1. Moisture vs. vapor barriers
2. Air barriers
3. Types of vapor barriers
4. The importance of moisture barriers

Moisture vs. Vapor Barriers

A common question we hear in this industry is: what’s the difference between moisture barriers and vapor barriers? The quick answer: they’re basically the same thing. Moisture barriers and vapor barriers are both types of building materials that are meant to stop water from getting past a certain point (a barrier). Typically speaking, “vapor barrier” is more commonly used now. It’s important to note that no vapor barrier is capable of stopping all moisture.

The next question people usually ask about moisture/vapor barriers is the difference in them and air barriers. This does have a distinct purpose, though air barriers are still pretty similar to moisture/vapor barriers. Sometimes vapor barriers are not always a good idea, but air barriers usually are. Just like insulation, air barriers control the movement of air that has moisture in it. This doesn’t fully stop moisture, but instead, allows the moisture to disperse. There are many different materials that make up these barriers, and they provide a self-contained pocket of air to control the movement of thermal energy in and out of a building. Typically, air barriers and vapor barriers will be used together to make a building more energy efficient. This, in turn, will expand the life of a building.

Air Barriers

Air barriers are another term in the building industry that is similar to a moisture barrier, but a bit different. Air barriers are necessary all the time in a building, but vapor barriers are not. Like insulation, air barriers control the movement of air with moisture in it. This does not stop the moisture altogether, but instead allows for it to be dispersed appropriately. Air barriers are made of different materials, and they provide a contained amount of air to help control the movement of energy in and out of a building. Typically, air barriers are used with vapor barriers to increase the efficiency of energy use.

Types of Vapor Barriers

There are also many types of vapor barriers, which are made from many different types of materials. For example, rigid foam insulation is a relatively effective vapor barrier that’s commonly used. Polyethylene plastic is another common type of vapor barrier, because it has one of the least amounts of measured moisture permeability. Vapor barrier paints and primers are specially designed, and they can sometimes be applied to materials like bricks to provide an adaptable vapor barrier. Aluminum foil successfully blocks moisture, but this is less commonly used because it’s not a material that’s practical to use.

Vapor and moisture barriers are often recommended by construction workers, but for different reasons and in many different circumstances. Vapor barriers can be applied to interior walls which are mainly cold. They are best applied to exterior walls in mainly hot climates though. Usually, vapor barriers will be installed in finished basements between the concrete and the floor treatment. This helps to prevent damage from leaks.

The development of vapor barriers over time now allows builders to install hardwood floors in places that are regularly damp like basements. Many construction workers recommend vapor barriers; they’re applied to interior walls in climates which are mostly cold, while in hotter climates, they work best when they’re applied to exterior walls. Finished basements usually receive a vapor barrier layer between concrete and the floor, which works to prevent damage from rain or other moisture.

The Importance of Moisture Barriers

Moisture barriers are incredibly important, as they aim to keep water in all forms out of your home. But vapor barriers also let water out of your home if it gets in your home in the first place. It’s important to remember that water can come in your home in several different ways: as a liquid, a solid, a vapor, and adsorbed (not to be confused with absorbed).

In the liquid form, water comes into your house from rain and ground water. You must drain water out of your home if it gets in, or else mold will grow in your home and cause damage. The solid form of water can affect your home in the form of snow or ice. If water is not already solid when it enters your home, don’t let it get solid. If it does, though, give it space to thaw. Water in the form of vapor is hard to control, but sometimes the best strategies to keep water vapor out also trap water vapor inside.

Climate has a great affect on water vapor and moisture barriers in your home. Vapor barriers slow the migration of water vapor in your home. It is easy to confuse vapor barriers and air barriers, because air usually holds a lot of moisture in the vapor form. So when air moves from location to location because of an air pressure difference, the vapor moves with it. Technically, air barriers are also vapor barriers when they control the movement of air with moisture in it.

At Alamance Insulation and Gutters, we can help you understand moisture barriers.. One of our many services is installing moisture barriers in your home. Serving many areas in eastern North Carolina, we specialize in providing quality products and expert services to meet the unique needs of our customers. We offer services to help both homeowners and builders alike.

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Keep reading to learn more about:

1. Insulating your basement
2. Insulating your attic
   1. What is attic insulation?
   2. Why should you insulate your attic?
   3. Attic insulation saves you money
   4. Attic insulation conserves energy
   5. How does attic insulation work?
   6. Types of attic insulation

Insulating Your Basement

When building a home, basement insulation sometimes gets skipped to cut down on costs. However, this is a big mistake for homeowners. Insulating your basement comes with multiple benefits.

Basements are known as breeding grounds for dampness and moisture, but with proper insulation, your basement can be a dry, cozy space in your home. This will help keep bug infestations from occurring and cause less hassle and money spent on pest control.

Moisture and humidity can ruin not only your home’s structure but your furniture and personal belongings as well. A professionally insulated basement can help make your basement a safe place for keeping your belongings, creating a game room, or putting up guests.

Insulation keeps your basement dry, but it also helps to cut down on energy costs for heating and cooling your home. An insulated basement helps to regulate your home’s temperature so that it’s less susceptible to temperature swings due to extreme weather.

Insulating Your Attic

Whether you’re building a home and planning to insulate your attic or thinking of updating the insulation in your current attic, you have many decisions to make. Insulating your attic properly is an excellent wait to retain cool air in your home during hot months and warm air during cold months. If you think your attic could be better insulated, it might be smart to conduct an energy audit or use a thermal camera to locate the cool spots in that part of your home. Some homeowners may choose to fill gaps or holes in their attic to better insulate their home, but others choose to replace the insulation altogether. 

Attics are the often forgotten space between your roof and your main living area, serving as a long-term home to boxes you’d rather keep out-of-site. But it also plays a role in keeping your home comfortable throughout the seasons. If every winter has you shivering, attic insulation upgrades can help. Luckily, insulating your attic is an easy process that will have you warm and smiling again in no time flat.

There are several popular types of insulation that you should familiarize yourself with before choosing the right insulation for your attic:

1. First up is blanket insulation. This type of insulation is available in rolls or batts and is the easiest insulation material to install yourself. This type of insulation is made from fiberglass, plastic fibers, natural fibers, and mineral wool. For attics with normally spaced beams and few obstructions, blanket insulation is ideal.
2. Loose-fill insulation is another type of insulation commonly used in attic spaces. This type of insulation is best used for attics that have little headroom and some obstructions (like cross-beams or vents). It’s fine to blow loose-fill insulation over existing insulation. This type of insulation is available in mineral wool, fiberglass, and cellulose. Typically, cellulose is the most effective material for loose-fill insulation.
3. Finally, sprayed foam insulation is more expensive and requires a professional to install it, but it is quite effective. Sprayed foam insulation is made with polyurethane. There are two types of this kind of insulation: open-cell foam and closed-cell foam. Open-cell foam cells are filled with air, making it feel like a sponge. Closed-cell foam cells are filled with a gas that makes the foam expand so that it can fill the spaces around it. Closed-cell insulation can serve as a moisture vapor barrier if needed, and both types of sprayed foam insulation make an effective air barrier.

Alamance Insulation has been proudly serving the Triad area for over 20 years. Located in Burlington, NC, We provide quality gutters and insulation for our clients across central North Carolina, including Greensboro, Burlington, Mebane, Hillsborough, and High Point. We offer a variety of gutter, insulation, and moisture barrier services that will keep you and your family safe and comfortable all year around.

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In this article, we’ll cover all of the above and more. Keep reading to learn more about:

1. Types of insulation
2. Adding insulation during construction
3. Installing insulation after a house is finished

Types of Insulation

Adding Insulation During Construction

It is more cost-effective to add insulation during construction than to retrofit it after the house is finished. To properly insulate a new home, you’ll need to know where to insulate and the recommended R-values for each of those areas. Use the Home Energy Saver tool to determine where you need to insulate and the recommended R-values based on your climate, type of heating and cooling system, etc.

Once you know where you need to insulate and the recommended R-values, review our information on the types of insulation to help you decide what type to use and where. Before you insulate a new home, you also need to properly air seal it and consider moisture control. Energy losses due to air leakage can be greater than the conductive losses in a well-insulated home.

Consider products that provide both insulation and structural support, such as structural insulated panels (SIPs), and masonry products like insulating concrete forms. You should consider attic or roof radiant barriers (in hot climates), reflective insulation, and foundation insulation for new home construction. Check with your contractor for more information about these options.

Choose a team of local building professionals familiar with energy-efficient home construction in your area. The performance of insulation is very dependent on the quality of the installation; contractors that are familiar with the products you are considering will increase the likelihood that they will be installed properly.

Installing Insulation After a House is Finished

At Alamance Insulation and Gutters, we can help with all your insulation installation. We are a leader in the insulation and home performance industries centrally located in Burlington, North Carolina. We provide leading-edge products and services to customers throughout North Carolina – from Greensboro, Burlington, Elon, and Mebane to Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh. Let us help you today!

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There are eight types of mold to be on the lookout for in your home: 

Alternaria

In the summer, the warm, dry wind carries alternaria indoors. Once it’s in, it runs rampant through the home. It ranges in color from black to dusky olive green, and it might look like suede or like fluffy cotton. Like all molds, you’ll find it in damp places, such as the shower stall or under the sink with the leaky pipe. Sometimes it hides around window frames; sometimes it settles into water-damaged carpets and other fabrics

Alternaria is notorious for causing allergic reactions and asthma attacks. It has large spores (microscopic reproductive cells) that actually infiltrate your nose, mouth and upper respiratory tract.

Aspergillus

Aspergillus is the yellow-green mold that you’ll find on food, but it also likes household dust on walls, paper and clothing. It travels easily throughout the house via the HVAC ducts, particularly when you turn on the heat.

This mold is so common and causes so many health problems that it has an illness named for it: aspergillosis, which includes everything from mild sinus problems and ear and eye infections through bone pain, chest pain and vision problems through major lung, heart and kidney diseases.

Chaetomium

Chaetomium starts off white and cottony, then later turns olive green or gray. It has that odor that we usually refer to as “musty.” You’ll find it on old or damaged wood and water-damaged dry wall, wallpaper, carpets and window frames.

Cladosporium

This mold can be olive green, brown or black and enters the home through the HVAC system or any airflow entrances. It is one of the hardier molds and can grow in any temperature, including bitter cold. You will find it primarily on damp porous areas, such as fabrics (e.g., carpets) and wood (e.g., cabinets and floorboards).

Cladosporium is less toxic than many other molds, but the spores are definite allergens that affect asthmatics and people with respiratory diseases. It also can infect the skin, nails and sinuses.

Penicillium

The amazing thing about penicillium is that it naturally produces an antibiotic (pennicillin) that has saved millions of lives. No matter, you still don’t want it hanging around your house. Penicillium comes in shades of blue, green and yellow and can be found on areas damaged by water, such as wallpaper, carpets and insulation.

It commonly causes allergies, hay fever, asthma, sinusitis and inflammation of the lungs.

Serpula Lacrymans

This mold’s major diet is wood. It can destroy walls, floors and furniture and, literally, eat up your whole house. It might even make a snack of the masonry. It is rusty-red and spreads so that large areas of your home will be covered with what looks like red dust.

Like many molds, serpula lacrymans causes respiratory problems, including sneezing, sore throat, labored breathing and asthma—right up to very serious scarring of the lungs (pulmonary fibrosis).

Stachybotrys

This is the feared “black mold.” Look for black and slimy with a musty odor. Stachybotrys requires a lot of moisture (such as running water) and places that are always damp: air-conditioning ducts, leaky pipes. Also look for it on particleboard, cardboard, hay, wicker and drywall.

The airborne toxins can cause some serious problems: breathing difficulties, sinus infections, allergic reactions, asthma attacks, loss of hearing or memory, dizziness, fatigue, and depression.

Ulocladium

Ulocladium may be brown, gray or green-ish black with a suede-like texture. It grows fast after a home has been flooded or sustained significant water damage. It has the odd quirk (for mold) of not wanting to be alone and often joins chaetomium and stachybotrys in bathrooms, basements and kitchens, on both wallpaper and painted surfaces. Once ulocladium sets in, it’s there to stay.

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Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation

With some of the highest insulation R-values available, spray foam insulation can improve efficiency and comfort. Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is a versatile insulation and sealant that can create a continuous air barrier on multiple surfaces in homes or buildings, including ceilings, walls and concrete slabs. Spray polyurethane foam is created by mixing two fast-reacting liquids, isocyanate and polyol resin, that expand to create foam when mixed.

There are two kinds of this insulation, closed-cell and open-cell:

Open-cell foam has a lower R-value per inch than closed-cell, and is typically about 30% less expensive. Due to the lower R-value, open-cell must be applied in a thicker layer. Because of this, it lends itself to areas that offer more space, such as attics, ceilings and floor joists.

Closed-cell foam is more expensive, but that investment pays off in a higher R-value per inch. In addition, because of it’s ‘sticky’ qualities and rigidity once cured, it can also provide increased structural integrity to walls and ceilings.

Air Leaks and Infiltration

Up to 40 percent of a building’s energy is lost due to air infiltration. Gaps and air leaks allow expensive heating and air conditioning to go to waste, and needlessly increase energy bills. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 56 percent of a home’s energy is used for heating and cooling.

An alternative to traditional cellulose and fiberglass insulation, spray foam insulation resists heat transfer and insulates and seals gaps. SPF creates a tight barrier and prevents hot and cold air, vapor and moisture from penetrating into a building’s interior. It can also be an effective sound barrier.

Energy Savings

When applied, spray polyurethane foam expands to insulate and fill cracks and gaps to provide a consistent air seal. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, using spray foam to minimize air leaks in walls and roofs, a typical homeowner could save up to 15 percent on heating and cooling costs.

Spray foam insulation can be used to seal areas that commonly involve air leaks, including:

• Plumbing vents
• Attic hatches
• Wiring holes
• Behind knee walls
• Basement rim joists
• Windows and doors
• Open soffits
• Recessed light, furnace flue or duct chaseways

Thermal Performance and R-value

Spray foam insulation provides excellent thermal performance and the highest R-value (a measure of thermal resistance) per inch for greater potential energy savings compared to other forms of insulation of comparable thickness. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating properties of a material.

R-values for spray foam insulation range from 3.5 to 7 per inch of thickness, and some spray polyurethane foams provide the same energy savings in half the amount of space that may be typically required.3  To further illustrate the efficiency, if all of the 113 million single-family homes in the United States used SPF for insulation, Americans could save up to $33 billion in energy costs each year.

If you have questions about moisture barriers, gutters, or insulation or you would like to rely on professionals to do the job for you, call Alamance Insulation and Gutters. We service many areas in North Carolina, including but not limited to Burlington, Greensboro, Elon, Mebane, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh. We’re happy to help with all your insulation and gutter needs!

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In construction, the terms “moisture barrier” and “vapor barrier” are often used interchangeably. The purpose of a moisture barrier or vapor barrier is to keep moisture outside your house, whether it’s liquid moisture, such as rain, or water in its vapor form.

There are three classes of moisture barriers and they vary depending on permeability; they’re measured in units of “perm.” 

• Class 1 vapor retarders are the vapor barriers with the lowest permeability. These types of vapor barriers include glass, sheet metal, polyethylene sheets, and rubber membranes.

• Class 2 vapor retarders include extruded polystyrene, 30-pound asphalt-coated paper, plywood, and bitumen-coated kraft paper.

• Class 3 vapor retarders include construction materials, such as gypsum board, cellulose insulation, concrete block, house wrap, and board lumber.

Types of Vapor Barriers

In home construction, builders usually use two kinds of vapor barriers: membranes and coatings. Membranes are thin, flexible materials, such as paper-faced fiberglass roll insulation and polyethylene sheeting, that are fastened to the building with sealing applied to the joints. Vapor barrier coatings are applied like paint and may include paint. For example, painted gypsum wallboard may be enough to limit moisture penetration in a mild climate.

To be effective, moisture barriers should be installed with as few gaps between them as possible. If the barrier is torn or punctured during installation, the holes should be sealed to prevent moisture from moving through the barrier.

The best vapor barrier for your home depends on the climate where you live. The climate will also determine the best place to install the vapor barrier, whether at the exterior or interior of the wall cavity. In hot, humid areas, the barrier should be on the exterior of the wall, while in cold climates, it should be on the interior of the wall.

These barriers protect your home from moisture and potential mold build up. If you have questions about moisture barriers, gutters, or insulation or you would like to rely on professionals to do the job for you, call Alamance Insulation and Gutters. We service many areas in North Carolina, including but not limited to Burlington, Greensboro, Elon, Mebane, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh. We’re happy to help with all your insulation and gutter needs!

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Summer is the best time to do maintenance checks all over your house, including your crawl space. Checking for leaks or damaged insulation is important because the heat can hurt the insulation and pipes that run throughout the lowest parts of your home. Make sure to check your crawl space insulation to see if there’s any water damage or wear and tear; those kinds of issues to your insulation can hike up your AC bill and allow for more water to enter your interior. 

Most Common Crawl Space Issues

• Mold, Dust, etc: Mold loves moisture and your crawl space could be damp. Look for any signs of mold growth. This is toxic, so make sure to wear protective equipment. Any gaps in insulation can cause dust and allergen build up as well. Make sure your insulation is well-maintained to keep your air clean! You’ll save on tissues too!
• Rot: Many crawl spaces have wooden support. Moisture and heat can cause wood to rot. Call a professional to fix any and all rotted wood issues. These underlying support structures will continue decaying until they crumble under the weight of your home. Keep an eye out for settling floors or leaning walls, as they’re signs of impending structural collapse. 
• Unclean insulation: Air from the outside won’t just cause breathing problems, it can also ruin your crawl space insulation. Fiberglass is susceptible to moisture. It sucks in moisture when exposed to humid conditions. The excess moisture will weigh it down, eventually causing it to fall off your crawl space walls and ceiling. 

Your crawl space is an important space in your home. You cannot forget about it! Routine checks will ensure a healthy and safe environment for you and your loved ones. If you have questions about gutters or you would like to rely on professionals to do the job for you, call Alamance Insulation and Gutters. We service many areas in North Carolina, including but not limited to Burlington, Greensboro, Elon, Mebane, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh. We’re happy to help with all your insulation and gutter needs!

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Types of Insulation 

There are four types of insulation you can choose for your home. 

1. Loose-Fill and Blow-In: Typically made with recycled materials such as fiberglass, rockwool, or cellulose, this kind of insulation is easiest to install because it’s blown in using a hose. Loose-fill and Blow-in is great for hard to reach areas such as attics and basements with small nooks and crannies. For more information about this kind of insulation, see the Department of Energy’s recommended specifications here.
2. Blanket Insulation: This one sounds like it is. Blanket insulation comes in massive rolls that can be trimmed to fit into various spaces. This is great for absorbing heat and keeping your home cool in the hot summer months. Unlike loose-fill and blow-in insulation, blanket insulation (also called batt and roll) sometimes comes with a kraft paper, vinyl or foil facing that acts as an added air barrier.
3. Reflective Insulation and Radiant Barriers: Whether it’s made of foil-faced kraft paper, plastic film, polyethylene bubbles or cardboard, reflective insulation is used to reflect heat from the sun, as opposed to absorbing it. This type of insulation is usually installed in attics because it reduces the radiant heat transferred from the roof to indoor surfaces like floors and ceilings. Radiant barriers are more cost-effective in places with hotter weather, like the Piedmont Triad area.
4. Spray Foam and Foam-in-Place Insulation-:This is the fun one. Spray foam and foam-in-place insulation is the one of the most effective forms of home insulation because it creates a multi-layer barrier, blocking outside air and noise from entering your home. It’s perfect for new construction walls with electrical and plumbing obstructions and even forms around existing insulation. Foam-in-place insulation has the same benefits and is injected, sprayed or poured into existing walls. 

While there’s a lot to consider when thinking about your home’s insulation, you can’t go wrong with any of these options. Insulation protects your home from a variety of things. If you have questions about gutters or you would like to rely on professionals to do the job for you, call Alamance Insulation and Gutters. We service many areas in North Carolina, including but not limited to Burlington, Greensboro, Elon, Mebane, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh. We’re happy to help with all your insulation and gutter needs!

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There are three ways attic insulation in particular protects you and your home in the summer:

1. Energy efficiency: The roof offers the most protection from the sun, and insulation is a close second. Shingles and roofing tiles absorb most of the heat, and attic insulation should absorb most of the rest. If your insulation is damaged, old, or subject to water damage from a leaky roof, it won’t keep your home cool like it needs to. That’s why routinely checking your roof for damage and your attic for any debris in the insulation is key. 
2. Cost efficiency: Good insulation saves you from overworking your air conditioner in the summer. If your insulation is bad, you’ll find that your HVAC unit is working overtime, costing you more. And these days, we can all save a few bucks! Severe wear and tear on a constantly running AC unit will cost you a pretty penny. Proper insulation installation will guarantee that your home doesn’t rely on the AC more than it needs to, especially in these hot North Carolina summers.  
3. Clean air: A little known benefit of great insulation in your attic and throughout your home is cleaner air. Whether it is made of fiberglass or cellulose, insulation traps potential toxins and allergens from entering your living space, keeping the air circulating and clean. This is especially beneficial in the summer when pollen and dust rage in the Piedmont Triad. Insulation will keep you away from sneezing and coughing! 

So to protect your home and loved ones this summer, make sure your insulation is damage-free. It will help your home and wallet.  If you have questions about gutters or you would like to rely on professionals to do the job for you, call Alamance Insulation and Gutters. We service many areas in North Carolina, including but not limited to Burlington, Greensboro, Elon, Mebane, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh. We’re happy to help with all your insulation and gutter needs!

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