from the house to the attic.
- Attic hatch: This is the door or panel that provides access to the attic. It may not be well insulated or sealed, creating a gap for air leakage.
- Wiring holes: These are the holes where electrical wires run through the ceiling or walls into the attic. They may not be properly caulked or foamed, leaving spaces for air to escape.
- Open soffit: This is the box that hides the recessed lights in the ceiling. It may not be airtight or insulated, creating a pathway for air to flow from the house to the attic.
- Recessed light: This is the light fixture that is installed in a hole in the ceiling. It may not be designed for insulation contact (IC) or air tightness (AT), meaning it can generate heat and allow air to leak around it.
What’s the big deal with patchy snow on my roof?
Patchy snow isn’t a problem per se, but it’s an indication that you have bigger problems, which aren’t as visible. For example:
- Roof leaks: The melted snow can seep through cracks or gaps in your roof and cause water damage to your ceilings, walls, and insulation.
- Ice dams: The melted snow can refreeze on the edges of your roof and form ice dams that block water drainage and damage your roof, gutters, and siding.
- Mold growth: The moisture and humidity from the snow can create a favorable environment for mold to grow in your attic or walls.
If you notice any signs of roof damage, such as sagging, leaks, cracks, or creaking noises, you should contact a roofing contractor as soon as possible to inspect and repair your roof.
What do I do about uneven snow on my roof?
Give us a call at (248) 291-7815, or schedule an appointment for one of our consultants to assess your attic.
It’s best to start with a home energy audit, which involves two to four hours of diagnostic testing. This allows us to identify exactly where the cold air is entering your home, and we can measure how much air sealing you need to create a clear separation between your attic and the rest of your home.
You get a detailed report, which includes a breakdown of priorities, costs, rebates, and tax credits. If you choose to hire us for air sealing and attic insulation, you can kick back and relax. Your project comes with a satisfaction guarantee.
Ecotelligent Homes
Since 2009, Ecotelligent Homes has completed more than 3,000 projects in Michigan. If you need help with new insulation, efficient HVAC, or abatement services, give us a call anytime: (248) 291-7815. Satisfaction guaranteed.
Got a project in mind?
Tell us about your project, and we'll send ballpark pricing in 2 minutes or less.
Categories
- Air Quality
- Air Sealing
- Air Source Heat Pump
- Asbestos
- Attic Insulation
- Cellulose Insulation
- Central A/C
- Crawlspace Insulation
- Duct Sealing
- Ecotelligent News
- Energy Audit
- Furnace
- Geothermal Heat Pumps
- Guest Blog Post
- Heating & Cooling
- Homepage feature
- Insulation
- Mold
- Renewable Energy
- Rim Joist Insulation
- Solar Energy
- Spray Foam Insulation
Growing up or living in Michigan, you have likely heard the term "Michigan basement." While it is likely you have heard the term, do you know what it means? In this article, we will explore what a Michigan basement is and how you can enhance the space to make it usable.
What is a Michigan basement?
In simple terms, a Michigan basement is a crawlspace that is converted into a basement. According to the State of Michigan's building glossary, a Michigan basement is a former crawlspace which has been dug out, generally to a depth of 5 to 7 feet to allow for a basement. The excavation begins approximately 2 feet in from the inside of the existing foundation walls in order to preserve the soundness of the existing foundation wall and footings.
Why is it called a Michigan basement?
The term Michigan basement is believed to have originated due to the prevalence of this particular style of basement construction in Michigan. Michigan basements are typically shallow and have a partial or low ceiling height compared to standard basements. They are often used for storage or utility purposes rather than as livable space.
The term Michigan basement is not a technical or official construction term. Similar types of basements with low ceilings or shallow depths can be found in other regions, but they are referred to by different names.
How do you insulate a Michigan basement?
There are multiple ways to insulate a Michigan basement. The most common options are closed cell spray foam, rigid foam board and open cell spray foam.
Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation
At Ecotelligent Homes, we recommend using closed cell spray foam insulation for a Michigan basement. With the way Michigan basements are built, there are often awkward angles and small spaces that need to be filled with insulation. Closed cell spray foam has the ability to get into these areas making it one of the best options for a Michigan basement.
Closed cell spray foam insulation filling the smallest gaps in a Michigan basement has multiple benefits:
-
- The floor of a Michigan basement is often unfinished and left as dirt or has poured concrete over it. If the floor is left as dirt, pests can take a liking to it. Closed cell spray foam can help prevent this from happening by covering the small areas where these bugs are likely to enter your home.
- Closed cell spray foam insulation in your Michigan basement can help enhance your home's air quality due to its air sealing properties and creating a vapor barrier. It will prevent unwanted pollutants from entering your home through the purous basement walls.
- The small areas in your basement rim joists can be filled with closed cell spray foam insulation to help prevent cold floors during Michigan's cooler months.
Moisture is a common issue in Michigan basements which is another reason why closed cell spray foam is a good choice for it. Using closed cell spray foam insulation can help create a moisture barrier and prevent mold and mildew from becoming an issue in your basement.
Rigid Foam Board Insulation
Rigid foam board insulation is a lightweight rigid panel made from various types of foam like expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS) or polyisocyanurate. Rigid foam board is easy to install but has downsides.
As mentioned, rigid foam board is easy to install as it is lightweight and can be cut into various sizes. Michigan basements typically do not have smooth walls meaning there will likely be gaps that allow unwanted air to enter or exit your home where the ridge material does not sit flush on the bumpy rock walls.
Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation
Open cell spray foam insulation has many of the same benefits as closed cell spray foam insulation with one major exception. Open cell spray foam insulation is vapor-permeable, meaning it allows moisture to pass through the material. If your Michigan basement is susceptible to water, open cell spray foam insulation will likely cause more problems for your home.
Open cell spray foam insulation can be installed directly on walls, but since it is less dense than closed cell spray foam, it will show wear and tear if left exposed and not covered by drywall.
Can you finish a Michigan basement?
Yes, you can finish a Michigan basement to make it a livable space as opposed to a storage area. A few things to consider when deciding to finish a Michigan basement:
-
- Ceiling height: Michigan basements have a lower ceiling height meaning excavation or lowering the floor, a costly endeavor, may be necessary.
- Egress requirements: A finished Michigan basement must have an emergency egress exit such as a window or door to make it habitable.
- Moisture: As mentioned, Michigan basements are known for moisture issues. These problems need to be addressed with closed cell spray foam prior to adding insulation.
- Heating and ventilation: Basements tend to be cooler than the upper levels of a home, so it is essential to consider heating and ventilation systems to maintain a comfortable temperature and adequate airflow in the finished space.
Is it time to insulate your Michigan basement?
Contact the Ecotelligent Homes team if you are interested in improving your home's comfort and storage space by insulating your Michigan basement.
Ecotelligent Homes
Since 2009, more than 3,000 Michigan homeowners have trusted Ecotelligent Homes to make their homes comfortable and efficient. If you want an energy audit, insulation, HVAC, or abatement services, give us a call anytime: (248) 291-7815. Satisfaction guaranteed.
Got a project in mind?
Tell us about your project, and we'll send ballpark pricing in 2 minutes or less.
Categories
- Air Quality
- Air Sealing
- Air Source Heat Pump
- Asbestos
- Attic Insulation
- Cellulose Insulation
- Central A/C
- Crawlspace Insulation
- Duct Sealing
- Ecotelligent News
- Energy Audit
- Furnace
- Geothermal Heat Pumps
- Guest Blog Post
- Heating & Cooling
- Homepage feature
- Insulation
- Mold
- Renewable Energy
- Rim Joist Insulation
- Solar Energy
- Spray Foam Insulation
Home Insulation Health Hazards
Insulation is a necessity to keep our home at a safe temperature during cold Michigan winters and comfortable during its searing summers. While home insulation is overall beneficial for our home, it does have downsides when it comes to our health. There are pros and cons to different types of insulation, but the health hazards are very similar for each. The drawbacks are primarily related to the installation process for most forms of insulation, which is why trained professionals need to complete this task. Learn about the potential health concerns of each insulation type.
What are the health concerns of spray foam insulation?
Spray foam insulation has gained popularity due to its energy efficiency, air sealing capabilities and fire resistance compared to other forms of insulation. Spray foam insulation that use a blowing agent, hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), during installation release heat-trapping chemicals that are hazardous to the environment and installers. Ecotelligent does not use HFCs during the installation process as it is being banned in many states. Other health concerns of spray foam insulation include:
Respiratory Irritation
During and immediately after the installation of spray foam insulation, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals may be released into the air. These chemicals can cause respiratory irritation, including symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
Skin and Eye Problems
Direct contact with uncured spray foam insulation can cause skin and eye irritation. The chemicals present in the insulation may lead to redness, itching, rashes, or burning sensations on the skin. If the insulation comes into contact with the eyes, it can cause irritation, redness, and potential damage.
Off-Gassing of Chemicals
Spray foam insulation is typically composed of two liquid components that mix together during installation to create the foam. These components may contain isocyanates, which are chemicals known to be respiratory irritants and potential sensitizers. Off-gassing of these chemicals can occur for a period after installation, potentially contributing to indoor air quality concerns.
How to address the health concerns of closed-cell spray foam insulation
All spray foam insulation has an off-gassing period, but most spray foam manufacturers have tested and recommended installers utilize ventilation fans during the installation process to help reduce the length of this period. At Ecotelligent Homes, we use ventilation and recommend clients are not home during the installation and stay somewhere else the night of the installation to ensure they follow the manufacturers' recommendations.
Closed cell spray foam is a premium installation and should be installed by highly trained professionals to ensure the health and safety of the final product. Ecotelligent Homes staff members are Spray Foam Alliance Certified Installers. We follow the latest industry standards and keep the foam on ratio while controlling temperatures to help reduce the risk of bad foam and continuous off-gassing. This ensures the quality of the foam that is sprayed in your home.
What are the health concerns of cellulose insulation?
Cellulose insulation is a type of insulation made from recycled paper and treated with fire retardants. It typically has fewer health concerns compared to some other insulation materials. However, there are a few potential health issues associated with cellulose insulation installation and handling.
Respiratory Tenderness
During the installation process, cellulose insulation can generate dust particles that may be inhaled. Breathing in these airborne particles can cause respiratory irritation, leading to symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, throat irritation, and nasal congestion. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions may be more sensitive to these irritants.
Eye and Skin Annoyance
Direct contact with cellulose insulation fibers can cause skin irritation and redness. If the fibers come into contact with the eyes, they may lead to eye irritation, redness and potential damage. It is advisable to wear protective clothing and goggles when working with cellulose insulation.
How to address the health concerns of cellulose insulation
Blown in cellulose insulation and densely packed cellulose have minimal health risks. The main risks are related to the dust particles that can become airborne during the installation process. To limit the dust, Ecotelligent Homes uses cellulose insulation with binding material added to help reduce the dust generated during the installation. We also utilize drop cloths and plastic coverings inside your home and will typically run an air scrubber with a HEPA filter in the living space to capture the dust.
What are the health concerns of fiberglass insulation?
Fiberglass insulation is widely used in Michigan homes in the attic, walls, floors and ceilings. While it is not as safe as cellulose insulation it is generally considered safe, there are some health concerns associated with fiberglass insulation installation and handling which include:
Skin and Eye Irritation
It is important to wear appropriate protective clothing, including long sleeves, pants, gloves and goggles, when working with fiberglass insulation. Failure to do so can lead to skin and eye irritation. Direct contact with fiberglass insulation can lead to skin irritation, redness, itching and rashes. It can also irritate the eyes if fibers come into contact with them.
Respiratory Issues
Breathing in airborne fiberglass particles can bother the respiratory system, especially individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma. Exposure may lead to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, throat irritation and chest discomfort.
Inhalation of Fine Particles
Fiberglass insulation consists of tiny glass fibers, and if the material is disturbed during installation or removal, it can release fine particles into the air. Inhaling these particles may cause lung irritation or damage, although significant health risks from typical levels of fiberglass exposure are considered minimal.
What are the health concerns of vermiculite insulation?
Vermiculite insulation is no longer used in homes due to asbestos contamination, but it was widely popular between 1940 and 1990. Due to the asbestos, vermiculite insulation can be extremely harmful to your health. If you have vermiculite insulation in your home, these are the health risks associated with it.
Asbestos-Related Diseases
Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and long-term exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious health conditions, including asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. These diseases may develop many years after exposure and can be life-threatening.
Respiratory Concerns
Inhaling asbestos fibers released from vermiculite insulation can cause respiratory problems. The fibers are microscopic and can become lodged in the lungs, leading to inflammation, scarring, and the development of respiratory conditions such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
Environmental Contamination
Vermiculite insulation containing asbestos can release asbestos fibers into the air. These fibers can spread to other areas of the building, leading to potential exposure for occupants even in areas without direct insulation contact.
To minimize the potential health concerns associated with installing insulation or removing vermiculite insulation, it is advisable to hire trained professionals such as Ecotelligent who follow safety guidelines and best practices. Our team uses proper personal protective equipment, ensures good ventilation during installation when necessary and seals off the work area to prevent the spread of airborne particles. Contact the Ecotelligent Homes team today to learn more about our insulation options for your home.
Ecotelligent Homes
Since 2009, more than 3,000 Michigan homeowners have trusted Ecotelligent Homes to make their homes comfortable and efficient. If you want an energy audit, insulation, HVAC, or abatement services, give us a call anytime: (248) 291-7815. Satisfaction guaranteed.
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