Existing Building Improvement

Existing Buildings

Ecologic can assist you in improving energy efficiency by adding new insulation to older and existing buildings. We’ll advise you on which areas to focus on and key considerations.

Attic Insulation

Existing attic space is the best place to begin looking for energy efficiency improvements. It’s typically readily accessible, represents a large part of the total surface area, and provides an opportunity to greatly increase the efficiency and comfort of a building. Sealing these spaces helps maintain the thermal energy in a home by cutting off a key contributor to heat loss through convective loops.

With most Southern New England homes built prior to 1980, the quantity and type of insulation materials found is sub-standard. An R-19 fiberglass batt installed in your attic floor back in 1978 can perform to half of its stated R-value due to the effects of gravity, moisture and maintenance interference over time. Also important to note is that any insulation products found in homes prior to the 1960s can be hazardous to indoor air quality due to asbestos or vermiculite.

When choosing spray foam insulation for the attic there are two application approaches that can be explored:

UNVENTED ATTIC ASSEMBLY: Foam insulation is installed against the roof sheathing sealing up soffits, ridges, and gable ends. This method places the attic space within the thermal envelope along with any HVAC equipment that may be installed in the attic space. This is an excellent approach to addressing ice damning issues and increasing the effectiveness of existing HVAC systems.

VENTED ATTIC ASSEMBLY: Insulation is installed to the attic floor and conventional venting is exercised through the use of soffit baffles, soffit vents, and ridge vents or gable end venting.

Crawl Space & Basement Insulation

In New England, near and below grade insulation needs present challenges because of moisture. Keeping moisture from building components aides in increased building component longevity and occupant comfort, decreased chance of mold and mildew growth, and improved indoor air quality.

The crawl space or basement ceiling and rim joist are great places to start. Batt insulation typically installed in floor assemblies are detrimentally affected by moisture and time, which weighs these products down and causes them to underperform. When applied, spray foam insulation has the ability to adhere and expand along with a material composition that resists moisture. Spray foam (SPF) insulation is a superior option for this problematic area.

Wall Insulation

Already enclosed wall cavities can be retro-fitted with densely packed insulation or pour-in-place foam insulation. It is installed through exterior or interior walls. Ecologic has developed tools and methods of drilling and finding wall studs to ensure every square inch of wall cavity is filled. 

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John & TJ are always there to help and have endless knowledge on building envelopes. They're my only consideration for any insulating I'd need on my properties or for my clients. -Jeff
The only contractor that accepted spray insulating the crawlspace of my dining area. Other contractors rejected working on the space due to the limited space of the entry point. Sean and his team insulated the attic and sprayed foam my crawlspace. They did an amazing job and no more ice cold floors in my dining area thanks to their work. -Fernando
Ecologic provided sprayfoam and a vapor barrier for the crawlspace of our beach cottage. The work was high-quality and the cost was less than what I had been quoted to remove debris and replace the fiberglass insulation. I would highly recommend Ecologic, they are easy to deal with and take pride in their work. -Matthew
Had these guys and gals spray insulation in my home a few years back. Professional quote, professional employees, professional work. Need some more insulation done and they will be my first call. -RG

Benefits

  • Reducing framing stud sizing
  • Reducing HVAC tonnage size
  • Reducing the need for certain types of exterior shea thing raps
  • Eliminates the need for a separate air barrier (spray foam insulation is an air barrier)
  • Eliminates the need for a vapor retarder (closed cell foam insulation is a vapor retarder)