GRAND RAPIDS Blog

3 Ways Insulation Can Help With Allergies| Koala Insulation of GR

Home insulation can do many things, from regulating temperatures in your rooms to lowering energy bills and increasing the value of your property. It can come as a surprise to many people, however, to learn that insulation can also benefit your health, particularly if you have allergies or persistent respiratory conditions. Here are just a few ways insulation can help.

How Does Insulation Benefit Those with Allergies?

1. Pest Control

In addition to maintaining indoor temperatures, home insulation forms a protective physical barrier in walls, ceilings, and attics. This makes it a valuable deterrent against bugs, rodents, and other unwelcome guests which can cause, contribute to, or aggravate allergic reactions.  Additionally, new insulation is treated with chemicals that these critters find disagreeable and prevents them from eating or creating nests in the insulation.  

Cellulose, foam board, and spray foam insulation tend to be the most effective against pests. Although they won’t completely prevent determined critters from getting into your home, they’ll make it much harder for them to move around and contaminate rooms.

2. Mold and Mildew Prevention

Mold and mildew are among the most widespread problems affecting homes in areas with high indoor humidity. Spores drift inside with air currents, and they’ll quickly establish colonies in areas with plenty of stagnant, warm, moist air, releasing further clouds of spores which can lead to allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, red eyes, and other issues.

Home insulation can reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth by preventing indoor air from reaching the dew point, the stage at which condensation forms. You can supplement this factor by regularly circulating fresh air through your rooms by opening windows and using electric fans.

3. Moisture Reduction

The same moisture-reducing qualities which make insulation an excellent line of defense against mold and mildew growth can help to prevent water damage. A variety of pests seek out wet environments and like to build nests in water-softened wood and plaster.

For example, water damage can create the perfect environment for insects like termites, carpenter ants, roaches, and silverfish. Even if these pests don’t cause allergic reactions directly, they can generate large amounts of dust which can irritate those with allergies and respiratory problems.

If you want to learn more about how home insulation can keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy, turn to Koala Insulation of Grand Rapids in Grand Rapids, MI. Fully licensed and insured, our experts can install all types of insulation, including fiberglass batts, blown in cellulose, and spray foam insulation. We also offer a range of services including comprehensive inspections, repairs, air sealing, and more. Call (616) 333-6667 to discuss your needs, and visit our website to learn more.