Insulate Colorado Program

The Governor's Energy Office (GEO) currently offers the Insulate Colorado Program for homeowners wishing to make energy efficiency improvements to their existing homes. The GEO partners with local Colorado organizations to offer rebates directly to qualifying homeowners for the installation of insulation and air sealing measures through the Insulate Colorado program. The program provides a rebate to homeowners who insulate and air-seal their attics and exterior walls to recommended R-Values. How Homeowners Can Participate:

1. Determine if you reside in an eligible jurisdiction. The GEO has partnered with local Colorado governments to offer the Insulate Colorado rebate.
2. If you reside in an eligible jurisdiction, contact your local program administrator. They will help you determine whether or not you qualify for the rebate based on your address and a few other guidelines.
3. Select an eligible insulation contractor to perform the work. In order for an insulation contractor to participate in the Insulate Colorado program, they must attend one of GEO's program overview seminars.
4. Complete the work. Remember to review the program guidelines.
5. Download, complete and submit the rebate form for your jurisdiction. Forms are specific to the jurisdiction, so make sure you use the correct one. In addition to the form, you will be asked to submit copies of the installation invoice and the official "insulation card" as proof of the work being completed.
6. Receive your rebate check and put it in the bank! Once you submit the required materials, and assuming you have met all of the program guidelines, you will receive rebate approval within four to six weeks.

Insulation Revolution
By Jerry Wooldridge, Columbine Insulation

Home insulation has seen a revolution over the past decade with the introduction of spray foam insulation. Previously used only in refrigerators, commercial freezers and coolers, spray foam technology has the greatest insulation achievable in today's environmentally conscious market.



Closed cell spray foam is polyurethane foam with a five percent corn sucrose base and contains almost seventeen percent recycled pop bottles. It has what is known as a “closed cell structure” which means the gas bubbles formed during application remain locked in the foam. Since these bubbles never connect, the foam cannot absorb water and has the remarkable R-value of 6.7 per square inch. R-value is a measure of thermal resistance used in the building and construction industry. The chart below shows the performance closed cell spray foam versus fiberglass insulation.



Beyond the high R-value, spray foam completely seals the space it is applied to. Moisture cannot get in and cause mold or mildew, which translates into better air quality in the home. The foam works well in mixed climates, insulating the home equally from extreme heat and extreme cold, something permeable insulation materials simply cannot offer.

Spray foam insulation can be applied to new construction and certain types of remodels. Another advantage to its application in new construction is increased design flexibility. Since spray foam needs less space than other types of insulation, stud spacing can be based on structural needs rather than leaving enough space for insulation. Spray foam also offers increased structural integrity, as it adheres to each stud and essentially glues the entire house together.

Whether in new or old construction, spray foam must be applied by trained professionals. In the application process the foam goes from a warm liquid to an expansion phase (where the bubbles are created), to a solid in less than seven seconds. There is off-gassing during this process but once the material is solid, there is no further off-gassing.

The greatest down side to spray foam is the initial cost compared to other insulation materials. Fiberglass batting can be as little as one third the cost of spray foam. Although the cost of spray foam is initially higher, the re-coupe time of the cost is around three years. A home sprayed with closed cell spray foam will typically save homeowners two-thirds on their utility bills.

Between unparalleled insulation performance, moisture resistance, and increased structural integrity, spray foam insulation is a smart investment for an eco-friendly and safe home.

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