Insulation is one of the most important elements of an energy-efficient commercial building. Its quality directly correlates with the performance and integrity of the air barrier and building envelope.
For the past 25+ years, our sister company, Accurate-Airtight Exteriors, has been trusted as the leading commercial insulation contractor in Wisconsin and the Midwest. Our two companies are at the forefront of building science and offer commercial insulation services that help reduce energy bills, ensure occupant comfort, and promote long-term HVAC functionality.
Types of Commercial Insulation Offered in the Midwest
Not all insulation is created equal. As part of our process, we will help you understand the benefits of the different types of insulation available and those that fit best for your particular project. We believe all types of insulation can work well if installed properly and we will work with you to install a product that meets your structural requirements and financial goals. Our three main materials include:
Dense-Pack and Loose Fill Cellulose Insulation
- Cellulose insulation provides complete coverage, blocks air infiltration, and keeps your interior environment more consistent, all while using less heating or cooling energy. Cellulose is usually the best, most efficient, safest, healthiest, and cost-effective type of commercial building insulation. It’s also very popular as residential insulation.
- Cellulose insulation is made from recycled wood fiber, primarily newspaper. Specifically treated and processed, cellulose fiber is light and fluffy. The natural characteristics of cellulose loose fill insulation trap air within and between the fibers, providing superior insulating qualities.
- Cellulose can also be used as dense-packed insulation. It’s applied in confined spaces under high pressure to create a solid mass with the highest R-value. When blown into place under a specially designed high-pressure installation process, the tiny cellulose fibers flow around pipes and wiring, sealing cracks and corners, forming a felt-like bond.
Commercial Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is also called 2-part foam. It comes in a higher R-value closed-cell version and a lower R-value open-cell form. Both are effective and often considered a superior form of commercial building insulation. This is a polyurethane product that clings to and expands on the surface onto which it is sprayed. It provides several unique benefits to commercial buildings:
- Good for Hard-to-Reach Areas: Buildings with tight space constraints, small or irregular cavities, and a large number of service penetrations benefit from the versatility of spray foam.
- Dual-Purpose Air Sealing: As it expands, spray foam fills gaps and cracks, improving the air barrier. As such, you can insulate and air seal with one product.
- Sound Deadening: Spray foam can help reduce noise amplification through walls, which is particularly beneficial for commercial buildings with mixed office/industrial use.
Fiberglass Insulation
- Fiberglass, although popular, is the least valuable of the commercial insulation options available. It only works effectively in an airtight six-sided box: 4 sides, a top, and a bottom. It only gets about one-quarter of the insulating R-value when it is in an open space because the air is able to move through it easily.
- Unlike cellulose and commercial spray foam insulation, fiberglass does not cover the area as well, allowing cracks and gaps that allow heat to leak through. Similarly, fiberglass does not have the structure to prevent airflow.
The Wisconsin Commercial Insulation Contractor Team You Can Trust
Whether you’re constructing a warehouse facility, building an office, or retrofitting a mixed-use building, we have the high-quality insulation knowledge and expertise to make recommendations for lasting building performance and protection.
We are proud to be your partner in energy efficiency. As a third-party, BPI-certified building envelope consultant in Madison, we can provide comprehensive air barrier inspections and diagnostic services that will reveal a clear path to improving your energy costs. Our sister company, Accurate-Airtight Exteriors, specializes in commercial and residential building upgrades, helping local businesses and families achieve more energy-efficient and comfortable homes and buildings.
Maximize the energy efficiency of your commercial building. Call us at (866) 582-4320 or fill out our contact form below today.
FAQ’s
Insulation costs vary based on the material type. In general, commercial spray foam insulation is the most expensive, followed by cellulose and then fiberglass. Performance is relative to the cost, however.
State commercial building codes regulate how much insulation a commercial building requires, and where. R-values can differ depending on whether it’s under the roof, behind walls, or in the basement. For example, Wisconsin commercial building codes require R-30A for ceilings without attic spaces.
Rebates vary by state and utility district. In Wisconsin, Focus On Energy offers a $0.55-$1.00 rebate per square foot for upgrading the insulation and air sealing in multifamily buildings. In Minnesota, Minnesota Energy Resources offers a $0.20-$0.30 rebate per square foot for new insulation in existing businesses. In Michigan, Consumers Energy provides rebates for commercial insulation and air sealing. Our team can help you find which programs you qualify for.
Accurate-Airtight Enclosures provides consulting services throughout the entire United States. Our sister company, Accurate-Airtight Exteriors, provides air barrier repair work in a 250-mile radius of Madison, Wisconsin, and commonly serves commercial buildings in cities like Chicago, Dubuque, Madison, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and more.
