Is blown-in cellulose or spray foam better? 

This is one of the questions you might have as you look for the best one to insulate your attic.

Insulation is crucial in Orlando and Central Florida for the comfortability and safety of your home. It prevents rotting from moisture and helps control the temperatures of your house. Also, it is a requirement in the building code.

Here are three types of attic insulations available and effective in Florida:

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam has two types:

1. Closed-cell

Closed-cell insulation for the attic is the best type on the market, and this is why:

• It has the highest R-value of R6 to 7
• It is airtight, which means it seals the attic completely
• Moisture resistant
• Fire-resistant. Fire spreads faster when there is air presence. Since closed-cell spray foam is airtight, it prevents the penetration of fire and its spread. 
• Closed-cell insulation lasts a lifetime; therefore a one-time installation is enough. No repairs or replacements are needed. 
• This insulation strengthens the roof. The foam’s density makes the roof stronger, excellent in challenging weather conditions such as strong winds.
  
  

With that said, closed-cell spray foam is not perfect; it also faces some challenges, including:

• It hardens once it settles, and if not correctly installed, pipes and wires might be caught up in the foam. 
• You need to keep checking if there are any leakages on your roof. Because no moisture will be able to penetrate, it might hide moisture and damage the roof. You have to check for leakage constantly; otherwise, it could be rotting away.
  
  

2. Open-cell 

The differences between the closed and open-cell foam insulation are:

• Open-cell has a lower R-value of 3.5 
• Unlike closed-cell, it is not moisture-proof, which eventually leads to water damage to the house
• It does not stand to harsh weather as well as the closed-cell

However, it has benefits too:

• It is cheaper than closed-cell and still does an excellent job as an insulator
• Open-cell spray foam is more flexible. It makes it easier to spot hard to reach places in the attic, unlike the closed which is stiff
• It helps minimize noise 

So is blown-in cellulose or spray foam better? Spray foam insulation is better than batts and blown-in cellulose for home insulation. It costs more upfront but you save more on your power bill and enjoy a lifetime of comfort.

Blown-in Cellulose Insulation 

Blown-in cellulose insulation is one of the types that are popular among homeowners. It has an R-value of 3.5, an excellent rate to keep your home comfortable. 

Advantages:

1. Manufacturers treat the cellulose material in borates
   Borates help make the insulation fire-resistant and help keep rodents off the attic. 
2. Eco-friendly
   Manufacturers make Cellulose from recycled paper. 
3. Effective
   It is the best option for hard-to-read areas of an attic. 
4. It’s a noise buffer

The downside of cellulose insulation

• Water retention

Blown-in Cellulose can absorb and retain water, which is not what you want in your attic insulation. It could lead to a damaged roof. The insulation also starts to sag because of the weight, creating spaces. Overall the insulation stops serving its purpose.

So far the question ‘is blown-in cellulose is better or spray foam?’, is clear. Spray foam stands as the best attic insulation.

Fiberglass batts Insulation
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Fiberglass insulation is the most commonly used in Florida homes because it costs very little than the other insulation types. It has the lowest R-value of 2.5. However, it is practical, fire and water-resistant, and easy to install. 

The downside to fiberglass batts is the airtightness of attics with distinctive designs. It can leave spaces where air can sip through, reducing the R-value. 

 In Conclusion

When it comes to choosing which type of insulation to install for your attic, it comes down to your preference and the cost. With the options and information above, you will be in a better position to make a decision.  

At All Florida Insulation, we offer all the above insulation options and more. Is blown-in cellulose or spray foam better? That depends on your specific needs. We service Orlando, Windermere, Longwood, Winter Park, Lake Nona, and the surrounding areas.

Visit our website and get in touch with our experts who will walk with you through the project. 

Are you wondering about how to insulate a wall without removing the drywall? Adding insulation into an already built house can get quite challenging as some of the best insulation types are ideally installed while constructing the home. However, the great news is that it is indeed possible to add insulation without having to remove the drywall!
 
Many homeowners realize a little too late that their home is under-insulated. It gets too warm in the summer or too cold during winter. Electric bills seem to be higher than expected all the time and rooms seem to have noise barriers at all.
 
If you’re worried about the hassle and expense of having to remove your home’s drywall for you to add some insulation, you need not worry no more. For as long as you work with a trusted and reputable insulation contractor, this can be done properly and effectively.
 
There are some considerations to keep in mind. First, you have to determine what type of insulation you need and where you need to install it. Holes can be cut into exterior walls to add blown-in insulation. Basement and attics, since they’re not necessarily living areas, can be insulated with spray foam.
 
Especially when you will be drilling holes in to walls or using spray foam insulation, make sure that you hire a licensed insulation contractor. Not doing so can result in serious damage to your home if the person applying the insulation is not experienced or knowledgeable enough.
 
Another great benefit of hiring a licensed contractor is that this professional can help you determine what type of insulation you need. You can expect expert recommendations and they can do the job safely and properly, too.

Now that you already know how to insulate a wall without removing the drywall, then it’s time to look for the best insulation contractor to help you do it! For your blown-in insulation or spray foam insulation needs in Longwood, Orlando, Maitland, Winter Park, and the surrounding areas, contact All Florida Insulation. We are a licensed insulation company with years of valuable experience and a full set of equipment so we can carry out all types of insulation jobs, big or small. Call us at (407) 410-FOAM (3626) to request a free quote.

Are you wondering how to soundproof a home office? A lot of people had no choice but to work from home during the pandemic. Many realized the importance of a soundproof home office. It is, after all, challenging to work when you are distracted by the noise of next-door neighbors, cars passing by, dogs barking, and more.
 
If you are planning to make changes around your home to soundproof your home office properly and effectively, know that it will be a lot of work. It isn’t cheap either. It’s good to know though that there is another option you can consider.
 
When you need soundproofing to get rid of distracting noise that prevents you from focusing on work, then investing in a pair of noise-cancelling headphones can definitely help you out. Those with a noise-cancelling microphone can also block background noise when you are on a call. There are also applications or software you can use to further improve background noise cancellation on regular headphones with microphones.
 
But when it comes to actually soundproofing a home office so you won’t have to worry about noise at all even without wearing headphones, then you might have to get work done.
 
Some of the most effective ways to soundproof a home office include sealing holes. Keep doors and windows closed and if there are gaps in between them, you have to seal them to keep the noise out. You may also have to upgrade your doors if your current ones are made from thin materials.
 
You should also add layers of insulation to block outside noise. Acoustic insulation such as those made with fiberglass insulation are excellent soundproofing materials. If you are want to get more than just soundproofing but also better home insulation efficiency, you should consider spray foam insulation as it has superior quality soundproofing features.

Now that you already know how to soundproof a home office, it is time to decide which of the above tips you will be putting into action. If you decide on insulating your home office, there’s no better contractor to call than All Florida Insulation.
 
We have been in the business of residential and commercial insulation for many years now and we take pride in the exceptional customer service we provide. We can insulate your home office or your entire home in Orlando, Maitland, Longwood,  Winter Park, Deltona, Sanford, Windermere, Ocoee, Lake Mary, and the surrounding areas. Call All Florida Insulation at (407) 410-FOAM (3626) to request a free estimate today!

If your attic has always been an “out of sight, out of mind” area of your home, then you are certainly missing out on a lot of storage and even extra living space opportunities. And if you are finally looking for ways on how to take advantage of your attic space, then you are certainly making a great move.
 
The attic is usually used as a storage space. Other homeowners find climbing up to the attic inconvenient, so they choose to clutter up the entire house instead and leave the attic as is.
 
Today, let’s find out how you can make most out of all the space you have in the attic. Check out the tips below.

Declutter. If there’s plenty of clutter and junk in the attic, get rid of them if you can. Dispose of the things you no longer need, donate those that are still usable, or perhaps you can even sell some useful items you don’t like to keep anymore.
 
Insulate. The attic can get very hot and uncomfortable during the summer and extremely cold during the winter. Install proper insulation – and make sure you cover the insulation as needed!
 
Install Proper Ventilation. Especially when you apply new insulation in your attic, it could be extra humid up there. So you must also make sure you have proper ventilation in your attic area.
 
Repaint. A new layer of fresh paint can definitely make your attic a more attractive space – and you might even end up wanting to make it an extra living space. So after repainting, bring up some furniture and decorate the area as well.

Install Proper Lighting. If you plan on using the attic often, perhaps as a meditation area or home office, then you must have proper lighting there too.
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Now that you already know how to take advantage of your attic space, then it’s time to move it! If you’re considering an insulation upgrade, contact All Florida Insulation. We are the go-to pros of residents and business owners all over Orlando, Maitland, Longwood, Winter Park, Deltona, Sanford, Windermere, Ocoee, Lake Mary, and the surrounding areas who need spray foam insulation and all other insulation services. Call (407) 410-FOAM (3626) to request a free quote.

Florida can get very hot and humid almost year round. That is why it is best to install the best attic insulation for Florida climate to maximize its benefits and efficiency. You need to choose an insulation type with an adequate R-value that would be enough to keep your home comfortable no matter the type of weather outdoors.
 
In Orlando, for instance, the average minimum yearly temperature is placed at 72.5°F with the hottest months of June to September averaging between 81 to almost 83°F. Colder seasons are not exactly cold compared to other states with an average of 60.3°F experienced in January.

When it is usually warm and humid in your area, you tend to turn on the air-conditioning for as long as possible. Also, your AC unit needs to work twice or thrice as much to keep your home cool all day and night long. Expect your energy bill to become higher than the usual. This can be prevented, however, when you install the right insulation for your home. Your home’s insulation will help trap the temperature inside so your AC doesn’t have to use too much power to keep the interior cool.
 
Among the insulation types you can choose from are spray foam insulation, injected foam, radiant barriers, blown-in insulation, and block foam insulation among many others. It is important to install the right type of attic insulation because most of the heat from outdoors are trapped in the attic. When the attic gets especially hot, the heat can travel to other areas of your home making you and your family feel uncomfortably warm especially during the day.
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Spray foam insulation is one of the best choices for attic insulation for your Florida home. When applied properly, it can completely seal your attic so that no air comes in our out of this area. This prevents your air conditioner from having to work twice as much especially on hotter days. Spray foam can help decrease indoor temperature in your attic by up to 10 to 15 degrees!
 
Closed cell spray foam insulation has a higher R-value compared to open cell spray foam. The exact R-value depends on the thickness of insulation installed in your attic. It is always best to work with a licensed insulation contractor so you are well-informed on the actual R-value required to sufficiently insulate your attic area.
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The best attic insulation for Florida is spray foam insulation because of its efficiency and ability to seal all corners, no matter how narrow or small, so that temperature remains controlled in the attic. It is important, however, to work with a licensed and knowledgeable contractor to ensure that the process is done properly to maximize the benefits of this type of insulation.
 
If you are located in Orlando, Maitland, Longwood, Winter Park, or any of the surrounding communities, make sure you reach out to All Florida Insulation for your spray foam insulation needs for your attic. Contact us at (407) 410-FOAM (3626) to schedule an appointment and to request a free quote.

Can I paint over spray foam insulation? This is probably one of the questions you have in mind if you’re looking for a way to make your newly insulated home aesthetically pleasing. It’s great that you’re doing some research first because the short answer to the question above would be yes, but it depends.

Previously, we wrote about covering insulation in the attic. Painting over spray foam insulation follows similar conditions. You first have to make sure that the paint you use won’t affect the efficiency and integrity of your spray foam insulation.
 
You would also have to check with your local government’s building code to ensure that painting spray foam insulation is allowed. Many times, building codes specifically indicate a required cover or fire barrier over insulation that is exposed to living spaces. Therefore, if you will be covering the insulation material, painting it wouldn’t serve its purpose anymore.

We highly recommend working with an insulation professional if you are going to be painting over spray foam. Spray foam application is not exactly cheap and mishandling it could lead to inefficiency or even irreparable damage. So, make sure you’re consulting with a licensed insulation contractor to get expert advice.
 
If you have already decided to start painting, make sure you wait at least 24 hours or longer after the spray foam has been applied. The insulation material must be fully dried first.
 
Do not use paint brushes or paint rollers. It is best to use spray paint as it is gentler compared to other paint application methods. You may also need to sand the foam material before beginning to paint so that the surface is even.
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Hopefully, the above tips gave you an idea of what you should do when you decide to paint over spray foam insulation at home. For your insulation needs, contact All Florida Insulation for assistance. We install all kinds of insulation materials in Orlando, Maitland, Longwood, Winter Park, and the surrounding areas. Just call us at (407) 410-FOAM (3626) to get a free estimate.

​Should I cover attic insulation? This is probably one of the questions you have in mind as you climb up to your attic and once again got in contact with the fibers of your insulation. Not only does exposed insulation look unattractive, but one may also worry about it getting damaged overtime when it is unprotected. Furthermore, some insulation materials may be toxic.
 
However, covering insulation in the attic doesn’t seem necessary for some since the attic isn’t a living space in most homes. Homeowners don’t frequently stay in the attic and guests aren’t usually invited to come up to this space. There’s no immediate need to make it pretty.
 
But aside from aesthetic purposes, some attic insulation materials are better covered. You just have to make sure you are choosing the right cover as doing this improperly can decrease the efficiency and effectiveness of your insulation.

If you will be covering attic insulation, the number one rule is that you shouldn’t cover it with another layer of insulation. This will cause all sorts of moisture problems that would ultimately damage the original insulation and possibly even the overall integrity of your home’s structure.
 
If your purpose when you decide to cover attic insulation is so you won’t touch the exposed insulation when up in the attic, you can easily use some twine or nylon cords to keep the insulation in place.
 
Alternatively, you can use a piece of plywood or even drywall to conceal the insulation. You may also look into breathable home wrap materials that won’t trap moisture within the insulation.
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At All Florida Insulation, we will help you with all of your insulation needs. If you wish to cover your attic insulation after installation, just let our team know so we can give you our expert recommendations. We specialize in spray foam insulation and install all other insulation materials in Longwood, Winter Park, Orlando, and the surrounding areas. Contact us at (407) 410-FOAM (3626) to get a free quote.

How much does it cost for spray foam insulation application or installation? Many homeowners are already well aware of the numerous benefits of spray foam insulation. This type of insulation is also known to increase the value of one’s home. It is a great investment that pays for itself over the years. However, it does cost quite a bit to install, or so they say.
 
The actual cost of spray foam insulation varies and it depends on several factors. There are two types of spray foam insulation – open-cell and closed-cell spray foam with open-cell spray foam insulation being the cheaper option at around 44 to 65 cents per board foot. Closed-cell spray foam insulation, on the other hand, costs around $1-$1.50. Of course, these prices change over the years and these costs are simply the actual material used.
 
Spray foam insulation installation is not a DIY job. Many times, we’ve seen even the smallest mistakes resulting in expensive and time-consuming problems. Hiring a professional spray foam contractor to do the job for you may bring you to a total cost of about $2,500 on average.

When asking how much it costs for spray foam insulation, more often than not, it is best to reach out to a local contractor directly to get an estimate. Here are the usual factors considered to come up with a price.
 
Type of Spray Foam Insulation – As earlier mentioned, closed-cell spray foam insulation costs a bit more compared to open-cell spray foam.
 
Size of Area to Be Insulated – Since material costs are priced per square foot board, the size of the area that needs to be insulated greatly affects the total cost of the project.
 
Contractor of Choice – Contractors don’t usually have one standard price for all their services. Depending on the company you choose to hire, the total project cost may differ as well.
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Now that you already have an idea of how much does it cost for spray foam insulation, it is time to contact the best company to help you out. For Longwood spray foam insulation, there’s no better company to call than All Florida Insulation. We also serve residential and commercial clients in Orlando, Winter Park, Maitland, Deltona, and the surrounding areas. Call us at (407) 410-FOAM (3626) to get a free estimate today!

Is insulation application or installation a DIY job? These are actually very valid questions since most homeowners are quick to assume that insulation should be applied when constructing a house. Some do not realize that insulation can be added at a later time or you can apply more insulation when necessary when you find out that your home is under-insulated.

Truth be told, some homeowners opt to DIY home insulation. After all, most insulation materials are readily available on the market and can be bought by just about anyone. So for those who want to save money, they try to do it on their own.

Not all homeowners have the tools, equipment, or knowledge necessary in applying or installing insulation. It gets especially challenging for some materials such as spray foam insulation. We strongly recommend against the DIY application of spray foam. A small mistake or one small area you may have missed can make your insulation ineffective, sometimes, it can even damage your home.

When you need home insulation, you must call a licensed insulation contractor. These experts have the tools, equipment, and all the necessary materials needed to carry out practically any insulation job. You’ll have peace of mind that your home is well-insulated and you don’t even have to do any of the work on your own.

Who does home insulation work? Anyone who has the tools, materials, and equipment needed to insulate a house can do it. However, it is never ideal to DIY home insulation. When you need to insulate your house, it is best to call a licensed contractor for assistance. All Florida Insulation is a specialist in spray foam insulation and all other insulation types for both residential and commercial properties in Orlando, Longwood, Maitland, Winter Park, Sanford, and the surrounding areas. Call us at (407) 410-FOAM (3626) to get a free estimate today!

What is the purpose of a thermal imaging gun? Why is it important in the home insulation industry? A thermal imaging gun used in insulation application appears and serve a very similar purpose to those gun thermometers many of us are so familiar with. Although anyone can easily handle a thermal imaging gun because it’s a literally handheld device that’s simple to operate, understanding what it shows takes some skill and knowledge.

There are larger thermal cameras used in the insulation industry and they serve an important purpose. They can show changes in temperatures – where it’s usually hotter or colder in a home or building. However, since thermal imaging guns are handier, they are used by many insulation contractors during the initial inspection of a property to determine which areas lack and need more insulation.

Thermal imaging, as mentioned earlier, gives an insulation contractor an image of where heat is concentrated in a property. For instance, you’ve lived in a home for several years now with an assumption that it is well-insulated. But you’re noticing that it gets extremely warm in one bedroom compared to an adjacent bedroom that has the same number of windows, anyway. Breaking down the walls to check on insulation would be costly, inefficient, and impractical. A thermal imaging gun would let you check if the temperature is different in one area of your home compared to another.

All Florida Insulation is Central Florida’s trusted insulation contractor. We specialize in spray foam insulation, fiberglass insulation, blown-in insulation, and many more insulation services in Longwood, FL. We serve communities in Orlando, Maitland, Lake Mary, Winter Park, and the surrounding areas. We are fully equipped not only with a thermal imaging gun, but also all the tools needed to carry out all kinds of insulation jobs, no matter how big or small. Call us at (407) 410-FOAM (3626) to get a free quote and to schedule a thermal imaging inspection on your property!