Homeowners in Duluth, MN were having issues with ice dams building up during winter months. They contacted us specifically looking for solutions to preventing ice dams from forming in the first place.
Our Dr. Energy Saver® Design Specialist Henry Jungbauer went to the home and provided a free, no-obligation estimate for the insulation project. After inspecting the property and conducting an energy audit, it was determined that spray foam insulation and blown-in insulation in the attic were necessary to effectively insulate the space.
DBS Foreman Orrin Sundberg began this insulation job by removing the existing fiberglass batting. His crew then completely air sealed the space with ZypFoam, concentrating on gaps in the building material and spaces surrounding the attic ducts.
They then used our TruSoft™ cellulose, covering the roof deck in 18-inches of soft, yet dense insulation. TruSoft™ has a higher R-value than fiberglass and other cellulose materials, perfect for use in our northern climate. Tru-Soft™ cellulose is extra dense and made from recycled news paper. It's treated to be extremely resistant to heat and fire, making it a great companion for an attic space.
This home is now properly equipped to handle warm Minnesota summers and freezing winters with new attic insulation.
Poorly Insulated Attic in Duluth, MN
This attic had old insulation that wasn't standing up to the job. Ice dams were forming on the home's exterior due to warm air escaping via the attic.
Existing Insulation to be Removed
The fiberglass batting here has lost its R-value over time. Our team will remove all existing insulation before installing new.
Holes in Attic Filled with ZypFoam
We tend to cut holes into our attic to make way for wiring and utilities. In turn, this creates passageways for air to leak from the rest of the home via the attic and eventually, to the cold outside.
Air Sealing Stops the Stack Effect
Air sealing is key in putting an end to the stack effect. The stack effect refers to the vacuum effect that takes place as the warm air leaving you home via your attic is replaced by cold outdoor air via your basement.
Air Sealing Saves Energy
Our team spend time air sealing the gaps and cracks in the attic floor by air sealing using ZypFoam.
Air Sealing Complete
The roof deck has now been properly sealed. After the air sealing, our team installed 18 inches of Tru-Soft™ cellulose, providing an R-value of about 60.
