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LAYTON -- A Good Samaritan is stepping forward to help a Layton family recover from a devastating fire that nearly destroyed their home this weekend. The problem is insulation, and so is the solution.
Company offers free insulation to Layton Family
Workers from Premier Insulation in Orem installed new fiberglass at a house in Holladay on Monday. One of the company's owners, Russ Colaizzi, said he will do the same thing, free, for a family in Layton whose home was severely damaged over the weekend when their insulation caught fire.
"Coming into the holidays, we just felt like if we're in a position where we can give a little, we should," Colaizzi said.
On Saturday night, that Layton family escaped their home after the wood-burning stove ignited the cellulose insulation around a flue.
"We don't want any radiant heat hitting this type of cellulose insulation. That could cause a possible combustion," Doug Bitton, with the Layton City Fire Department, said at the scene of the house fire Sunday.
The family thought the foam would save money and energy, but the damage estimate from the fire is $85,000. It may take weeks, or even months, of repairs or rebuilding before workers can install new insulation.
Investigators, insulation companies offer suggestions to stay safe
Similarly, thousands of Utah families have tried to save money and energy in recent months by adding insulation to their homes. Utility companies have spurred interest by offering rebates.
While those companies sometimes audit jobs to make sure contractors follow guidelines, utility companies don't inspect safety standards.
"We do not check for safety issues, building codes, that kind of stuff. That's the responsibility of the contractor and the homeowner," explained Rocky Mountain Power spokesman David Eskelsen.
Investigators say insulation scars on the chimney flue, like those that can be seen on the home in Layton, are a sure sign insulation was installed too close. To stay safe, fire investigators and professionals agree the first thing homeowners should do is visually inspect your insulation.
"If they've already had the work done, climb up there and look. Get in your attic access, make sure that the insulation isn't around those areas," Colaizzi said.
Depending on the pipe, the Layton Fire Department says between 1 and 2 inches of space space between insulation and flues is recommended in most building codes. The Department of Energy suggests installing a clearance dam or protective sleeve.
Fiberglass insulation does cost more, but the workers and managers at Premier Insulation say it's worth it.
"It tends to hold up better in these types of situations and has a better track record for it. So, a lot of it is, if you spend just a little bit more, you can get a lot better product," Colaizzi said.
Both the Layton Fire Department and Premier Insulation say if you can't check your insulation by yourself, call the company that installed it to make sure there is enough space between the insulation and your flues.
A few simple steps will protect your home and allow you to save energy. Rocky Mountain Power says their rebate program has saved enough energy to power 70,000 homes in one year.
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Story compiled with contributions from Nadine Wimmer and Carole Mikita.
