A Brief Introduction
This image is what the Tru-Soft looks like after it has all been blown in. What we are looking at here is a loose chunks of cellulose. Blow-in insulation is typically grey or white, but Tru-Soft will always be this grey material.
What are we Replacing?
Frequently when we are asked to come properly insulate an attic or crawlspace, it is because what they already have is insufficient. What is common in homes across America at this point, is what you see above, roll-out fiberglass insulation.
Why Are We Replacing Fiberglass?
The issue with rolled-out fiberglass insulation is that it can be a nice home for pests and critters along with molds and mildews. Additionally, the thermal insulation it provides is not always consistent.
What is Cellulose?
Cellulose is the main substance found in plant cell walls. It is an important fiber used to make paper and clothes. Click to the next photo to see how this is relevant!
What is if Made Out of?
Paper and Clothes!!! Tru-Soft's primary ingredient is recycled newspaper, and shredded denim. This is also a component of what makes cellulose insulation so eco-friendly!
How Does it Work?
How do all of these loose chunks actually make their way up to the attic? The answer is a quite simple, through a series of tubes which will come up through the windows or hatches.
Installation Continued
Here you can see one of our crew members blowing in the insulation.
Pros
The most unique aspect of Tru-Soft, is that is made with boric acid. This is significant because it repels pests and limits the growth of mold and mildew. Additionally, Tru-Soft is firefroof, provides for a more consistent insulation with no gaps, and it is environmentally friendly!
Cons:
This insulation route can cost more than spray foam or fiberglass, and the material can hold moisture. Though it may hold moisture, it is not a conducive environment for mold which is still a pro!
What are the Alternatives?
Common alternatives other than rolled-out Fiberglass include spray foam, Radiant Barrier, and rigid foam insulation. There is also Silver-Glo which is another Dr. Energy Saver which is like a cross between Radiant Barrier and rigid foam insulation.
Radiant Barrier
Radiant Barrier is a tinfoil like sheet that is installed to the interior of a roof which acts a reflective agent. This solution is only optimal in certain climates and is frequently used in conjunction with other insulations.
Spray Foam?
Spray foam is a a popular option due to its price tag, but insulation gaps are far more common in spray foam than in Tru-Soft. The biggest pro in regards to spray foam is that it is also an airtight sealant. When we use Tru-Soft we also make sure the space is airtight by sealing any points of potential leakage with ZypFoam, but spray foam has the "two-birds-one-stone" effect.
Can I Combine Solutions?
We recognize that there is not a "one-size fits all" solution when it comes to insulating your home, and we frequently use a combination of these methods to insulate your home. Every home is unique, as the process we use to come up with the best course of action for you home reflects that. As you can see in this photo, we use both Radiant Barrier and Tru-Soft!
Will my Attic Still Be Functional with Tru-Soft?
Yes! If you are currently using your attic as a storage space, we can install a deck like feature on top of the Tru-Soft so you still use that space. This is what an "attic-deck" might look like!
Functionality Continued
This is simply another shot of an "attic-deck" at a different angle. This example is relatively small, but depending on your home, your deck could be much larger.
The End.
Here is what a finished attic looks like without a deck! To learn more about Tru-Soft, check out our blogs! To see if Tru-Soft is for you, call us for a free quote!
