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How Spray Foam
Insulation can Prevent Hurricane Damage
Anyone living near the coast of Florida or the Gulf South
knows what it's like to worry about hurricanes. Not only
is the possibility of losing your power an issue, but it's
scary to consider that your home is also at serious risk.
Back in March of 2005, FEMA
did a study of the 2004 hurricane season in Florida.
They discovered that the second highest cause of damage to
property in Florida was from rain water getting into a home
through its eaves, or what home builders call "soffits" (see
the picture below).
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Some home builders add
vents to a soffit in order to vent the attic. But
the problem that FEMA uncovered was that wind and pressure
from hurricanes were causing rain to get into a soffit, or
destroy it altogether.
Once the rain water
came through the soffit, it started making its way into
walls, attic spaces, and then the rest of a home.
Not only can that water destroy irreplaceable family
valuables, it can lead to dangerous mold growth. |
So it isn't surprising that
only months after FEMA released that study, the International
Code Council made a change to building codes. Can you
guess what that was? That they now support attics
without vents. The ICC also stated that having the
right kind of insulation - one that water can't easily pass
through - could help building performance if used in an attic.
You know the risk - Now
learn how to prevent it
Venting your attic can
obviously lead to problems, and fiberglass insulation sure
isn't waterproof. But spray foam insulation is.
When foam insulation is
sprayed into your home, it creates an airtight seal.
Thanks to that seal, it keeps heat and moisture out of your
home. It's also proven to strengthen walls, and make
your home more sturdy. And by keeping moisture out, it
prevents unhealthy mold from growing in your home.
So not only does it help
defend your home better against wind and rain, but spray foam
insulation can also cut your electric bills by as much as 50%.
And if you ever decide to sell your house, keep in mind that a
home treated with spray foam usually has a higher resale value
than one without it.
At ProLevel Foam
Insulation of Louisiana, we specialize in treating homes with
spray foam to make them stronger. Not to mention added
benefits like paying less on electric bills, and prevention of dangerous mold.
If you live in the state of
Louisiana and would like to get a free estimate, please call us
today or click here to
reach us by email.
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