Category: maryland

Why You Should Choose the Blown-In Wall System for Your Baltimore Home

For years, fiberglass batt insulation was the only way to insulate walls. Today’s construction technology has many other options!

In Baltimore, MD, where our summers are sweltering and our winters are frigid, energy efficiency is crucial for homeowners. Traditional insulation materials like fiberglass batts often leave gaps, leading to air leaks and high energy bills. Blown-in wall insulation offers a superior, eco-friendly solution that’s revolutionizing how local residents are insulating their homes. Let’s explore the benefits of blown-in insulation and why it’s an excellent choice for your Baltimore home.

Superior Energy Efficiency

Cozy woman drinking from a warm mug while enjoying a winter sunrise from indoors.Blown-in insulation, namely loose fill fiberglass insulation, achieves high R-values and can fully fill cavities, removing any voids. This creates a more effective thermal barrier against Baltimore’s extreme temperatures than batt insulation. Dense-packed blown insulation significantly reduces air infiltration, preventing drafts and heat loss during Baltimore’s blustery winters.

The result? Lower energy bills and a more comfortable living space year-round. By choosing to insulate your home with blown-in insulation, you’re making an energy efficient choice that benefits both your wallet and the environment.

Enhanced Comfort and Soundproofing

This type of insulation provides consistent coverage, eliminating hot and cold spots throughout your home. The dense packing also offers excellent soundproofing, reducing noise pollution from busy Baltimore streets and neighboring homes.

Cost-Effective and Long-Lasting

While spray foam insulation is effective, blown-in insulation offers similar benefits at a more affordable price point. This cost-effective solution doesn’t settle over time, maintaining its R-value and efficiency for years to come. This means your initial investment in installed blown-in insulation pays off through lower energy bills and increased home value.

Ideal for Baltimore Homes

Blown-in insulation is perfect for new homes as well as new additions to existing Baltimore homes. Insulation can be added to open wall cavities with ease. Certain types of blown-in insulation also offer moisture resistance, crucial in our humid climate, for helping to protect against mold and mildew growth.

Plus, the dense packing of blown-in insulation can help deter pests from nesting in wall cavities—a common issue in many older Baltimore homes.

Types and Installation

Fiberglass Insulation Services in Baltimore, MDOne of the most common types of blown-in insulation is loose fill fiberglass insulation. It is a popular choice for both homeowners and builders thanks to its excellent thermal performance and fire resistance.

Its installation process is straightforward:

  1. A fabric mesh is installed across the open wall cavity.
  2. Loose-fill insulation is blown behind the mesh, filling all voids.
  3. The penetrations in the mesh are sealed to hold the insulation in place.

This method ensures a seamless, thermally efficient blanket of insulation for your Baltimore home. And to take energy efficiency one step further, consider air sealing each wall cavity before installing the blown-in insulation.

Maximize Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with DeVere

Blown-in wall insulation offers an ideal solution for local Baltimore homeowners, providing enhanced energy efficiency, comfort, and cost savings. Its seamless coverage, affordability, and long-lasting performance make it the perfect choice for both new construction and additions to your current home.

When it comes to choosing the right insulation contractor for your Baltimore home, trust the experts at DeVere Insulation. With years of experience and a commitment to quality, we’ll ensure your home is properly insulated for maximum energy efficiency and comfort. Contact us today for a free estimate.

Why Spray Foam Insulation is a Smart Choice for Maryland Homes

Spray foam insulation insulates and seals air leaks in one application creating a thermal barrier and sealing penetration points.

 

As a Maryland resident, you know the struggle of keeping your home comfortable throughout our extreme seasonal shifts. With our unpredictable weather, your energy bills can easily spike in both July and January. But the right insulation product can make all the difference, and one product has emerged as an insulation game-changer, spray foam.

In this post, we’ll explore how spray foam insulation creates an effective solution for maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient home. We’ll break down the benefits of spray foam, compare costs to traditional fiberglass insulation, address common concerns, and explain why Maryland’s unique climate makes spray foam a smart choice.

So, whether you’re a homeowner looking to save on utilities or a contractor aiming to build better homes, read on to learn why spray foam insulation is a smart investment in Maryland.

Spray foam application interior residential wallsLong-Term Savings and Return on Investment

As you consider the best type of insulation for your home, think about these key benefits of choosing spray foam insulation:

Insulates and seals in one step

Spray foam has the unique ability to insulate and air seal in one easy step unlike other insulation options.

Reduces heating and cooling costs

With proper air sealing and insulation you can reduce your heating and cooling costs by an average of 15%.

Lightens your HVAC unit’s workload

Spray foam can lower your HVAC energy use by up to 30%.

Long-lasting

Unlike cellulose or fiberglass insulation, spray foam doesn’t degrade over time, eliminating the need for re-insulation.

Increases home value

Spray foam increases your home’s property value thanks to increased energy efficiency and reduced maintenance needs.

Pays for Itself

Spray foam is reported to pay for itself within five years thanks to lower energy bills.

Addressing Common Concerns About Spray Foam

It’s also important to address any concerns or misconceptions you may have about spray foam, such as:

Concern #1 – Cost

While the initial price tag is higher than other insulations, your long-term savings outweigh the upfront investment. Also, unlike other insulations, spray foam eliminates the need for separate air sealing.

Concern #2 – Safety

Spray foam is an expanding foam made from chemicals. When installed it goes through what’s called a curing process, where the chemical’s gases are released. Proper ventilation and safety gear are required during installation and your home should remain unoccupied for 24 hours. After the curing process is completed, your home is 100% safe for you and your family to return to and enjoy.

Concern #3 – Effectiveness

Spray foam expands 30-60 times its size to fill gaps and cracks throughout your home, eliminating air leaks and creating a strong air barrier. Of the two types of spray foam (open cell and closed cell), closed cell spray foam has one of the highest insulation R-values (6.5-7 per inch), compared to fiberglass insulation (R-3 to R-4 per inch).

Concern #4 – Home Ventilation

Because spray foam creates an airtight seal, it’s important for you to incorporate controlled, mechanical ventilation to maintain indoor air quality. These types of ventilation include HRVs (heat recovery ventilators), ERVs (energy recovery ventilators), kitchen range hoods, and bath fans.

Concern #5 – Structural Impact

Closed cell spray foam strengthens your walls and roof, adding durability to your home’s structure. It also resists moisture intrusion, helping to reduce the risk of mold and mildew and water damage.

Spray foam application interior residential wallsHow Spray Foam Excels in Maryland’s Climate

Maryland’s Weather Challenges

Our state experiences its fair share of extreme temperatures and weather, from hot, humid summers (80s/90s°F) to cold, snowy winters (20s/30s°F), with some heavy rainfall and Nor’easters thrown in for good measure. That’s why it’s important to have proper insulation, such as spray foam insulation, to keep you comfortable all year long.

Summer Benefits (Hot and Humid)

Spray foam helps you beat the summer heat and humidity by:

  • Blocking attic heat gain to keep your upper floors cooler.
  • Reducing your AC usage to lower your energy bills.
  • Preventing condensation issues and sealing out humidity that can lead to mold and mildew.

Winter Benefits (Cold and Drafty)

Spray foam helps you stay warm and comfy all winter long too by:

  • Preventing heat loss which in turn lessens your heating costs.
  • Eliminating drafts around windows, doors, and baseboards.
  • Preventing ice dams by stopping attic heat escape to keep your roof evenly cold.
  • Reducing furnace and heat pump strain, extending your HVAC system’s lifespan.

Year-Round Benefits

Be comfortable all year long with spray foam as it also:

  • Maintains stable indoor temperatures by creating an airtight seal.
  • Acts as a sound barrier, reducing outside noise.
  • Blocks allergens, dust, and pollutants, improving your home’s indoor air quality.
  • Enhances flood resilience, as closed cell spray foam resists water damage.

Devere Insulation is Your Baltimore Spray Foam Expert

At Devere Insulation, we have over 35 years of experience providing expert insulation services to our Baltimore area community. Our experienced team deeply understands our local building codes, climate challenges, and the best ways to optimize your home’s energy efficiency. We promise professional installation and high customer satisfaction to ensure your home or residential building project is comfortable and energy efficient year-round. Local builders and homeowners count on us for tailored insulation solutions that include spray foam, cellulose, and fiberglass insulation.

Contact us today to learn more about spray foam insulation and how it can benefit your Baltimore home.

References

VB Insulation – “Spray Foam Insulation vs Fiberglass Insulation Cost Comparison 2024.” VB Insulation Blog. Jul 04, 2024.
vbinsulation.com

​Paragon Protection – “Spray Foam Insulation vs. Fiberglass Cost Comparison.” Paragon Protection Insulation Blog.
paragon-protection.com

​RetroFoam of Michigan – “Is the Foam Insulation Worth the Cost? Energy Savings Explained.” RetroFoam Blog.
retrofoamofmichigan.com

​​Responsible House (VA) – “5 Common Misconceptions About Spray Foam Insulation.” ResponsibleHouse.com Blog.
responsiblehouse.com

​Foam InSEALators (Mid-Atlantic) – “Mid-Atlantic Weather: Why Attic Spray Foam is Essential for Maryland & Virginia Homes.” (Foam InSEALators Blog, updated June 2024)
insulatewithfoam.com

​DeVere Insulation (Baltimore, MD) – “Spray Foam in Baltimore, MD – Insulation Products.” DeVereInsulation.com.
devereinsulation.com

​Angi Reviews – “DeVere Insulation Home Performance Reviews.” Angi (Angie’s List) Customer Reviews Page.
angi.com

Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation in New Construction in Maryland

Ventilation is becoming an important topic in the world of energy efficient homebuilding.

Older homes in Maryland weren’t built as tightly as today’s standards and were ventilated by natural air leakage rather than through controlled ventilation. Let’s not forget that some older homes had no insulation or insulation made of natural materials. These older products did not include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other additives commonly found in building products today, so ventilation wasn’t as much of an issue.

These days, modern energy-efficient homes are built with airtight seals to conserve energy, but this can lead to poor indoor air quality. Without proper air exchange, air pollution indoors can become a serious issue. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that indoor air pollutants can be two to five times higher than outdoor levels. And since most of us, on average, spend nearly 90% of our time indoors, ensuring your building project is equipped with a proper mechanical ventilation system becomes essential for the health of future residents.

Key Indoor Air Pollutants

Exploring and understanding some of the most common contaminants can help you and fellow builders improve the indoor air quality of your future projects. Some of the most concerning indoor air contamination sources include:

  • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): These chemical fumes are emitted from many building materials, VOC paints, furniture, and cleaning products and can cause health effects such as headaches, respiratory issues, and eye irritation.
  • Mold and Mildew: They thrive in high humidity levels and can trigger respiratory issues, especially for those with allergies and asthma.
  • Allergens: Dust mites, pet dander, and pollen can worsen allergies.
  • Excess Moisture: High humidity levels (above 50%) can lead to mold growth.
  • Other Contaminants: Carbon monoxide, radon, and particulate matter from cooking can all contribute to increased pollutant levels in indoor living spaces.
child-using-inhaler-for-asthma

Ventilation System Types

To combat poor indoor air quality, builders of modern homes rely on mechanical ventilation systems to filter out the bad air and keep in the good air. There are several types of whole-house ventilation systems to consider for your new home building project:

Exhaust-Only Systems

These systems:

  • Use exhaust fans to remove stale air and create negative pressure.
  • Are simple and affordable but don’t filter incoming air.
  • Are best suited for colder climates.

Supply-Only Systems

These systems:

  • Push fresh outdoor air into a home, creating positive pressure.
  • Allow for filtration of incoming air.
  • Help prevent back drafting from combustion appliances.
  • Work best in warm or mixed climates.

Balanced Ventilation Systems

These systems:

  • Provide equal supply and exhaust airflow for consistent air exchange.
  • Deliver fresh outdoor air to specific areas.
  • Work well in all climates.
  • Cost more and may be more complex than other ventilation systems.

Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) and Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs)

These systems:

  • Transfer heat between incoming and outgoing air.
  • Maximize energy efficiency.
  • Manage humidity levels (ERVs only).
  • Have a higher upfront cost but perform better than some other ventilation systems.

Maryland-Specific Considerations

When it comes to Maryland and ventilation, here are a few considerations to make the case for quality ventilation in your building project.

  • Our state’s humid subtropical climate makes effective moisture management even more important.
  • Our high pollen levels greatly benefit from filtered ventilation.
  • Our state building codes require mechanical ventilation systems in new homes to reduce indoor air contamination.
  • ERVs are especially effective in our climate, balancing humidity levels while maintaining energy efficiency.
new-home-construction-with-owners

Best Practices for Builders

  • Plan for mechanical ventilation systems during your building’s design phase.
  • Install proper spot ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Exceed code requirements for better performance.
  • Consider ERVs for optimal air exchange and comfort.
  • Conduct proper system testing and verification.

Best Practices for Future Homeowners

  • Maintain humidity levels between 30-50%.
  • Replace filters in HVAC systems regularly.
  • Use exhaust fans when cooking or showering.
  • Keep ventilation running continuously for optimal pollutant levels.
  • Monitor for unusual system noises or inefficiencies.

Benefits of Proper Ventilation

Investing in a good mechanical ventilation system offers several advantages that future homeowners and business owners will appreciate for many years to come:

  • Reduces indoor air pollutants and allergens.
  • Controls moisture to help prevent mold and mildew.
  • Enhances future residents’ comfort and overall well-being.
  • Protects home and building structure from moisture damage.
  • Ensures that Maryland building codes are met for modern construction.

Call on the Healthy Home Experts

At DeVere Insulation, we’re experts at improving the energy efficiency and indoor air quality of your Baltimore building project. Our dedicated team has been partnering with Baltimore builders and contractors since 1987 to build the most energy-efficient homes and commercial buildings in our community. When you need help from the best, count on us. Contact us today for valuable guidance on choosing the best ventilation system and insulation for your Maryland building project.

References

​​Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America. (n.d.). Indoor air quality and ventilation. Retrieved from https://www.aafa.org

American Lung Association. (n.d.). Mold and dampness. Retrieved from https://www.lung.org

DeVere Insulation. (n.d.). Ventilation systems for energy-efficient homes. Retrieved from https://www.devereinsulation.com

Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Indoor air quality in homes. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov

Home Ventilating Institute. (n.d.). Residential ventilation systems guide. Retrieved from https://www.hvi.org

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (n.d.). Asthma information. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov

R-Value Insulators. (n.d.). VOCs and indoor air quality. Retrieved from https://www.rvalueinsulators.com

U.S. Department of Energy. (n.d.). Ventilation systems for homes. Retrieved from https://www.energy.gov

Worcester County, Maryland. (n.d.). Building codes and ventilation requirements. Retrieved from https://www.co.worcester.md.us

OSHA’s Permit-Required Confined Space Guidelines

As a partner in your success, we want to share the latest Confined Spaces Guidelines from OSHA.

Danger Confined Space

As a partner in your success, we want to share the latest Confined Spaces Guidelines from OSHA. You can find the complete publication here.

Residential and commercial builders, remodeling contractors, home inspectors, sales representatives, and estimating contractors are all effected by these new guidelines so be sure to share this with your entire team.

First Things First, What Is a Confined Space?

A confined space is a space that…

  • Is large enough for a person to enter and work
  • Has limited or restricted means of entry and exit
  • Is not designed for continuous occupancy

OSHA defines a permit-required confined space as a space that has at least one of the following characteristics:

  • Contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere
  • Contains a material that has the potential to engulf an entrant
  • Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated
  • Contains any other recognized serious safety and health hazard

Hazards associated with confined spaces include:

  • Slips, Trips, & Falls
  • Electrical equipment and wiring
  • Flammable materials or chemicals
  • Health hazards (i.e. Dust, Mold, Rodents)
  • Mechanical equipment
  • Hot surfaces
  • Combustible materials
  • Utility Lines (i.e. Gas)
  • Structural Collapse
  • Additional Concerns
  • Noise
    • Amplified due to acoustics of the space
    • Damages hearing and affects communication
  • Slippery or wet surfaces
    • Increased risk of falls and electrical shock
  • Personal protective equipment
    • More common PPE such as hard hat, hard-toed boots, safety glasses, face shield, gloves, and overalls must be worn when needed

If a hazardous atmosphere is detected while a worker is in the confined space:

  • All activities should stop
  • The worker(s) should exit immediately
  • The hazard should be evaluated
  • Protective measures should be taken

Always remember:

  • Test the atmosphere prior to entry and periodically
  • Never enter a confined space if the atmospheric conditions are not suitable
  • Ensure an attendant is outside the confined space at all times
  • Follow your company’s confined space permit

Prevent delays and keep your job site safe by:

  • Identifying Confined Spaces in advance
  • Identifying all hazards in the space
  • Controlling all hazards in the space
  • Educating and training employees
  • Avoiding creating permit required spaces
  • Staying current as the rules change
  • Staying on top of your program
  • Communicating with GC and Subs

Trust DeVere Insulation to uphold the highest standards of safety to keep your job site safe. Contact us today!