Updated June 2024
Think fiberglass is just for boat hulls and bathtubs? Think again! This incredibly versatile material is also making homes across Maryland more comfortable, energy efficient, and even safer. While often hidden behind walls and under roofs, fiberglass insulation plays a crucial role in the Old Line State. Let’s dive into three important ways fiberglass insulation is improving Maryland living that you might not know about.
Fiberglass Insulation: Maryland’s Secret Weapon Against Energy Waste
With its energy saving qualities, fiberglass insulation epitomizes the adage of “waste not, want not”. It acts as a powerful thermal barrier, effectively resisting heat flow in both summer and winter. This means as a Maryland homeowner you can maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round while significantly reducing your reliance on your heating and cooling system. By minimizing heat loss in the winter and keeping your home cooler in the summer, fiberglass insulation helps reduce your energy bills and enhances your overall comfort.
Maryland is committed to increasing energy efficiency through programs like EmPOWER Maryland, which encourages homeowners to upgrade their insulation to meet specific R-values required by state energy building codes (PDF). These codes are designed to promote energy efficient living and reduce environmental impact.
Take, for instance, the residents of Annapolis’ Harbour House Apartments, a local low-income apartment complex. Through a local grant the building underwent weatherization and energy efficiency retrofits in 142 units, including insulating and air sealing. As a result, each residence is estimated to save a yearly average of $600. Tenants are ecstatic!
“I’ve seen a noticeable reduction in my energy bill,” says resident Mable Cromwell. “The unit is much more comfortable to live in, especially in the winter; it holds the heat much longer.” Check out the rest of this story and read more energy saving success stories on Maryland’s Energy Administration website.
Fiberglass Insulation: Enhancing Indoor Air Quality and Health
Indoor air quality is a crucial aspect of a healthy home and fiberglass insulation, combined with air sealing, can help improve it. This powerful combination stops dust, allergens, and even mold spores from entering the home, making this sealing and insulation material combination a powerful duo.
According to the Insulation Institute’s “Fiberglass Insulation–Guide to Indoor Air Quality” (PDF), fiberglass is the only insulation category to receive the Asthma and Allergy Friendly product certification from Allergy Standards. That says a lot! Fiberglass insulation, especially when combined with air sealing to stop air leaks, prevents contaminants from entering your living space and contributes to a healthier indoor environment.
Fiberglass Insulation: A Fire-Resistant Shield for Maryland Homes
Safety is a top priority for any homeowner, and unfaced fiberglass insulation offers an added layer of protection against fire. Fiberglass is naturally non-combustible, meaning it has a high melting point and doesn’t contribute to the fuel load of a fire. This property gives fiberglass a high fire safety rating and can help slow the spread of flames, potentially saving lives and minimizing property damage.
In older Maryland homes (40+ years old), where the risk of fire is three times more likely than in newer homes (11-20 years old) due to older wiring, upgrading to fiberglass insulation can play a crucial role in fire safety and providing valuable time to escape. When installing insulation, remember to follow building codes and safety regulations to help minimize fire risks. Your local fire department is also a valuable resource for fire prevention and safety tips to protect your family in every situation.
Creating an Energy Efficient Community One Home at a Time
Fiberglass insulation is more than just pink fluff tucked away in your attic and walls. It’s a key player in making your Maryland home more energy efficient, healthy, and safe. Whether you’re battling Baltimore’s humid summers, the Eastern Shore’s chilly winters, or simply want to breathe easier indoors, fiberglass insulation is silently working hard for you. This tried-and-true, easy to install insulation is a straightforward upgrade that offers lasting benefits to your family and your wallet.
At DeVere Insulation, we’ve been working hard to create a more energy efficient Baltimore community since 1987. We offer our customers a variety of insulation materials such as loose fill, fiberglass batt insulation, mineral wool, and spray foam insulation, each with their own pros and cons, to ensure that you choose the right type of insulation for your needs. Contact us today to find out if fiberglass insulation is the perfect fit for your Baltimore home and receive your free estimate.
Before you go, check out what local homeowners are saying about their insulation installation from DeVere Insulation:
“I bought a 1924 home in Halethorpe. Insulation was a nightmare. Summers upstairs were 90+ with a window unit in. Winters it was always freezing in my home and my BGE gas bill was over $230 a month! So far, this past summer was AMAZING!!! Has been $30-40 cheaper every month and the upstairs is easier to keep comfy! My heat is awesome! You all did above and beyond what was asked!”
–Michael, homeowner
“Very professional and quick installation. The crew was clean and courteous. I’ve seen a dramatic reduction in energy costs for my home.”
–Christopher, homeowner