How Can Insulation Affect My Allergies?

While you may not give much thought to it, your home’s insulation may be what’s affecting your allergies. Dust mites, pet dander, mildew, and molds are the main indoor allergens which can affect you and your family year-round inside of your home. Whether it’s an old insulation system, poorly installed insulation, or just the wrong insulation for your home, any one of these installation issues could be the source of your itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, wheezing, scratchy throat or a cough. Let’s look at how insulation can affect your allergies.

Insects, Critters & Allergens

The insulation in your walls and attics serves a number of functions, including keeping your home at a consistent temperature that is ideal for preventing allergy flare-ups. Insulation also serves as a barrier, sealing the walls and cracks, where pollen and grasses can find their way into your home. In your attic or crawl space, insulation prevents little critters, like squirrels, rats, mice, opossums, cockroaches or bats from taking up residence in your home, where they can leave droppings that can trigger your allergies. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, saliva, feces and shedding body parts of cockroaches acts like dust mites and can trigger allergies when they are kicked up in the air.

Mold & Mildew

Mold and mildew are common problems in homes with continued exposure to moisture. The dampness breeds mold and mildew that produce allergens and irritants, that if inhaled or touched can cause allergic reactions that include symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. Insulation can prevent mold growth by supporting dry, temperature-controlled conditions, eliminating the source of moisture that can produce unwanted allergens.

What is The Best Kind of Insulation for Allergy Season?

One of the best forms of insulation that is beneficial for people with allergies is spray foam. Spray foam, for example, is a versatile spray-applied foam plastic used in the application of a continuous protective barrier that insulates any new or existing structure, and also reduce the entry of airborne dust and pollen, along with insects and pests that can produce harmful allergens. Spray foam is mold-retardant and acts as a vapor barrier, keeping moisture from penetrating your walls, attic, or crawl space, preventing mold growth and reducing allergic reactions.

Proper Insulation & Your Health

Tackling your allergies can be as simple as ensuring that your home is properly insulated. Poor insulation in your home can trigger your allergies by a number of sources, be it mold, mildew, dust mites, or pet dander. With effective spray foam insulation, you can prevent moisture from growing harmful mold in your home, pesky critters from taking over your attic or crawl space, and create a barrier against indoor allergens that can make your life miserable.

Contact Anderson Insulation of Maine

If you need assistance with home insulation, contact us today at Anderson Insulation of Maine, or give us a call at 207-653-0331 for more information.