Insulation Installation Saitama / Saitama / Japan

In this article, we’ll discuss a bit more in detail about external solid wall insulation. The different types that are available, the benefits of ideal use cases for external solid wall insulation, an overview of the solid wall insulation installation process, and briefly discuss how to select the best external solid wall insulation installation services company or contractor for a task. 

EXTERNAL SOLID WALL INSULATION INSTALLATION SERVICES – WHAT IS EXTERNAL SOLID WALL INSULATION?

For homes built with solid wall construction rather than modern wood-frame and drywall techniques, there is no good option for interior thermal insulation installation. Homes built before 1930 in most parts of the world used solid wall construction. That means that there is no cavity between the interior walls of a house and the exterior structure. 

In contrast, many modern home designs are based on a wood frame, with exterior walls built on the outside, and the interior walls built with drywall on top of the interior of the wood frame. That leaves the depth of the wood frame (often a few inches) as a cavity space behind walls, which can be filled with traditional fiberglass or foam insulation material before the drywall is installed or retrofitted via small-bore injection techniques.

So, for homes or offices with no wall cavities, the way to add thermal insulation is via external means, and thus external solid wall insulation installation services. External wall insulation installation gives reduced heating and cooling expenses by better keeping unwanted hot or cold air out, and better keep heated or cooled air in, during the appropriate season. External wall insulation works much like a thermos or insulated cup, operating on the same principles, and reducing the needed energy to heat or cool the interior. Additionally, external wall insulation can help to reinforce the water-proofing of a structure and reduce water seepage, dampness, or leaks that may exist, especially in older constructions.

EXTERNAL SOLID WALL INSULATION INSTALLATION SERVICES – DIFFERENT TYPES

Several different main types of external installation are offered by most major external solid wall insulation installation services. These are all finished with a weatherproofing and decorative layer, called a render, and what renders are used varies by insulation type. Each of these three primary types of insulation has different pros and cons, as we detail below. In brief, these include:

• Expanded polystyrene (EPS) – the most common form of external insulation used by external solid wall insulation installation services around the world. It is a lightweight and cost-effective wall insulation installation material. It allows for many different types of finishing renders on the exterior. The main downside is it can use up a lot of external space as it is slightly thick (typically 90mm or more), which can be problematic with some home designs.
• Phenolic resin – a material type that is used when space concerns are paramount, and expanded polystyrene isn’t an option for those same space reasons. External solid wall insulation installation services note, however, that phenolic resin can be costlier compared to EPS. 
• Mineral wool – used less often, mineral wool is sometimes chosen by homeowners or external solid wall insulation installation services because it is breathable rather than fully sealed like the other two kinds of insulation. Because it allows some airflow, though, a higher density of insulation material is needed to achieve the same effects as the two types above, with thicknesses generally being 110mm or more. 

In all cases, various functional weatherproofing and aesthetic renderings are added to the outside of the insulation, as the visible external building surface. These typically include a base layer of cement or amalgam-like material mixed with minerals or synthetics (the primary waterproofing layer), and then finished with plaster, and decorative tile, brick, or wood-based exterior elements, including siding, can be layered on top. 

EXTERNAL SOLID WALL INSULATION INSTALLATION SERVICES – WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF EXTERNAL SOLID WALL INSULATION?

The primary benefits achieved by external solid wall insulation from external solid wall insulation installation services are thermal wall insulation and water/weather-proofing of a home or business building. Thermal efficiency is the primary driver, with many governments offering significant financial incentives to building owners to have external insulation installed by external solid wall insulation installation services. It is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change, as better thermal management and less heating and cooling energy use translate into fewer power plant emissions due to lower consumption. These grants or tax breaks for insulation installation can significantly help offset the cost to the consumers.

The other, secondary benefit to external solid wall insulation is an additional layer of water and weather-proofing of the home. As external solid wall insulation installation services generally are warranted with solid wall constructions, the houses usually are nearly a century old or even older by now, that have developed various cracks and leaks in the walls by time. The external insulation acts much like a waterproof jacket for a person in the rain or snow – it adds another layer of thermal protection, on top of which a layer of water and weatherproofing material provides a shield, helping to reduce leaks, dampness, and other harmful weather effects for the building. 

EXTERNAL SOLID WALL INSULATION INSTALLATION SERVICES – INSTALLATION PROCESS

The installation of external solid wall insulation can be a complicated process, and there is a lot of variability in the exact steps, and materials needed to be based on many factors. Including the existing external finish of the home, whether the current render/water and weather-proofing layer will support certain types of installations, the materials are chosen by the building owner, and more. 

In general, though, external solid wall insulation installation services begin by testing and prepping existing exterior walls to allow for a proper attachment of the insulation material. It can include temporary removal of external pipe or wiring work and similar protruding features. Often a primer chemical is used to ensure the adhesives will have optimum hold to the insulation and the wall. 

Next, the insulation installation proceeds with the chosen insulation material being attached to the wall, with appropriate adhesives or other means, again varying by the type of insulation being used and the existing solid wall surface. In many cases, a guide track or other form of containment/support might be installed flush with the existing solid wall where it meets the ground. The external solid wall insulation installation services company or contractor then installs the insulation and applies mechanical or other reinforcing fittings to provide stability and support.

Then, typically an adhesive is applied to the exterior of the insulation, and a reinforcing mesh or other top layer installed. Water/weatherproofing primer coating and attachment of the external render follow. It can be a time-consuming process due to the number of layers involved, time for things to cure and set, etc. That is yet another reason why these kinds of tasks best left to the experts from external solid wall insulation installation services.

EXTERNAL SOLID WALL INSULATION INSTALLATION SERVICES – CHOOSING THE RIGHT INSULATION INSTALLATION SERVICE

Like most contractors and other for-hire professional services, the key things to bear in mind when trying to find the best external solid wall insulation installation services company or contractor include:

• insulation installation capabilities and equipment,
• reputation/past work/reviews,
• qualifications, including bonding and licensing, professional certifications, etc.,
• the options of product and finishes to meet your functional and aesthetic desires,
• safety and professionalism,
• time/duration for the external solid wall insulation installation service project,
• cost of external solid wall insulation installation service.

Make sure that an external solid wall insulation installation services company is qualified and licensed to work in each area, as there are some building code-related permitting and regulations that must be followed when completing an external solid wall insulation installation. The best external solid wall insulation installation services will have extensive knowledge and experience in the local jurisdiction’s codes. And be able to quickly identify which insulation options will and won’t work for a building, provide consumers with suggestions as to finish/render and other options, and navigate the permitting and approval processes quickly and efficiently, meaning the wall insulation installation job gets done faster and without issues.   

CONCLUSIONS ABOUT EXTERNAL SOLID WALL INSULATION INSTALLATION SERVICES

In conclusion, external solid wall insulation can be a great energy-saving feature for homes with solid wall construction. It can also help reduce or solve dampness and water leaks from cracked, aging walls. The application of external solid wall insulation is often the only option for wall insulation in older homes. However, because of the materials and complexity of the process, this is a job that consumers are advised not to attempt as a DIY project, but rather to leave to the professionals from external solid wall insulation installation services. These experts have the equipment, knowledge, and abilities to ensure the solid wall installation process meets code requirements and done correctly. After all, wall insulation that isn’t installed correctly and doesn’t do a job of insulating is a waste of money. For the best results, choose a reputable external solid wall insulation installation services company or contractor, and reap the rewards in lower energy costs for years to come!

Attic Insulation

Attic insulation installation, replacement, and removal can be a difficult task if everything is not planned accordingly. For a successful attic insulation installation, you must prepare all insulation materials and provide conditions before proceeding with the attic insulation installation. There are many steps in planning the process of attic insulation installation, replacement, and removal. Points with explanations described in the following paragraphs.

Cleaning out the attic and removing old insulation

As with any home renovation process, all items that can be found in the area must be removed. Any repairing works can be performed at the time as one cleans the attic. Except for newly built houses that need only attic insulation installation, older homes need the insulation replacement and removal process also, because of deterioration of the current attic insulation. Damaged or contaminated attic insulation can never do its job right. It not only decreases the energy efficiency, obstructs ventilation, but also can cause health problems.
The troubleshooting refers to inspecting the attic insulation areas where rodents might have created their lairs. Also, it relates to looking for mold infestation patches on the floors or attic insulation material. It is more efficient to clean the attic and look for insulation problems at the same time. It saves time and gets one prepared for the old attic insulation removal, replacement process. Once everything is carried out in the attic and the problematic insulation areas have been detected, the next step can take place.

Old attic insulation removal  

Although the former insulation removal process itself is tedious, dirty, and tiresome, it can practically be done by anyone. Trained staff uses special equipment for attic insulation removal and disposal of insulation and debris. It is better to hire professionals for attic insulation removal if you do not want to deal with troublesome and life-threatening issues like mold spores or leptospirosis, a disease caused by rodent urine. The professionals are trained for attic insulation removal, installation, and replacement service, they will also help you to choose the correct size, material for attic insulation, and ensure that it is correctly installed. If you do it on your own, it is advised to dress accordingly for the activity at hand. Small insulation material particles can find a way into one’s respiratory tract and cause unpleasant health damage. The old insulation removal process indicates a facemask and complete body coverage.
The essential tool is a bulk capacity vacuum, used for blow in the insulation material. If the person that is doing the past insulation removal process does not have professional tools, the attic will most likely get messy. Dust and attic insulation particles will fly off everywhere. They probably will need extra attic cleaning as well.
Being a one-time necessity, long-term investment is much more efficient to contract an attic insulation installation, replacement, and removal service company that will complete the attic insulation task from start to finish.

Hiring attic insulation replacement, installation, and removal services 

Hiring contractors for attic insulation replacement, installation, and removal will make the task much more comfortable for the homeowner. The initial costs can seem high compared to costs if you do everything by yourself. However, in the long run, very often having an expert to do the job can prove cheaper.
Attic insulation installation contractors that offer the replacement, installation, and removing services for attic insulation will come to your house, and firstly, they start with examining the attic and old insulation. Secondly, they will advise regarding materials, check the level of infestation in the attic, etc.
After all the materials are acquired, the attic insulation replacement or installation service team will do all the steps listed here.

Ensuring all ventilation non-venting gaps are filled

After one has finished the old insulation removing process, every hole that is not a ventilation gap must be filled with insulation material. The most common places for holes that are not supposed to be there are where cables come up in the attic. They are the most disregarded spots that cause the most damage to the attic insulation material.
If all non-venting gaps are not the field, it leaves moisture to make its way into the material. Moisture will rapidly lead to mold since an attic is dark and warm in the summer days. Keeping everything that is not meant to provide insulation to the attic sealed will make your attic insulation installation easier and longer-lasting.

Properly clean the attic ventilation gaps

The lack of ventilation will inevitably lead to mold infestation in attic insulation. Summer rain will create moisture that can quickly lead to mold formations. An attic is an excellent place for such infestations because it is usually very dark. Having proper attic ventilation will prevent mold from forming because the air will circulate and eliminate excess moisture from attic insulation while keeping the temperatures stable.
For this reason, all ventilation gaps must be thoroughly cleaned and ensured that nothing obstructs them. If the insulation gaps make a path for critters to come inside the attic, you must use the net to block the way. A warm place like an attic makes them an excellent animal lair, especially for rodents. They will chew on the insulation and destroy a well-done job. Making sure no critter has access to the interior of the attic to keep the attic insulation job lasting for a more extended time.

Adding the insulation vapor barrier

A step that is commonly overlooked in the attic insulation installation process is adding the vapor barrier. One needs to pay as much attention to this step as to every other. A correctly installed insulation vapor barrier will ensure a dry insulation material for a long time. Along with the clean ventilation gaps, the old insulation removal process will need to be done on rarer occasions because the attic insulation material will have no damage done to it.
With that said, the insulation vapor barrier must be placed with the facing side down. That side keeps moisture away from attic insulation, because of its specific water-repelling proprieties. Keeping an eye on the way the vapor barrier is installed goes a long way to having long-lasting attic insulation.

Attic insulation installation

After the proper preparation, the attic insulation installation can begin. At first glance, the whole process might come as a quick job that needs completing. However, the attic insulation process is as tedious as the old attic insulation removal and all the other activities completed beforehand.
The first step is to dress accordingly. Even if one is using stone wool, fiberglass for the attic, it is better to be cautious and avoid any possible contact with loose particles from the insulation material. The most common types of insulation materials used are stone wool, fiberglass, cellulose, foam, and many others.
Insulation materials vary. Every old house will have some insulation material added to its attic. For less trouble and consumed time, one can opt to use the same material as the one used before, along with another layer of new material insulation. Fiberglass and stone wool, the most common ones for the second layer due to ease of insulation installation.
You must be careful when doing the attic insulation installation. Common aspects to look out for are, first, not stuffing the attic insulation material in the cramped spaces of the attic. This way of attic insulation installation will leave just enough airflow to keep the attic dry, and the heat distributes evenly across the area. Taking the time to cut pieces of insulation to size or to use fill-in insulation will give long-term results.
One must be careful not to insulate over the ventilation gaps as well. They were cleaned for the sole purpose of having good airflow. Adding insulation material over them defeats their purpose and causes damage to the material that lay on top of the gaps.
The key to the best attic insulation installation process is not to rush it. Pay close attention and do not leave any gaps between sheets of insulation, taking the time to cut the material to the correct size. If one is impatient with such things, it is advisable to call attic insulation installation, replacement company that offers services for the attic insulation installation.
Attic insulation installation proves to be a tedious process but can be completed by an individual, nonetheless. If one lacks time or expertise to handle insulation materials, insulation replacement services can be hand over to the professional contractor that deals with the issue.The costs for the entire attic insulation installation process can be significantly higher, but you will get an expert guarantee that attic insulation replacement tasks, that you might not have been able to complete as well, done appropriately.