Insulation

Did you know that an estimated 60 million U.S. homes have an insufficient amount of insulation? This not only wastes electricity and money, it also emits enormous amounts of extra Carbon Dioxide (Earth's most prominent greenhouse gas) into the atmosphere. 

A well insulated home can significantly reduce your energy costs.

The purpose of insulation is to stop the movement of heat. Insulation will not only help keep your house warm in the winter but also keep the cool air inside in the summer. Proper insulation not only saves you money, but it also makes your home more comfortable to live in. Sufficient insulation can lower your electric bill by more than $200.00 per year!

Insulation performance is measured by R-value — its ability to resist heat flow.  The bigger the number, the better the building insulation's effectiveness.

But, since we are not scientists, the higher R-values mean more insulating power. Different R-values are recommended for walls, attics, basements and crawlspaces. The recommended attic value for our area is R38.

• One type of insulation maybe thicker or thinner, but if the R value is the same they should insulate equally
   
• R value performance testing is done in a 70 F environment with no air movement. Ironically enough, when you need insulation the most you're generally not in these ideal temperatures or conditions. This can result in the rated house insulation R value being higher than the actual effective R value
   
• The R value in house insulation is substantially lowered when there's any air or water/moisture leaks
   
• The standard R value for house insulation varies based on climate and temperature
   
• 1 inch of insulation is = to 30 inches of concrete.

Let us help you make your home more energy efficient.....
Call us at 703.550.1371 or click here.

These are the types of insulation we recommend for your home.

Closed Cell Foam   Uses: Walls    Application: We will apply a 1” thick layer in the stud cavity with R6, followed by R13 fiberglass batt for a total of R19   Advantages: great air seal, great moisture seal, made of vegetable oil, high R value   Disadvantages: dries very hard, makes it hard for electricians to do wiring	Open Cell Foam   Uses: Walls    Application: We will apply a 3-1/2” thick layer in the stud cavity for a total of R15   Advantages: great air seal, easier to pull wires through and to do new framing, made of Castrol Bean oil, no cure time   Disadvantages: moisture seal is not as good as Closed Cell, lower and inconsistent R-values
Cellulose Insulation   Uses: Walls   Application: Applied in open studs   Advantages: inexpensive, great air seal   Disadvantages: can only use R13 on 2x4 walls, need 48 hours of cure time before drywall can be hung	Fiberglass Batt     Uses: Walls and crawlspaces   Application: Comes in a roll and is placed between studs. Comes in R13, R15 and R19 values   Advantages: inexpensive   Disadvantages: poor air seal
Blown Insulation - Walls   Uses: Walls   Application: Blow into existing stud cavities between wall sheathing and drywall   Advantages: can insulate existing walls with minimal damage   Disadvantages: Cost, low R-value, plugs will be visible from exterior	Blown Insulation - Attic   Uses: Attic   Application: Blow onto floor of attic, 12 inches thick equals R38   Advantages: low cost, great air seal   Disadvantages: Won’t be able to use attic for storage
Closed Cell Insulation - Attic   Uses: Attic   Application: Apply to underside of roof deck in between rafters   Advantages: great air seal, great moisture seal, controlled attic conditions for storage   Disadvantages: Cost, baffles need to be installed, if HVAC equipment is in the attic, fire barrier needs to be installed at additional cost.

 Let us help you make your home more energy efficient.....
Call us at 703.550.1371 or click here.