Wednesday, March 30, 2011

More Benefits of Insulation

Last month I talked about insulation and how it can reduce energy costs by keeping your indoor heated or cooled air from escaping through the walls and ceilings. There are various types of insulation that can be installed by professionals, and one option for Valley residents to consider is RetroFoam.


This foamed in place insulation works well in any existing home with block or frame construction. The foam is installed through small holes and will completely fill all open areas within the walls, sealing all wall cracks and crevices. RetroFoam brings the R-Value of your walls very close to the R-19 recommended by APS for homes in the Phoenix area. RetroFoam claims to have the highest annual R-value of any re-insulation option on the market today. The foam stays in place, unlike cellulose or fiberglass insulation which can settle or break down over time. The company also points out that the foam is non-flammable and non-toxic, and eliminates places where critters can make their homes. If traffic or other noise is an issue, another potential benefit of the foam insulation is sound insulation, with a decrease of sound levels of up to 75%, a 45-50 db reduction on average.

RetroFoam technicians fill the wall cavities from the outside, so it is usually an easy process for the homeowner. The company then patches the small holes and matches your home’s finish and paint color to complete the job.

As we all look for ways to improve and maintain our homes while saving on energy costs, an insulation upgrade like RetroFoam could be something to consider.