New and existing homeowners might be unsure why their utility expenses are so high. It is a necessity to heat and cool a home during the seasons, especially in Richmond, Va. One of the most important elements of home’s energy efficiency is the insulation system. This barrier is what keeps heating and cooling inside the home. Rich Gajarsky of Commonwealth Foam Insulation, a foam insulation company in Richmond, Va., points out that insulation has come a long way, and fiberglass is no longer the only option.
Commonwealth Foam specializes in spray foam insulation technology in Richmond. Spray foam insulation is polyurethane foam that expands as it is applied to fill spaces and crevices anywhere a home is exposed. It can be applied to walls, rooftops, ceilings, windows and doors to seal an opening completely. According to Gajarsky, it also lasts longer than traditional methods. Spray foam is said to last 40-50 years versus the 10-20 years expected from traditional fiberglass. When applied to a rooftop or attic, it can cause an immediate reduction in energy of about 20-30 percent. While this technology has been around for decades, it is quickly becoming a mainstream solution in new and existing construction projects, because the demand has increased for more energy efficient products.
Another characteristic of spray foam technology is that it is incredibly moisture-resistant. One type of spray foam known as “closed cell” foam is deemed a “flood resistant material” by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA. This is an important feature to consider if you live in an area prone to heavy rain and or flooding.
Federal tax credits are a convincing argument in support of spray foam home insulation in Richmond. Commonwealth Foam points out to customers that they can save up to $1.8o per square foot if they have made improvements that save at least 50 percent of the heating/cooling energy in a building. Or .60 per square foot credit can be claimed for improvements that affect the lighting, heating, cooling or the overall building envelope. Regardless of where the reductions are made, the federal government is trying to entice homeowners by providing substantial incentives that encourage more efficiency.
Gajarsky recommends that anyone curious about their home’s energy usage should sign up for an energy audit. This is a top to bottom analysis of a home, from the rooftop down to the crawl space. The inspection will provide a holistic overview of where energy is being lost, and where modifications should be made. The process is usually around three hours, and produces a detailed report that a homeowner can keep for future reference. For customers of Commonwealth Foam, Gajarsky says after the audit they create an action plan to match the unique needs of the home, so the residents can correct the imperfections immediately. For a personal energy audit homeowners can consult with Commonwealth Foam Insulation in Richmond, Va.