It's that time of year again. The sun is shining. Flowers are in full bloom. Pollen and allergens are most definitely in the air. A summer filled with sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes has just begun. Allergies are becoming more prevalent and according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, they are one of the most common - but overlooked - health issues. It has been reported that as many as 30 percent of adults and 40 percent of children are affected by allergies and asthma.¹
Although there is no cure for the irritating symptoms allergens can cause, they can be managed. You may not be able to enjoy the great outdoors as much as you'd like, but you can (and should) feel comfortable in your home. Being that the average American spends the majority of their time inside, indoor air quality should be at the top of the priority list!
Insulation Insight: Most people don't know that insulation can work wonders at keeping allergens such as mold, dust, carbon monoxide, pollen, and moisture out of the house.
To help those people with allergies or asthma, ensuring your property is properly insulated with a quality product can keep out external triggers and make a house feel more like home.
Not all insulation is created equal.
When it comes to insulation, there are many brands and types - so you want to make sure that you go with the one that best meets your needs. You want something that will be efficient and effective, but also safe.
Rock Wool - Produced by heating natural basalt rocks or by-products of steel in a furnace, rock wool is one of the older types of insulation. As the material melts, it is drawn out into fibers and formed into felts, blankets or batts. Today, rock wool has generally been replaced by fiberglass in residential constructions.
Although this product gets the job done in terms of energy efficiency, it has been known to act as an allergy irritant. Small particles from the rock wool that come into contact with skin can cause itchiness, rashes and irritation. When inhaled, fragments in the air can cause coughing and other respiratory ailments.
Cellulose - This plant-based insulator is the oldest form of home insulation and, at times, has been produced from sawdust, cotton, straw, hemp, and other plant materials. Today, it is produced from recycled newspapers that are later heavily treated with chemicals to reduce flammability.
So even though it is an inexpensive option that significantly reduces airflow, it is possible that the material can produce harmful off-gasses from the ink contained in the newspapers and (like newspaper) if it gets wet, it is difficult to dry. Cellulose also has a tendency to create a layer of dust when installed and leaves voids in the walls when it settles.
Injection Foam - The most allergy-friendly choice. While its superior thermal capacity ensures your home is energy efficient, its unique properties also offer better indoor air quality - and reduce concerns for allergies. The liquid-like product is pumped into your home's walls. Once it fills out the wall cavity, it hardens and transforms into a solid state, like Styrofoam™.
This type of insulation won't release any chemically treated fibers or clumps of loose matter - during installation or afterward. As a result, you can expect a safe, clean environment, and one that won't contribute to your allergy symptoms.
In addition to alleviating allergies while indoors, USA Insulation's proprietary injection foam:
- Has a high R-Value (a measure of heat flow through a given thickness of material)
- Improves overall air quality
- Helps reduce noise
- Installs cleanly and quickly
What's on the inside matters most.
When it comes to insulation, there are many brands and types - so you want to make sure that you go with the one that best meets your needs. You want something that will be efficient and effective, but also safe.
You may not be able to see insulation, but you can feel it. As a homeowner, it is one of the smartest investments you can make. Once you see how much you can save with USA Insulation, the only thing you'll regret is not having chosen to insulate your home sooner. Contact us today to schedule a FREE home consultation and get ready to breathe easier and live more comfortably.
