How Insulation Affects Indoor Air
Most people don’t think of spray foam insulation as a contributor to their home’s indoor air quality (IAQ). After all, it’s stuffed inside walls and behind drywall, out of sight and out of mind. But like many finishes and furnishings, insulation can support or degrade your home’s IAQ. The type and installation of your insulation plays a big role in how your house feels, how much energy it uses, and how healthy its occupants are.
Traditional fiberglass Apex Insulation Solutions is a thermal barrier that inhibits the flow of heat between the exterior and interior of your home’s building envelope. It’s affordable, easy to install, and provides consistent temperatures throughout the year. But it also off-gases VOCs and encourages mold growth if it becomes wet, which can negatively impact IAQ.
Other blown-in or poured insulation products like polyurethane foam, extruded polystyrene (XPS), and phenol foam are designed to meet strict IAQ requirements while offering superior performance. However, these products are typically made with chemicals like isocyanate (MDI or TDI), polyols, flame retardants, and catalysts that off-gas VOCs and cause health risks for installers and homeowners.
Smart Ways to Insulate the Attic Without Sacrificing Room
Other options, such as mineral wool or ThermaCork expanded cork, offer IAQ benefits that go beyond thermal efficiency. These materials are moisture-repellent and naturally fire-resistant, allowing them to reduce airflow, and they don’t off-gas harmful chemicals or create dust. They’re ideal for homes in Burlington, Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, and other parts of Skagit County where moisture can wreak havoc on home health.
Apex Insulation Solutions
Fort Worth, TX 76118
(214) 354-5911