5 common spray foam insulation mistakes to avoid

5 common spray foam insulation mistakes to avoid

Many homeowners use spray foam insulation to seal off cavities in floors, walls, and ceilings to prevent air from moving in the house. Sometimes, they also fill up spaces around light fixtures and electric outlets. The primary reason is maintaining a constant temperature inside the house to avoid high energy bills. But this purpose is often defeated when people make mistakes while installing insulation. So, here are some common spray foam insulation mistakes to avoid:

1. Failing to do research on the type of insulation required
Most of the time, homeowners need to think about their insulation needs. They don’t invest enough time in understanding that various types of insulation are available, such as aluminum cladding, mineral wool insulation, and fiberglass pipe insulation. Each has advantages and uses, such as being more suited for soundproofing, while another is best for temperature maintenance. Hence, it is crucial to understand why insulation is required and, accordingly, pick a type that would be the best fit.

2. Applying foam too quickly
The efficiency of spray foam insulation is often affected when applied too quickly. Being hasty with the installation can usually leave a lot of spare areas of foam. This usually happens when the spray foam rig has a clogged hose or nozzle. As a result, the foam does not thoroughly cover specific areas. The uneven coating will defeat the purpose of installing the spray foam. A thick and even application is necessary for the insulation to work properly.

3. Installing insulation improperly
A homeowner may stretch out their budget and purchase the best quality of insulation. Yet, it will not work efficiently if the installation is not proper and correct. Whatever the insulation type or quality, it is crucial to follow the installation instructions specified by the manufacturer. Also, unless one is sufficiently skilled in installing insulation, it is best to hire professionals. Insulation contractors know their job well and will ensure the installation is done properly to last longer.

4. Spraying too much foam
Another common spray foam insulation mistake is over-spraying it. The foam layer can pack down the foam material when it is too thick. This can be a problem with certain types of spray foam, such as open-cell ones and closed-cell ones. This ends up expanding a bit after each application. So, waiting a couple of minutes after applying a layer is helpful so the foam can expand to its full size. This will avoid the mistake of over-spraying.

5. Failing to address an odor
It is normal for spray foam to have an odor while installed. However, it is cause for concern if the odor lasts long after the insulation process is done. This can be quite harmful for those working or living in the space where the insulation has been installed. To avoid this, the odor must be handled right at the time of applying the foam insulation. For this, many contractors often use large air exchange units. These are usually kept in the area where the spray foam insulation is being installed.

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Mistakes to avoid while using a vacuum cleaner

Many people use vacuum cleaners but still can't figure out how to use the appliance properly. If you don't use a vacuum cleaner the right way, you'll never get the desired results, plus you'll end up damaging the machine. Regardless of the type of vacuum cleaner you own, there are certain mistakes you must avoid while using it to improve its efficiency and longevity. Read on to know what these mistakes are. Emptying the dust bag only when overfilled Although inconvenient, it's necessary to empty the dust bag well before it's full or after each use. If you operate a vacuum cleaner while its dust bag or container is full, performance drops drastically. It doesn't pick up dust and dirt as effectively as it can. Moreover, a full dust bag can restrict airflow within the appliance, increasing the risk of overheating and damage. Don't want to empty the dust bag frequently? Consider buying a vacuum cleaner with a bigger dust bag. Assuming it's broken If your vacuum cleaner stops working suddenly, that doesn't necessarily mean it's broken. Vacuum cleaners often lose suction when the dust bag is full, or the hose is clogged. Also, many models today come with a feature that makes the appliance shut off automatically when the motor becomes too hot. This is to prevent further appliance damage and hazardous incidents. Empty the dust bag and clean the filter, hose, and brush roll to restart successfully. Vacuuming everything It can be hard to resist the urge to vacuum just about anything and everything when in a hurry. This is one of the costliest mistakes vacuum owners make! Most vacuum cleaners are designed to pick up everyday dust and dirt. Running them over small, hard objects, such as a penny or screw, can seriously damage or even break the appliance. You must also avoid trying to suck up water or other liquids, as it ruins the motor and can cause an electric shock. Using baking soda to pre-clean or deodorize Many homeowners use baking soda to remove resilient stains and get rid of odors from carpets and upholstery. While that may be effective, it's not advisable to run vacuum cleaners over surfaces rubbed with this chemical compound. The tiny baking soda particles can clog the filter over time, making the machine work harder and decreasing its longevity. Operating with the wrong attachments Not getting the desired vacuuming results? Maybe you're using the wrong attachment or not using one when required. Most vacuum cleaners come with dusting brushes, crevice tools, and sundry attachments to clean hard-to-reach areas, such as ceilings or under the furniture. These attachments also eliminate dust and allergens from spots homeowners overlook, such as light fixtures, baseboards, lampshades, and furniture upholstery.

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Water purification systems – Importance and benefits

The problem of access to clean and safe drinking water has become a global cause for concern. Although tap water has been lauded as a safe source of drinking water in many cities across the country, it could cause many infections and diseases. Read on to find out more about what could be hiding in tap water and how to get rid of it to take better care of one’s health. What’s hiding in tap water? Tap water can be home to several biological and chemical contaminants, such as the following: 1. Bacteria and viruses Drinking water can contain many bacteria, viruses, and other parasites, which could cause infections and illnesses such as cholera, dysentery, and diarrhea. 2. Lead Lead is one of the most common contaminants found in drinking water. This toxic chemical can leach into the water from old pipes and fixtures as the water flows through. While small amounts of lead are generally tolerable, exposure to too much of it can cause developmental problems in children and increase the risk of cardiovascular and kidney diseases in adults. 3. Chlorine At municipal facilities, chlorine is often added to the water to kill germs. However, this chlorine can interact with other chemicals in the water to form toxic byproducts such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAA). These can increase the likelihood of cancer. 4. Pesticides and herbicides As herbicides and pesticides run off into the soil, they can contaminate the water table and make their way into tap water. This can cause many health issues, ranging from skin inflammation to neurological conditions. Getting rid of the impurities in tap water A very simple solution to getting rid of these impurities in drinking water is to switch over to water purifiers. Here’s why this is a good idea: 1. Add an extra layer of security Although water goes through municipal water treatment systems, it could still collect impurities from faulty pipes, pesticide residue, or heavy rainfall. A water purification system in one’s home helps remove these to add an extra layer of security and make the water fit for consumption. 2. Remove contaminants There are several types of water purification systems, each with its own method of filtering water. Based on their strength and type, they can help remove chemical and physical contaminants from water and make it safer to drink. 3. Improve health Purified water (from an RO filter) will have fewer bacteria and viruses. Drinking cleaner water will automatically reduce the risk of infections and diseases. It will also help reduce signs of skin inflammation. 4. Enhance the taste As water goes through various pipes, it collects sediments and soil remains. This can impact the taste and odor of the water. Water purifier retains the natural taste of water without the contaminants. 5. Reduce environmental waste Today, many people rely on bottled water for drinking. The manufacturing and disposal processes of these bottles significantly increase environmental waste. Switching to a water purifier can help end this reliance and lead an eco-friendly lifestyle.

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