There are many insulating materials available that can keep your home comfortable. But none of them are quite like spray foam. This unique product has lots of merits and is probably the reason it's becoming popular in many households and businesses.

So, what is spray foam made of? How does it work? Read on and find out!

What components make up the spray foam?

The spray foam solution is a combination of isocyanate and polyol resins. These two chemicals form a polyurethane foam in a reaction.

Polyurethane has low conductivity of heat due to its complex chemical structure. It's the reason why the material works best as an insulator.

The foam mixture insulates buildings by sealing cavities and spaces along the walls. These fillings trap air which cushions against the loss of heat through conduction. The spray is often added in attics, crawl spaces, new constructions, and rim joints. It easily takes the shape of the cavity without sagging or settling even after curing.

Polyurethane has been in use for insulation since the 70s. It, thus, has a history of quality, reliability, and success.

Spray foam comes in two forms; open-cell foam and closed-cell foam. Each has unique properties and benefits that make it useful in different applications.

Open-cell foam

Open-cell spray foam is a lighter and more pliable form of polyurethane. It has more comprehensive expansion limits than closed-cell spray foam. Hence, an excellent sound barrier and is more flexible in structure.

Open-cell spray foam is more affordable compared to closed-cell spray foam. In addition, it offers insulation and soundproofing benefits. These properties make it ideal in areas with high noise pollution. Think of industrial zones and buildings neighbouring the highways.

Closed-cell spray foam

Closed-cell spray foam is heavier, denser, and thicker than open-cell polyurethane. Its high density offers a better R-value compared to the open-cell foam alternative. The R-value is the resistance of insulation material to heat flow. Due to its low expansion capabilities, closed-cell foam is also an excellent option for smaller structures such as sheds and cargo vans. (​1)

Why should you use the spray foam?

• Reduce Energy Bills. With extreme weather changes, you may be glaring at the prospect of huge energy bills. This often results from inefficient heating systems. Having your Florida house insulated against temperature extremes is, thus, a wise call.
  
  
• Prevent Drafts. Air currents travel through structural spaces such as crevices, vents, and wiring ducts. These movements bring about undesired temperature transfer through conduction and convection. 
  
  

To prevent such heat loss, you need a material that can efficiently fill all the spaces. And this is where spray foam comes in! It quickly expands and fills even the tiniest of spaces.
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• Prevent Moisture Condensation. The insulation also prevents moisture condensation on the walls of your house. Condensation may occur when the external and internal temperature difference is high. It may lead to moisture buildup, fungal growth, and dampening walls and floors. 

Don't let your energy bills give you sleepless nights. Protect your home against the changing seasons by insulating it with spray foam. 

At All Florida Insulation, we offer our clients top-quality spray foam insulation services. We have a team of experts who will help you choose the best option for your needs. We also have the right equipment and experience to do the job quickly and efficiently.

If you're a resident or business in Orlando, Ocoee, Gotha, Apopka, Lake Mary, or Windermere, make sure to contact us for a free quote today.

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Yes! Insulation is a must if you intend to keep your Florida home comfortable year-round. The state's heat and humidity can wreak havoc on your energy bills if it isn't properly insulated. In fact, uninsulated walls account for approximately 5% to 30% of your house's total heat loss, according to Energy.Gov.

Which Walls Should You Insulate?

All of them. Both the exterior and the interior walls need proper insulation. While both need it for different reasons, the bottom line is it's essential for maintaining a comfortable living space.

A certified and expert contractor like All Florida Insulation will assess your home and recommend the best insulation for your needs. They will also determine the product thickness and number of layers required to produce the desired results.

How Do Insulated Walls Benefit Your Florida Home?

Reduce Energy Bills

Without insulation, your home loses conditioned air and forces the HVAC system to work harder. Leads to inflated energy bills and uncomfortable living spaces. You not only have to pay extra but keep up with the reduced comfort levels.

Conversely, with proper external wall insulation, your home will maintain the desired temperature with less energy, translating to lower utility bills. The insulation is a barrier against heat loss during cold months and heat gain in summer.

Reduces noise levels

Noise is a common challenge in many homes. Your loved ones may be watching TV in the living room while you're trying to work from home in the study. It is annoying and disruptive, especially when trying to sleep.

All hope is not lost. You can keep each room quiet by installing acoustic insulation on the internal walls. This type of insulation is designed to reduce noise pollution by absorbing or deflecting sound waves. As a result, you enjoy a quieter and more peaceful home.

Enhance Moisture Control

Your walls can absorb water from the bathroom or kitchen. Moisture can also come from the exposure of windows to cold air outside and the warm air inside. When it gets to the walls, the moisture gets trapped within the wall as it tries to escape outside. 

After some time, it condenses to create bacteria, mildew, or rot. Such microbes will not only damage the wall but also lead to health problems such as allergies, skin irritation, and respiratory challenges.

External wall insulation will help regulate the moisture levels in your home. A vapor-resistant membrane insulator will minimize the risk of condensation by stopping the moisture from getting to the walls in the first place. It also helps maintain the structural formation of your property while helping you save money on repairs.

Improve Pest Control

Pests are a nuisance, and they can be very destructive. They will not only damage your belongings but also lead to health problems. Some common pests in Florida include cockroaches, rats, spiders, and ants.

Pests are responsible for diseases affecting millions of people in the US annually. The good news is you can keep them at bay by installing the proper insulation.

Contact Us Today

Considering the humidity and heat throughout Florida, you can't afford to miss out on proper wall insulation. When installing wall insulation, settle for expert contractors who will offer excellent services for maximum insulation.

At All Florida Insulation, we not only install insulation but also help you understand how it works and the benefits it offers. We'll help you save money by reducing your energy consumption and improving indoor air quality. Contact us today for a free quote!

We are privileged to serve Orlando, Maitland, Clermont, Ocoee, Apopka, and Gotha, as well as the nearby communities.

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Homeowners often forget about insulation as soon as it's installed. Ideally, it should last for the lifetime of your home, but that's not always the case. Depending on the insulation you have, you may need to check it periodically to ensure it's still doing its job.

Insulation materials have different lifespans. That's because they react to elements at different rates. Below, we'll go over the three most common types of insulation and how often you should check them.

Spray Foam

Spray foam is the most durable insulation material. It comprises two main ingredients: isocyanate and polyol resin, that create the expanding polyurethane. The two chemicals form an exothermic reaction that helps it expand and harden. (1) 

The spray form is water resistant, and it does not absorb moisture. It also doesn't settle, so you don't have to worry about losing its shape or effectiveness over time. Additionally, it doesn't encourage microbes or pests, so it's unlikely to harbor anything that could damage your home in Orlando. 

Because of these features, it's durable and will serve your home for about 80 years without any issues. You don't need to check it annually, but you should keep an eye on it over time to ensure no visible damage. 
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Blown-In Cellulose

Cellulose insulation is an eco-friendly alternative made from cellular plant sources. Usually, it comprises wood and specific recycled paper products such as office paper, cardboard, and newspaper. All this material gets treated with boric acid, a fire retardant, to help it resist mold and mildew growth.

While the expected service life for cellulose is about 20 to 30 years, it's spring and settles over time. It also gets damaged by water, microbes, critters, and bugs after nearly 15 years. From that period, you'll need to schedule regular inspections to check for any signs of damage. 

Batt Insulation

Batt or blanket insulation is the market's most common type of insulation in Orlando. It usually comprises fiberglass or wool cut into mat form and placed between studs in a wall. Once installed, it looks like large strips of fabric.

Blanket insulation doesn't last as long as spray foam and can serve you for about 15-20 years. It's also susceptible to water, dirt, and pests and often starts to sug and settle by year 10. For these reasons, you need a reputable contractor to inspect it every few years and add more as necessary.

While you may not start inspecting your insulation the same year you install it, keeping an eye on it over time is essential. Depending on the type of insulation you have, you might need to check it every few years to ensure it's still in good shape. For more information about residential and commercial insulation, contact All Florida Insulation.

We are privileged to serve Orlando, Gotha, Ocoee, Apopka, Maitland, and Winter Garden, as well as the nearby communities.

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Have you ever wondered what those big white trucks are spraying into people's homes? It's insulation! More specifically, it's spray foam insulation.

But what is it, and what is it made of? This article will take a closer look at spray foam insulation and find out what it's made of.

What is spray foam insulation?

Spray foam is a type of insulation sprayed onto walls, ceilings, and floors to insulate and seal a home or building. It prevents air and heat from escaping, making it much more energy-efficient than other types of insulation.

Unlike other insulation materials, spray foam expands to fill gaps or cracks, making it an excellent choice for difficult-to-insulate areas. It also doesn't sag, compress or settle over time like fiberglass or cellulose insulation.

That's not all. Spray foam insulation also:

• Reduces noise pollution
• It's mold and mildew resistant
• Prevents pests from entering your home
• Protects your home from fire

Spray foam comes in two types: closed-cell and open-cell. While both create an effective insulation barrier, they have some key differences.

Closed-cell spray foam has a higher R-value (resistance to heat flow), meaning it's much more effective at insulating your home in Orlando. It's also denser, making it more durable and resistant to pests and water damage.

On the other hand, open-cell spray foam has a lower R-value, but it's much cheaper than closed-cell foam. It's also more breathable, making it a good choice for areas that need ventilation, like attics.

So, what is spray foam insulation made of?

The main ingredient in spray foam insulation is polyurethane. This polymer is made up of two chemicals, isocyanate and polyol resin. These two ingredients are mixed and sprayed through a nozzle, where they react and expand to create the foam. (1)

Additives are added to the mix to control the foam's density, expansion rate, and other properties. Common additives include:

• Surfactants (to help the foam expand).
• Blowing agents (to create the foam).
• Fire retardants (to make the foam safer).

Now that you know what spray foam insulation is made of, you can see why it's such an effective way to insulate your home in Orlando. Not only does it expand to fill any gaps or cracks, but it also has a high R-value, making it excellent at preventing heat loss. So spray foam is a great option if you're looking for an insulation material that will do a great job at keeping your home warm.

All Florida Insulation services Orlando, Windermere, Gotha, and Winter Garden, and wContacte appreciate the support of our communities. Call us at (407) 410-FOAM (3626) to request a free quote.

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1. Eliminates Leaks

Identifying and controlling water leaks in metal buildings is difficult and costly due to their irregular surfaces and junctions. 
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Metal roof flashings make it more difficult to detect leaks due to their movements and potentially degrade the metal structure if ignored for extended periods.

Using spray foam in your metal building ensures that a waterproof material protects the existing corners and irregular surfaces to help prevent these leaks. 

2. Regulates Indoor Temperatures

Metal is a conductive material making concerned buildings without insulation vulnerable to irregular temperatures during the seasons.

Temperatures would drop significantly during the winter in Orlando because metal is a poor heat retainer and skyrocket in the summer since the material also conducts heat at incredible rates. 

Structuring spray foam into your building seals all the exposed cracks and small spaces between beams and panels to eliminate thermal bridging and perfectly regulate internal temperatures.

3. Sufficient Energy Saver

Did you know that a building can lose up to 40% of its energy due to air filtration? 

Metal structures are notorious for having gaps and air leaks between beams and panels, which wastes valuable resources, especially if an HVAC system is incorporated.

Spray foam helps fill the gaps, holes, and air leaks in your building, thus, reducing the workload on your HVAC system by an impressive 35%.

This reduction in energy waste translates to a drop in your power bill by incredible proportions saving your home or office a buttload of money.

4. Prevents Mold

Unlike wood structures, metal buildings are safe from termites and rot.

Still, the material is prone to excessive moisture due to condensation, which creates a conducive environment for mildew and mold to prosper.

Mold can pose serious health threats to anyone living or working in the same environment as the fungus and needs dealing with immediately.

Adding spray foam as insulation to your metal structure deters mold because the material expands when it gets wet, leaving no room for mold to grow. After all, moisture can’t get in.

5. Increases Structural Strength

Despite many contradictions, spray foam’s contribution to the structural strength of your building is 100% true, especially for metal structures.

When applied to interior walls, spray foam sticks to the building material whenever the walls shift or are placed under load.

In addition, spray foam hardens and becomes rigid when it comes into contact with air, adding to the structural strength of your metal building.

6. It Is Airtight

The intersections of walls and roofs of metal panels and beams make metal buildings less airtight.

This issue promotes air leaks, increasing the resistance to peel-and-stick membranes used as air sealants.

When spray foam is applied to these gaps, it expands and fills any cracks and voids, preventing air leakage and significantly reducing energy wastage.

If you’re looking to invest in cutting your power bill by a significant percentage, spray foam and injection foam insulation for your building is your better option. We at All Florida Insulation can help get you started.

If you're a resident or business in Orlando, Altamonte, Lake Nona, Lake Mary, Maitland, or Ocoee, make sure to call us today at (407) 410-3626 for a quote. Visit our website at https://www.allfloridainsulation.com/ for more information.

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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.