We considered do-it-yourself foam insulation. It's easy to find polyurethane foam insulation kits online. However, after some discussion we decided that even if it cost a bit more we'd have it done by a professional. It would undoubtedly go quicker and be done better by a professional. We figured that the amount of potential over-spray if we did the job ourselves would probably be costly. Also, the professionals have all the necessary tools and safety equipment.
http://www.foam-insulation-guide.com/residential-foam-insulation.htm saved by
pj in
Insulation on 5/24/2010 11:09:32 PM
Say you have 1200 square feet total outside walls to insulate. That would cost you about $3,600. If you got a loan from the bank for $3,600 - your payment would be about $85 a month. Now, every time that $85 a month was due, so would be your utility bills. If you saved $200 on utility bills every month and paid $85 of it to the loan, you'd be ahead $115 each month or $1,380 a year! Just by using the banks money and your own labor.
http://www.fomofoam.com/existing_homes.htm saved by
pj in
Insulation on 5/24/2010 11:12:32 PM
Injection spray foam makes it easy to retro fit older homes, attics and finished basements that lack insulation with spray foam insulation. Injection foam requires drilling small (usually 1?) holes in the wall cavity so that the foam may be injected. Injection foam will fill voids and cavities around electrical wiring, plumbing and windows without having to remove plaster or drywall.
A few facts about injection foam:
http://www.envirotite.com/spray-foam-insulation/injection-foam/ saved by
pj in
Insulation on 5/24/2010 11:16:09 PM
The Grand Unified Formula of Insulation Value
Here is my attempt at a price comparison formula for insulation:
Value = Cost / (Square Footage x R-Value)
To put this formula in practice, here is an example from an add-on to one of my insulation bids:
Cost $425 / (143 ft2 x R19) = $425/2717 = $.156 per R ft2
http://bungalow23.com/2009/09/30/foam-insulation-cost-analysis/ saved by
pj in
Insulation on 5/24/2010 11:19:20 PM
When evaluating the true cost of closed cell foam, it's important to understand just how foam saves you construction dollars in the building process and then how it saves you monthly through your utility bill. To truly compare the differences, we must understand what we get for our money.
https://www.airtightfoamrome.com/True_Cost_Of_Foam.html saved by
pj in
Insulation on 5/24/2010 11:25:24 PM
We insulated a 2600 square foot house with closed cell polyurethane foam. Because of the efficiency of the product a 2-? ton HVAC unit was installed. The thermostat is kept on 72 degrees year round.
In the last thirty-six months the owners have not had an electric bill over $94.00.
http://www.alpinefoam.net/spray-foam-insulation.htm saved by
pj in
Insulation on 5/24/2010 11:37:10 PM
# Achieves an R-Value of 6.5 per inch
# Provides dramatic savings in heating & cooling costs
# Creates a seamless air barrier
# Prevents the growth of mold
# Highest cost/output ratio of all the various foam types
http://www.cpifoam.com/spray-foam-two-pound.aspx saved by
pj in
Insulation on 5/24/2010 11:39:38 PM
The history of fiberglass insulation dates back to ancient Egypt. In home insulation, blown in cellulose insulation is becoming icreasingly popular. Traditional fiberglass insulation versus cellulose insulation is a big decision in new home construction and each has different benefits when it comes to home insulation. Fiberglass insulation prices are about 7 cents per inch thick square foot. The cost of cellulose insulation pricing is about the same. So what's the big difference between the 2 products? Below is some information about blown in cellulose insulation Vs fiberglass insulation so you can make an informed decision.
http://www.rvalue.net/page5.html saved by
pj in
Insulation on 5/24/2010 11:40:42 PM
RHH Foam Systems, Inc. manufactures spray foam insulation systems and insulation kits - VERSI-FOAM? two-component disposable polyurethane foam dispensing systems, and VERSI-TITE? single component polyurethane foam sealants.
http://www.rhhfoamsystems.com/ saved by
pj in
Insulation on 5/24/2010 11:46:29 PM
# Explore Home Improvement >
# Common Home Problems
# Home Energy Audits
# Air Seal & Insulate
# Heat & Cool Efficiently
# Home Performance with ENERGY STAR
# For Contractors
http://www.energystar.gov/ saved by
pj in
Entire Home on 5/24/2010 11:46:58 PM
Handi-Foam? Quick Cure E-84 (Class 1) spray foam is commonly used for sealing and insulating Rim/Band Joists, Bacement Walls, Foundation Walls and areas where the foam will be left exposed. Other uses include: insulating metal buildings, marine applications, and stage props. Quick Cure E-84 is a medium density (1.75 lb) foam that cures to fairly rigid in several minutes. It can be sanded and painted if desired. It is dispensed using the patented Handi-Gun? dispensing unit for accurate and precise applications.
http://www.energyefficientsolutions.com/Fire_Rated.asp?item=FOAM205E84 saved by
pj in
Insulation on 5/24/2010 11:48:15 PM
#
Spray foam insulation that's convenient and easy to use.
#
Approximately 602 Board Feet (602 Square feet at 1 inch thickness) of spray foam insulation.
#
R-Value of 7 per inch - 97% Closed Cell Foam. The best wall, basement or attic insulation.
#
Class I E-84 Fire-Rated - meets building code spec.
#
Expanding sealant creates Class 3 vapor retarder, controls air flow, and creates a tight building envelope.
#
Shelf Life: 12 Months unopened, 1 Month Once Opened.
#
Includes a pair of isocyanate resistant gloves, 15' hose assembly w/gun, 10 nozzles and 3 fan spray tips- everything you need to complete your insulating project.
http://www.eco-distributing.com/Foam-it-Green--602--Polyurethane-Spray-Foam-Insulation-Kit_p_208.html saved by
pj in
Insulation on 5/24/2010 11:48:55 PM
Updating your kitchen is quite a project and it can be quite expensive. No matter what your budget is, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the right products for your taste, lifestyle and pocketbook. One of the biggest expenses in any kitchen remodel is the countertop. The following types of countertops will help you decide which product is right for you.
http://kitchen-decor.suite101.com/article.cfm/kitchen_countertops saved by
pj in
Kitchen on 5/25/2010 10:38:17 AM
As global warming becomes a larger focus in the lives of people all over the world, many people are looking for ways that their purchases can lessen their impact on the earth. One way that people are lessening their carbon footprint on the world is by purchasing green items for their homes, including green countertops. There are many products that can be used to create a countertop that is considered green and the multitude of different materials, shapes, and designs available make finding a green countertop for your home even easier.
http://kitchen-counter-tops.net/other-countertops/different-types-of-green-countertops.html saved by
pj in
Kitchen on 5/25/2010 10:39:32 AM
Engineered with pure quartz crystals, quartz countertop from DuPont™ Zodiaq™ let you bring the best of both worlds – nature and science -- to your kitchen, bath and throughout your home. Explore the drama and beauty of nature without sacrificing the performance of science. DuPont™ Zodiaq? quartz countertops are incredibly durable and resistant to heat and scratches.
http://www2.dupont.com/Surfaces/en_US/products/zodiaq/index.html saved by
pj in
Kitchen on 5/25/2010 10:43:09 AM
Silestone leads its category in innovative ideas for a product that already is known for its ingenious physical properties and customer benefits. Silestone offers the most colors in natural quartz; the most innovative sink installation methods, such as integrated, flush- and bevel-mounted; and the latest, newest products such as the exclusive Silestone? Leather™ with antimicrobial product protection.
http://www.silestoneusa.com/aboutus/factsheet.cfm saved by
pj in
Kitchen on 5/25/2010 10:44:55 AM
So I love black granite and would be willing to put up with it even though my MIL thinks I'm a crazy lady for even considering it (see my other post). The bad news is that somehow, unconsciously...my DH says now he doesn't care for black counters, so there goes my idea of a "classic" kitchen, if I were to honor his preferences (he MUST be listening to his mom). :: Hmmm!
http://www.thathomesite.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0816380418288.html?2 saved by
pj in
Kitchen on 5/25/2010 10:47:19 AM
Recycled glass kitchen countertops can be a lovely addition to any home, providing a unique look that cannot be matched by any other material. Never heard of recycled glass kitchen countertops? Well, neither have many other homeowners across the nation, but with the push for homes and businesses to become more “green”, recycled glass kitchen countertops are becoming more and more popular each year.
http://kitchen-counter-tops.net/other-countertops/recycled-glass-kitchen-countertops.html saved by
pj in
Kitchen on 5/25/2010 10:47:38 AM
Award winning ALKEMI is a SCS certified, LEED credits receiving, recycled surface material composed of post-industrial scrap waste (34% by weight—as certified—or 60% by volume). Made from fine flake aluminum milling scrap—which commonly burns up as a heavy smoke pollutant when exposed to conventional aluminum recycling—ALKEMI leaves no hazardous footprint.
Available in a variety of colors and surface treatments (Textured & Classic and Honed), ALKEMI may be fabricated and installed using standard solid surface fabrication methods. Strong, durable and exquisite to the eye, ALKEMI offers a brilliant, sustainable alternative to the stagnant commercial options, such as solid surface, plastic laminate, stone and glass.
http://www.alkemi.com/products/about_alkemi.html saved by
pj in
Kitchen on 5/25/2010 11:56:54 AM
Have your kitchen countertops seen better days? Do they look as if they belong in another era? If you cringe every time you walk into your kitchen, it is definitely time to check out new countertops. This can be fun. Envision your kitchen with brand new counters. They can be anything you want them to be.
The possibilities are right before you. Look at the variety of materials that are available for your beautiful new kitchen. It will probably be hard to stop at just the countertops. However, one thing you should be prepared for is there are so many you will probably change your mind several times before you make a final choice.
http://www.kitchencountertoptypes.com/ saved by
pj in
Kitchen on 5/25/2010 12:10:44 PM
All Granite and Marble is a premiere fabricator of kitchen counter tops, bathroom vanity tops, jacuzzi and fireplace surrounds, as well as other products for residential and commercial applications.
http://www.marble.com/ saved by
pj in
Kitchen on 5/25/2010 12:10:57 PM
Laminate Countertops can be a very inexpensive and relatively easy way to freshen up an otherwise outdated kitchen space. Pricing can start as low as $4 - $8 sq ft. if purchasing it by the sheet to be installed over an existing workspace. This is a great option for the do it yourself er, but has its limitations.
For the molded or beveled edge or custom design laminate countertops range between $24-$40 sq ft.
http://www.thesexykitchen.com/laminate-kitchen-countertops.html saved by
pj in
Kitchen on 5/25/2010 12:11:39 PM
Dealers price counter surfaces by lineal or square foot, with template, delivery, and installation (TDI) quoted in the total price of the countertop. Prices vary depending on texture, color, pattern, intricacy of edging, number of holes, sink type, and seams. Seams affect look and durability, and can lead to water seepage that warps wood and causes laminate to pull away from its substrate. A qualified, certified kitchen designer can help research qualified manufacturers and fabricators.
http://www.bobvila.com/HowTo_Library/countertop_options-countertops-a1579.html saved by
pj in
Kitchen on 5/25/2010 12:12:23 PM
We recently installed two different colors of quartzite in our kitchen.
[granite 002 by basianov, on Flickr] granite 002">
The island is called Illusion Blue (I am in love with it).
granite 003
The perimeter stone is Mother of Pearl and I am also in love with IT. Ha!
granite 012
Now, of course, we need to choose a backsplash. There is paint there now, but I would like to choose a tile that compliments both of the colors without competing with the Blue Illusion (which is so striking, that I would hate for it to compete with a busy backsplash).
Ideas? Thank you!
http://www.thathomesite.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0208133220148.html?8 saved by
pj in
Kitchen on 5/25/2010 12:14:50 PM
CaesarStone is the original quartz surface manufacturing company that introduced pioneering innovation in the field of quartz surfaces. Our quartz surface product is commonly referred to as "CaesarStone" by retailers and buyers, please make sure you ask for the authentic product that is manufactured by CaesarStone when specifying or purchasing our quartz surfaces.
http://www.caesarstone.com/what_is_caesarstone.aspx saved by
pj in
Kitchen on 5/25/2010 12:15:49 PM
Picking out countertop material used to be a lot easier when there were significantly less choices. Now there are not only more materials available, but also new patterns, and new types of countertops application. The new trend is to mix and match two different kinds of counter materials together. You might like to pair up a solid-wood counter surface with a marble insert and stainless steel.
http://www.invitinghome.com/kitchen-counters/kitchen-countertops.htm saved by
pj in
Kitchen on 5/25/2010 12:16:17 PM
Granite is a very durable stone and for the most part is carefree, but as a natural product there are some helpful suggestions that will keep your granite looking like the day it was installed. Everyday cleaning of the granite surface should be done with simple dishwashing soaps, rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry the countertop completely using a clean dry cloth. Don’t use anything on the countertops that you would not use on your hands. Do not use vinegar or anything that may contain ammonia (e.g. Windex), bleach (e.g. Clorox), or specialty bathroom, tile or grout or cleaners that may contain acids. These chemicals could have a bleaching or etching effect on some of the minerals in the stone. There are some very good commercial products available that will really keep your granite counters looking new.
http://www.clcweb.com/granite/ saved by
pj in
Kitchen on 5/25/2010 12:18:01 PM
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