Eco-Friendly Options for Insulation

As part of new residential construction or tackling that to-do list that needs to be finished, readying a home for the cold season is one of the most important things you can do financially and personally. You and yours will feel more comfortable when inside and not in direct contact with the lower temperatures, and you'll save money every month from not running up high heating bills. Our last blog post talked about getting started on Nashville home insulation, so here are some things you should know about different types of materials:

Cellulose: Made from fluffed up clumps of recycled paper, this is perfect for filling in gaps that are too small or difficult to remedy with other substances. When addressing insurance repairs, this is an option for making sure no spot is left bare.

Cotton/Denim: Recycled jeans to the rescue! Denim and cotton fibers are a great eco-friendly option that are free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and also provide a nice degree of noise reduction. Talk to your Nashville general contractor about using this in original or remodeling designs.

Structural Insulated Panels: Another sustainable option, this is good when insulating present walls or new room additions. SIPS are a worthy investment if the best route is large boards that will form tight seals, especially in areas commonly afflicted by drafts, such as attics and basements.

Soy Spray Foam: This is an insulator that expands to neatly fill all of the spots it's applied to. They're also free of VOCS and resist mold.

Contact us at Clayton Construction today, so we can discuss what kind of insulation is best for your house's needs and your budget. Our extensive experience includes building additions, fire damage repairs, framing, and roofing, and we're readily available Monday through Friday to get your Nashville home set up for the Winter!

It's Time to Check Your Home's Insulation

Cooler temperatures are here, so it's time for flavored warm beverages, sweaters, and cozy blankets. If you have a dog, you may start using a jacket or booties for him or her. For your home, though, it's just that time when heating bills increase, right?

Higher electric and gas bills don't have to be your house's way of dealing with colder months. Whether as part of a Nashville repair project, or something to tackle in a new move, insulating a house makes quite a difference in comfortability as well as in utility bills. If you own a rental unit, doing this as tenant improvements will also add to the property's value and appeal.

You can start to get a sense about where insulation is needed by checking for cracks or gaps in floorboards, walls, windows, and doors. Although kitchens and baths are great for giving off heat during cooking and hot showers, don't be fooled that they may not have areas where damage repair or remodeling are needed. If you're familiar with double or triple glazed windows from hotel travels, you'll recognize that as one solution (plus it'll help reduce loud outside noise that may be distracting!)

An infrared thermometer will help point out where insulation is needed, and is a handy guide when purchasing a multi-family unit and estimating how much you'll need the services of a Nashville general contractor. Having a professional handle repairs and modifications will mean that everything is set and you can focus more on the cozier aspects of Winter weather. In our next blog post, we'll talk more about types of insulation.

With over sixty years of diverse experience, Clayton Construction is Nashville's top source for handling all kinds of residential and commercial services. Call us at 615-969-9758, to make sure your home is ready!