Home » Home Improvement
Category Archives: Home Improvement
Different Types of Insulation
Insulation Perth keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It reduces energy costs and smoothes out peaks in your energy consumption by providing an effective resistance to heat flow.
Bulk insulation materials resist conductive and convective flow of heat through building walls and roofs. They do this by trapping air pockets in their fibers, or in the spaces inside foam or plastic bubbles.
Fiberglass insulation is a popular choice for home use. It’s relatively inexpensive, offers energy efficiency, helps prevent drafts and noise, and promotes fire safety. Known as a thermal barrier, fiberglass insulation creates a network of air pockets that help block heat from coming in or going out. As such, the material provides effective insulation against heat flow through walls and attics, making it a popular option for home renovations.
Made from plastic reinforced with tiny glass fibers, fiberglass insulation is manufactured when molten glass is spun into fibers and coated with a liquid binder. After spinning, the glass fibers cool and form a tangled mass. This is what gives fiberglass its spongy feel. Depending on the manufacturer, these mass of cooling glass fibers can be shaped into different sizes to accommodate specific insulating needs.
Most fiberglass insulation is sold in blanket form, called batts, and is usually stapled into place. It’s also available in rolls and as a blown-in material that can be distributed in attic, wall, and floor cavities. The latter method typically requires professional equipment and technical knowledge.
It’s important to note that fiberglass insulation is susceptible to mold growth, especially in wet conditions. However, this is usually a minor issue as long as the appropriate precautions are taken. If the issue becomes severe, it’s best to consult with a professional insulation crew.
Before installing fiberglass insulation, it’s recommended to seal any cracks and gaps in the building envelope. Doing so will enhance the effectiveness of the insulation and ensure a tighter seal, which can reduce your utility bills significantly in the long run.
In addition to sealing any existing leaks, it’s crucial that you measure and double-check your measurements before cutting any fiberglass insulation to minimize waste. It’s also recommended to wear proper protective gear when handling fiberglass, including gloves, a dust mask, and safety glasses to avoid breathing in the material’s fine particles. Finally, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions when attempting to install your own fiberglass insulation. Otherwise, a professional insulation crew will provide the necessary expertise for a safe and efficient installation.
Mineral Wool
Mineral wool is similar to fiberglass insulation, but it’s made from rock instead of glass. It’s heated and spun like cotton candy to create fibers that are put into batts or boards for installation in homes. It’s available as a blanket or sheathing for walls, floors, ceilings, and roofs.
It’s often used in commercial buildings, but it’s also an excellent choice for residential walls. It offers excellent thermal insulation and good acoustical control, plus it’s fireproof. It’s also a sustainable option because it uses recycled materials and has a low carbon footprint.
Unlike fiberglass, which is blown into place, mineral wool insulation comes in large sheets that are cut to size for installation. It’s a quick and easy DIY project for homeowners. It can even be inserted into existing walls with the drywall removed, as long as the electrical boxes and outlets are rerouted to avoid the insulation. It can also be used to add insulation around heat and air ducts. The only caution is that mineral wool is vapor permeable and should be covered with a smart vapor control sheet, so the wall doesn’t trap moisture and lead to mold problems.
As with most insulation, mineral wool is a natural material that performs well in varying climates and conditions. It’s also environmentally friendly, made from 85% recycled slag from the steel industry and 15% raw basalt, which is a non-toxic rock. It’s also safe for indoor use and is backed up by EPA testing, which shows that it’s free of harmful chemicals and allergens.
In addition to its superior thermal performance, mineral wool insulation is also a very effective sound barrier. It’s also non-combustible and won’t conduct heat, so it can be used to sheath building supports and girders and to make partition walls and fire-resistant doors. It’s commonly rated Euro Class A in terms of fire safety.
Both rock wool and glass wool are a great choice for energy-efficient insulation in new construction or to upgrade existing homes. But it’s important to choose a product that meets your specific needs, as there are many differences between the two types of insulation.
Cellulose
Cellulose insulation is primarily made from recycled paper fibers and treated with fire retardants. It has the highest percentage of recycled materials compared to any other insulation product, and it takes less energy to produce than fiberglass batts. During installation, cellulose is either blown-in or applied to wall and floor joists and trusses using special machines that can vacuum up excess material and salvage it for future use, which greatly reduces the waste stream. It also requires less energy to install, which is a plus for your home and the environment.
When installed properly, cellulose can help your home stay more comfortable year-round. It keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer by reducing air leaks and preventing outside temperatures from fluctuating within your walls and attic. Its ability to fill in crevices and gaps between joists and wall studs results in better air sealing, which can reduce your heating and cooling costs.
Its hygroscopic properties allow it to absorb and wick moisture away from areas of higher concentration, which helps prevent the accumulation of damaging levels of moisture. This is important because it can corrode metal fasteners, plumbing pipes and electrical wires, which could lead to costly repairs down the road. When wet, cellulose can also lose its R-value and become prone to mold and mildew growth.
Like fiberglass, cellulose is available in batt and loose-fill form. In the former, it’s pre-cut into standardized sizes that installers place between floor and wall joists, trusses and wall studs. It’s not as effective at insulating walls, however, as it often leaves gaps between drywall and framing members. It can be a good option for new homes, but it’s not as suited to retrofitting older structures.
It takes less energy to produce than fiberglass batts, and it has a lower embodied energy. It’s also produced locally, which cuts down on shipping distances and resulting fuel emissions. As a result, it has one of the lowest environmental impact ratings of all insulation products during production and installation. Unlike spray foam, which uses blowing agents that emit harmful chemicals, cellulose doesn’t have this drawback.
Spray Foam
When it comes to preventing heat loss in the winter and cooling your home in the summer, spray foam is tough to beat. The reason that this type of insulation is so effective is that it resists the flow of heat through a structure by both conduction and convection. Its ability to prevent air flow allows your HVAC system to operate at a more efficient level, which in turn lowers your energy bills.
In addition, closed-cell spray foam can be a great choice for those worried about their environmental impact. This type of spray insulation uses a blowing agent known as HFO (which is made from non-toxic hydrofluorocarbons), which has a significantly lower global warming potential than carbon dioxide, which has a GWP of 1.
Closed-cell spray foam offers an R-Value of 6.5 per inch, which is higher than fiberglass and cellulose. It also doesn’t allow water through, which is a big benefit for those living in flood zones.
The downside of closed-cell spray foam is that it can be a bit more expensive than other types of insulation, and there is a risk that shoddy installation could lead to structural damage. This has led some mortgage companies to refuse homeowners who have this type of insulation, or require that they obtain a specialist survey before they can lend money to them.
Open-cell spray foam, on the other hand, isn’t as expensive as closed-cell and can be a good option for those looking to save money. Its vapor barrier properties allow it to be used in locations that have high moisture or vapor drive, and it can help prevent rot and mold.
Spray foam insulation contractors use personal protective equipment when installing this type of insulation, including eye protection, respirators, masks and disposable coveralls. They also use specialized pumps and spray guns to apply the insulation, which creates the expanding foam.
Spray foam is a versatile product that can be applied in a variety of ways, but it’s important to consult with an experienced insulation contractor to ensure that you’re getting the best value for your money and that the installation is done properly. The right insulation can make all the difference in your home’s comfort, efficiency and overall health.
Shingles Information
Erie Shingles are caused when the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, wakes up in your body. The virus travels along nerve fibers to the skin, where a painful rash forms.
Shingles pain can last months or years. Antiviral medicines can help make the attack shorter and less severe.
The varicella zoster virus causes shingles — the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who has had chickenpox has this virus, which lives in the nervous system in a dormant state. Sometimes, the virus reactivates and travels along nerve pathways to the skin. People who have conditions that weaken the immune system — such as cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, HIV infection, or a history of weakened immunity from certain medications (such as steroids) or organ transplantation — are at higher risk for developing shingles. Age also increases the risk. Getting a vaccine can reduce the chance of getting shingles and the severity of the rash.
The first symptom of shingles is pain or tingling in a specific area of the body. Then a rash appears, usually on one side of the body in a swath that wraps around a specific skin nerve (called a dermatome). The rash starts as groups of small bumps that quickly change into fluid-filled blisters that scab over within about 2 weeks. The scabs then heal into a crusty surface that eventually falls off.
Pain from shingles can last for months or years in the area of the rash. This long-term nerve pain is called postherpetic neuralgia and can be very severe. It occurs when damaged nerve fibers send confused and exaggerated messages of pain from the skin to the brain. It affects up to 20 percent of those who get shingles.
Typically, a person gets shingles only once. However, the weakened immune system can make it happen again, and it’s more likely to occur in older adults. Women who are in perimenopause are particularly prone to it, because of hormonal changes that can affect the immune system.
Having the chickenpox vaccine significantly decreases your risk for getting shingles and can reduce the severity of the rash. It’s recommended for everyone over the age of 50. Getting a vaccination before you have shingles can protect against serious complications that can occur with the condition, including vision loss and hearing loss. It can also reduce the likelihood of having long-term nerve pain in the areas where shingles occurred, called postherpetic neuralgia.
Symptoms
The shingles rash is very painful. It usually affects a band of skin on the torso, chest, or face but can also appear on the arms or head. The rash starts as a red, itchy spot and then forms groups of oozing fluid-filled blisters. The blisters then dry up and form scabs that clear after about 10 days. The pain can last for months or even years. Some people may have long-term nerve pain, known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), in the area where they had shingles.
The first symptom of shingles is pain, tingling or itchy skin. The virus infects a nerve that runs along the spinal cord. That’s why the rash often appears in a band of skin that corresponds to where the nerve transmits signals. Shingles is more likely to develop in a band on one side of the body because the virus travels in that pathway.
About 48 hours before the rash appears, you may have flu-like symptoms such as headache, fatigue and a general feeling of unwellness. You’re contagious during this period, and you should avoid contact with babies, pregnant women, or anyone with a weak immune system who hasn’t had chickenpox or the vaccine.
If you have a severe case of shingles, a doctor can give you medicine to help relieve the pain. The drug works best if you start taking it within 3 days of the rash first appearing. It’s available from your GP, a pharmacy or via 111.
It’s also possible to get a shingles vaccine. The CDC recommends two doses of the vaccine called Shingrix for adults 50 or older to help prevent shingles and reduce the risk of complications. It’s especially important for adults who have had chickenpox, as well as those with weakened immune systems caused by illness or by certain medications such as steroids or treatments for HIV infection.
If you have had shingles before, you cannot get them again. However, it is possible that the virus can reactivate in later life and cause the disease again. Getting the vaccine will prevent it from happening.
Diagnosis
Shingles is a painful rash that develops fluid-filled blisters. It is caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, which remains in nerve cells after you have had chickenpox. Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles, but the risk is higher for people over age 60 and those with weakened immune systems.
A healthcare provider or dermatologist can usually diagnose shingles by examining your symptoms and history. They may also order a PCR test or an antibody blood test to confirm the diagnosis.
The rash of shingles appears as red spots or small fluid-filled vesicles on your skin, and it typically scabs after 7 to 10 days. It typically occurs in a stripe around the body or face, and it can be particularly painful when it happens inside the mouth or eyes (especially in older adults). Often, pain, itching or tingling starts several days before the rash appears, especially in people who have a weak immune system.
During the time your rash is visible, you can protect yourself from spreading the herpes virus by keeping the area covered and not touching the rash or any of the blisters. Applying calamine lotion or an oatmeal bath can help relieve itching and ease the pain. Your healthcare provider may prescribe antiviral medicines to speed up healing and limit your discomfort.
If you have a severe case of shingles, your healthcare provider may put you in a contact isolation room so that others do not contract the herpes from your blisters or open wounds. This is especially important if you are in close contact with someone who has not had chickenpox or the shingles vaccine.
The CDC recommends that healthy adults over 50, regardless of whether they have had chickenpox, receive the shingles vaccine (Shringrix). It is available in pill or shot form and is very effective against shingles and complications from it. The vaccine is not yet available for children. However, doctors are testing a new vaccine that can be given to infants to prevent them from getting the disease. If the test is successful, it will be available soon for everyone.
Treatment
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, can help with the pain and itching of shingles. If this does not work, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications. Antiviral drugs, such as acyclovir (Zovirax) or valacyclovir (Valtrex), can be taken to speed up healing. They are most effective when started within three days of the appearance of the rash.
The shingles vaccine, Shingrix, is highly recommended for adults 50 or older to prevent a painful shingles outbreak and possible complications. It is also recommended for people 19 and older with weakened immune systems due to illness or certain conditions such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, or a chronic disease like leukemia or lymphoma.
Symptoms of shingles, including pain and itching, usually appear about a week after the virus enters the body. Most people get better within a few weeks after the sores erupt and heal. It is important to avoid contact with anyone who has a blistered rash or open sores. You are contagious until all the sores have crusted over.
Some people have long-lasting nerve pain in the area of the rash, called postherpetic neuralgia, which can last for months or even years after the rash has gone away. A pain specialist can treat this type of pain, using therapies such as a Nerve Block or Epidural injection.
Other symptoms of shingles include inflammation of the ear (herpes zoster oticus), weakness on the affected side of the face, and headaches. In about 2 percent of cases, a shingles rash can spread to the eye, which can cause permanent damage. A health care provider can treat this complication with antiviral medications and steroids.
Home remedies, such as wearing loose clothing, taking warm baths or showers, using cool compresses, eating a nutritious diet, and getting plenty of rest, can also help manage shingles. Some patients find relief from proteolytic enzymes, which are derived from papaya and pineapple, when used in conjunction with antiviral medication. These supplements can have side effects, so it is important to talk with your doctor before starting them.