FAQ
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General
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How Much Insulation Do I Need?
The amount of insulation needed for your home depends on several factors, such as:
- The climate zone,
- The type of insulation, and
- The location of the insulation in your home.
Considering the R-value is a guideline to help you estimate how much insulation you need. Insulation levels are specified by R-value, which is a measure of insulation’s ability to resist heat traveling through it. The higher the R-value, the better the thermal performance of the insulation.
The list below shows the recommended R-values for different climate zones and locations in your home:
***The following is based on the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) Residential Provisions
Climate Zone 1- Add Insulation to Attic Floor: R30
- Wall Insulation (above the ground): R13
- Basement or Crawlspace Wall Insulation: R5 or R13
Climate Zone 2
- Add Insulation to Attic Floor: R49
- Wall Insulation (above the ground): R13
- Basement or Crawlspace Wall Insulation: R5 or R13
Climate Zone 3
- Add Insulation to Attic Floor: R49
- Wall Insulation (above the ground): R13 or R18
- Basement or Crawlspace Wall Insulation: R5 or R13
Climate Zone 4A and 4B
- Add Insulation to Attic Floor: R60
- Wall Insulation (above the ground): R19 or R24
- Basement or Crawlspace Wall Insulation: R10 or R13
Climate Zone 4C, 5 and 6
- Add Insulation to Attic Floor: R60
- Wall Insulation (above the ground): R19 or R24
- Basement or Crawlspace Wall Insulation: R15 or R19
Climate Zone 7 and 8
- Add Insulation to Attic Floor: R60
- Wall Insulation (above the ground): R19 or R24
- Basement or Crawlspace Wall Insulation: R15 or R19
You can also choose from different types of insulation materials, such as cellulose, denim, fiberglass, mineral wool, or spray foam. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, such as cost, environmental impact, fire resistance, and soundproofing.
Looking for insulation installers to help with your project? We can help you determine how much insulation your'll need for your home. Contact us today to book your free estimate!
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How Much Will My Installation Cost?
Prices vary from project to project. For an accurate assessment tailor-made to your home's needs, give our team a call today! You can also discover additional insights on why spray foam is worth the cost by visiting our blog.
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How Long Will My Installation Take?
That depends on the project. An entire house can be a multi-day process while insulating a 1,000 square foot attic could take as few as a couple hours.
Schedule a consultation with us to find out more!
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Why Use Spray Foam?
Spray foam has been rated to have the highest efficiency and R-value when compared to other insulation (like batt fiberglass).
Furthermore, spray foam's intuitive design allows it to create an airtight seal even in tricky and problematic spaces. It has been proven to keep out air pollutants and help soundproof buildings.
Visit our blog to learn about spray foam's benefits and why its a great choice for your home.
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How Do I Know If My Home Needs New Insulation?
Here are several signs that your home may need new insulation:
- Frozen Pipes
- Uneaven Temperatures Throughout Your Home
- Cold Floors
- High Energy Bills
- Drafts Around Windows and Doors
- Ice dams
Finally, consider the age of your insulation:
- Batt/Fiberglass. Fiberglass insulation should last roughly 7-10 years.
- Cellulose. Blown-in cellulose should last roughly 10-15 years.
- Spray Foam. Spray foam should last 80-100 years, or the age of the house (as long as it was installed properly).
Our experts can provide an accurate assessment of the state of your home’s insulation. We'll consider your energy efficiency with state-of-the-art technology and years of industry know-how.
Give us a call to book your free consultation!
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Where Is The Best Place To Put Insulation?
According to the Department of Energy, the best places to insulate your home are:
- The attic,
- The exterior walls,
- The floors above unheated spaces, and
- The foundation walls.
Insulating these areas can help improve the energy efficiency, comfort, and durability of your home.
However, the type and amount of insulation you need may vary depending on your climate, house design, and personal preference. You can use Energy.Gov's Home Energy Saver tool to get customized recommendations for your home.
You can also consult a professional insulation contractor to get an expert opinion and installation service. Would you like to schedule a free estimate? Contact us today!
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Services
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Is Blow-In Insulation Fire Resistant?
Yes, many types of insulation contain borate, which has fire-resistant properties. The best blow-in insulation brands have a Class A fire rating, which is the best rating you can find for reducing the spread of fire. This rating means a type of insulation withstands fire than other classifications.
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What Is Blow-In Insulation Made Of?
Blown-in cellulose insulation is made of recycled paper materials, such as newspaper or cardboard. Other materials are made of glass or waste minerals.
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If It Burns, Is The Smoke Dangerous?
Inhaling smoke results in a lack of oxygen and all smoke is dangerous, spray foam is no different. Breathing in smoke from burning foam is not recommended.
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How Long Will Spray Foam Last?
When properly installed, spray foam should last 80-100 years (or the lifetime of your home, barn, or commercial building). Spray foam's long lifespan is due to its durability and resistance to chemical breakdown.
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Is Spray Foam Insulation Flammable?
Yes, spray foam insulation is considered flammable. No matter what a salesperson may try to convince you of, all foam plastic materials must be considered flammable in accordance with the IBC (international building code). However, it’s important to note that different manufacturers of spray foam insulation offer different levels of flammability.
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What Is R Rating?R rating in insulation is a measure of how well the insulation can resist heat flow. The higher the R rating, the better the insulation is at keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer. R rating stands for thermal resistance, which means how much the insulation material can slow down the transfer of heat between the inside and outside of your home. Different types of insulation have different R ratings per inch of thickness, and you can also increase the R rating by adding more layers of insulation. The recommended R rating for your home depends on your climate zone and the part of your home you want to insulate.
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Is Borate Safe For Humans?
Yes, the U.S. government has certified that borate is safe when used as part of home or commercial insulation.
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What Is Blow-In Insulation?
This type of home insulation refers to thick clumps of material, such as cellulose or fiberglass. The insulation is blown into walls and attics to improve heat exchange in your building.
We install two types of blown-in insulation:
- Blown-in Cellulose Insulation. Blown cellulose is typically made from recycled paper. Cellulose is known for its excellent thermal performance and sound absorption qualities.
- Blown-in Blanket Insulation. Blown blanket (BIBS) is made from fiberglass. It's an efficient and eco-friendly option for insulating your home or business.
Both types of blown-in insulation can improve your home's energy efficiency and comfort.
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Does Spray Foam Burn?
Yes, like most building products, spray foam will burn in the presence of a flame. However, SPF is a thermoset material and will char and flake when burned, it will not melt and drip like a foam coffee cup. Additionally, most commercially available spray foams, intended for use in construction applications, meet Class I fire standards with a flame spread index of less than 25 and a smoke developed index of less than 450.
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What Is Spray Foam Insulation Made Of
Spray Foam Insulation is commonly referred to as SPF (Spray Polyurethane Foam) and is comprised of two liquids: an “A” side and a “B” side. The “A” side of a spray polyurethane system is usually comprised of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (pMDI). The “B” side is typically a blend of polyols, catalysts, blowing agent, flame retardant, and surfactant, although the chemical compounds vary per manufacturer. The “A” side & “B” side chemicals come in separate drums, and when combined, a chemical reaction forms the polyurethane spray foam.
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What Is Insulation And What Is It Made Of?Fiberglass: Fiberglass is made from fine glass fibers and is most often used in batts, rolls and loose-fill insulation. Fiberglass is a good choice for insulating walls, ceilings, attics, and floors.
Fiberglass has a high R-value, which means it resists heat flow well. Fiberglass is also fire-resistant and moisture-resistant.
Cellulose: Cellulose is made from recycled paper, wood or plant fibers and is usually blown into wall cavities or attics as loose-fill insulation. Cellulose is a good option for insulating existing homes, as it can fill the gaps and cracks in the walls. Cellulose has a moderate to high R-value and is treated with chemicals to make it fire-resistant and pest-resistant.
Foam: Foam insulation can be either rigid foam boards or spray foam. Foam boards are made from polystyrene, polyisocyanurate or polyurethane and are used to insulate walls, roofs, foundations, and floors. Spray foam is made from liquid chemicals that expand and harden when sprayed into a space. Spray foam can be used to insulate any area of the home, as it conforms to the shape of the space and creates an airtight seal. Foam insulation has a high R-value and can also reduce air leaks and moisture problems.
Batt Insulation: Batt insulation is a type of insulation that comes in pre-cut, rectangular sheets made from different materials, such as fiberglass, mineral wool, or natural fibers. It is designed to fit between wall studs, floor joists, or ceiling rafters, creating a barrier preventing heat transfer or cold transfer. Batt insulation is one of the most common and affordable types of insulation for residential and commercial buildings. It can have different R-values, which measure the insulation’s thermal resistance, depending on the thickness and material of the batts. -
Is Blow-In Insulation Better Than Rolls Or Batts?
Yes, because blow-in cellulose insulation fills gaps better and has a higher R-value.
Cellulose insulation carries an R-value of 3.8 per inch, while batts and fiberglass rolls typically have an R-value of 3.2 per inch. This means that the more inches of insulation you add, the better it insulates versus the same thickness of batts or rolls.
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What R-Value Do I Need?
R-value requirements are typically based on local code regulation.
In many climates, common R-values are:
- R-13, R-19, and R-21 for walls
- R-30, R-38, and R-49 for attics
An appropriate R-value is necessary to get optimal performance from a building envelope. However, proper air sealing, like spray foam, is even more critical than the R-value.
Do you need help with a residential or commercial insulation project and are unsure which R-value you need? Our free energy analysis can help. We'll assess factors like insulation, air leakage, windows, and HVAC to pinpoint areas for improvement. Book your consultation today.
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