Question for the Expert:
"What is R value?"
R value insulation ratings are used to measure the insulation's ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R value, the more effective it is. House insulation value should be based on its R value, not thickness or weight. Each insulation type has different R value per inch. For instance, fiberglass blown insulation is 3.2 per inch, cellulose is 3.8 per inch, open cell foam insulation is 3.6 per inch and closed cell foam insulation is 6.8 per inch. ~Tom
Some quick facts about R value are:
- 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.
- Current code requires a R-30 on the attic floor for vented attics. Gulf Power recommends at least a R-38. The Department of Energy says a R-49 is ideal for this area. If you have foam insulation sprayed under the roof deck, we need a R-19 to meet code.
- The R value in house insulation is substantially lowered when there's any air or water/moisture leaks.
"I'm not sure what kind of insulation is in my attic or how much I have? Would someone come out and tell me?"
We will come to your home or business free of charge at a time that is convenient for you. Our sales associates will make recommendations on how you can be more comfortable and cozy in your home and how you can save money on your heating and cooling bill. Or if you want to lighten up your dark spaces with a Solatube, our installer can look at what would work best for you.~Tom
Foam Insulation:
"What is foam insulation?"
Foam insulation for buildings is a polyurethane insulation that can be sprayed on site. Two different drums of materials are pumped through a tubing to a hand held gun sprayer. This two part liquid is sprayed in the desired area and it expands over 100 times it original thickness. When it expands, it fills all gaps and voids and cures immediately to form a fully adhered, solid insulation that is a highly effective air barrier.
Foam insulation is highly coveted in in walls and roof decks in new construction and can also be sprayed under the roof deck in existing homes. It is very effective in blocking the 3 ways air moves; conduction, convection and radiation. ~Tom
"What is the difference between open cell and closed cell insulation?"
Visually the open cell insulation is a soft foam and the closed cell is a hard foam. The closed cell foam has additional benefits of being a vapor barrier and having structural properties. Water will not pass through closed cell foam. If it is sprayed into a wall cavity, it will make that wall stronger. If it is sprayed under a roof deck, it will help hold down the roof in high wind conditions and will strengthen the roof. Open cell foam has an R value of 3.6 per inch, closed cell of 6.8 per inch. Closed cell is more expensive that open cell for the same R value. ~Tom
"How much should I expect to pay for foam insulation?"
Open cell foam insulation prices range from $1.50 sq. ft to $1.85 sq. ft. for a R-19 under the roof deck, the standard sprayed. Closed cell prices go from $2.50 - $2.75 per sq. ft. for similar R value. But remember the other benefits of strength and water resistance. Compare that to insulation sprayed on the floor of the attic of .60 - .75 per sq. ft. for similar R value. Therefore foam insulation can be 2 -4 times greater, depending on the roof pitch of the home and other factors. ~Tom
"How will I know if I have a roof leak if I have closed cell foam sprayed?"
With most roof structures, leaks first show up as staining in the soffit and fascia areas. Check a few times each year. If you get a leak, which is fairly rare, you will be able to trace the leak. But thankfully you do not have water coming into your home. ~Tom
"How will I know if I have a roof leak if I have open cell foam insulation?"
Check your attic occasionally. You would see water coming through the insulation. Open cell foam will not hold back water. It may absorb it for a short time however. ~Tom
"What is the best type of foam insulation for under my house?"
Closed cell foam insulation. We recommend at least 2" sprayed in crawl spaces and under piling houses. Because closed cell foam does not absorb water, it is the foam of choice. Open cell foam will absorb water and then you could get into some mold issues. ~Tom
"Do I need to take the insulation off the floor of my attic if I spray foam insulation under the roof deck?"
Yes, you do. Of course, we can do that for you as part of the process of converting your existing home to foam insulation. Since you will then have a non vented attic, there will need to be some air flow between your home and the attic. You will lose some air there, but will gain it back in less duct leakage that is common in the attic. The hotter or colder it gets in the attic, the quicker the ducts leak. Once foam insulation is sprayed under your roof deck, the temperature in the attic should not vary more than 10 degrees from the inside of your home. ~Tom
Tubular Skylights:
"What is a tubular skylight?"
If you have a dark room that you want to lighten up and have on electric light option or are tired of turning on and off lights and wasting electricity, a tubular skylight is for you! It will look like a flush light fixture on your ceiling. The reflective tubing runs through your attic to a small dome that sets on your roof. The dome collects sunlight and sends it down the tubing. You will even have moonlight from it as a night light! It runs totally on solar power. ~Tom
"Is there a problem with leaking?"
No. Traditional framed in skylights will probably give you trouble at some time, but the tubular skylights like the Solatube brand are safe to use. We only install the High Wind Velocity models in the Gulf Coast area. These have been rated to 155 mph and impact resistant. All we have installed since 2002 have made it through the hurricanes with flying colors!! ~Tom
"What sizes do you have and how much are they?"
We have 10" and 14" Solatubes, which give light to a 12' x 12' ft room and 16' x16' room. Prices range from $590 - $800. This includes 42" of rise from your ceiling to your roof. If more is needed, there is an extra charge. ~Tom
"How long does it take to install one?"
Plan on 2-3 hours per tube if we install it for you. ~Tom
Solar Attic Fans:
"Do solar attic fans really work?"
Yes! If installed to the manufacturer recommendations, you should see a reduction in attic temperatures of 20 - 30 degrees. They also help to move moisture out of the attic, which all helps your insulation be more effective. ~Tom
"What about leaking? I am reluctant to put a fan in my roof"
We have been installing these in the Gulf Coast area since 2003 and had only a handful of call backs. All that was needed was more caulking and the leak was very small with no damage. All made it through the hurricanes. The fans are Florida product approved. Solatube is an American company based in California where all the products are made. They have been in this business for over 20 years. ~Tom
"How many Solar attic fans do I need for my attic?"
For a typical roof, one fan per 1200 sq. ft is adequate. ~Tom
Hurricane Foam Adhesive:
"Does InsulStar Plus Hurricane Foam Adhesive meet the requirements of local building codes?"
Yes, (Florida Product Approval #9975. ~Tom
"Can I save money on my home owners insurance hurricane policy?"
Yes, it is considered a deck reinforcement and a S.W.R (secondary water resistance). ~Tom
"What is a S.W.R?"
It's an additional roof protection system in the event you lose your shingles and water has the possibility of coming in the attic. ~Tom
"What is Deck Reinforcement?"
Most likely, your existing roof decking is only secured by nails. InsulStar Plus adheres the plywood decking directly to the trusses, making it 3 times stronger than code requires. ~Tom
"How do you apply this?"
We spray the hurricane foam adhesive in your attic up against the roof deck. There are 3 levels of protection we can spray. The first level is called fillets, which is sprayed where the rafters meet the sheathing and where the joints come together in the decking. This level will give you the insurance discounts for the deck reinforcement and secondary water barrier, but will not give you insulation value. The second level is to spray 1" of foam under the entire roof deck. That will give you a R-value of 6.8. The third level is 2" of spray to give you a R-value of 13.6. Of course the higher the R-value the greater the protection from the outside air. But this also makes your decking much stronger and the 1" spray will cover most of the nail holes. ~Tom
Cellulose Insulation:
"How much can I expect to save on my heating and cooling bills using cellulose insulation over fiberglass insulation?"
We have information from several studies and would be glad to share them with you. One often quoted is from the Leominister Housing Authority where they state in their research that the cellulose insulated building utility bills were 32% lower in the cellulose insulated building or the University of Colorado research that showed cellulose to be 38% more efficient than standard insulation. That should equate conservatively to 20% -30% savings over conventional insulation. ~Tom
"Doesn't paper mold?"
Raw paper will, but cellulose insulation has been treated with borate acid, which gives it mold resistance. It passes all tests required for mold resistance. ~Tom
"What is the best sound insulation on the market?"
Cellulose! The STC rating (sound transmission class) rating for cellulose is 44. Fiberglass is 40, foam is 37. Nothing is 36. ~Tom
"Is Cellulose toxic? Dusty?"
No! The two additives in our cellulose insulation are a starch derivative and boric acid. Boric acid is less toxic than table salt and it is used in cosmetics and eyewash. Boric acid is also used for roach and termite control as it dehydrates those critters! What a great benefit to our insulation! The boric acid or borate is added for the mold and fire resistance. We spray our insulation with a little moisture to hold down the initial dust and with an adhesive to give it firmness. It is only classified as a nuisance dust for our workers. You will not see an increase of dust in your home. ~Tom
"I want to upgrade my insulation. Can I add cellulose insulation on top of my current insulation?"
Yes, you can. Great way to use what you have! ~Tom
"Is your cellulose insulation the same as what you can purchase at Home Depot or Lowe's?"
No. Our insulation has an all borate formula, which gives you greater resistance to mold and bugs. Our insulation has a starch derivative, which acts as an adhesive when combined with our spray techniques. This gives it firmness and helps guard against settling in the attic. Our cellulose will stick in a wall cavity without settling.~Tom
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Foam Insulation
