Which is better batting insulation or loose-fill insulation? And why don't you offer spray foam insulation?

Batting Insulation vs. Loose-Fill Insulation:

• Batting Insulation: Batting insulation comes in pre-cut panels or rolls and is available in materials such as fiberglass, mineral wool, cotton, and even hemp. It’s ideal for spaces with standard stud and joist spacing, such as walls and floors. Hemp batting is particularly popular for its eco-friendliness, offering good thermal performance and being made from renewable resources. Batting insulation is easier to install in open, accessible areas, making it a good choice for DIY projects.

• Loose-Fill Insulation: Loose-fill, or blown-in insulation, consists of small particles of fiberglass, cellulose, or mineral wool. It’s highly effective for filling irregularly shaped spaces and covering areas with many obstructions, like attics. This type of insulation provides better overall coverage, reducing air leaks when installed properly by a professional.

Why We Don’t Offer Spray Foam Insulation:

• Cost and Complexity: While spray foam insulation provides excellent air sealing and a high R-value per inch, it is considerably more expensive than batting or loose-fill insulation. Its installation is also complex and must be done by professionals, which further increases the cost.

• Environmental and Health Concerns: Spray foam contains chemicals that can emit harmful gases if not installed correctly and has a higher environmental impact due to its chemical components. We focus on offering insulation solutions like batting and loose-fill, including eco-friendly options like hemp batting, that provide effective insulation with fewer environmental and health concerns.

How long are your inspections and what do they entail?

Most homeowners don't regularly check their crawl spaces or attics, which can lead to overlooked issues. The duration of our inspections varies depending on your specific needs, but for typical inspections, it usually takes between 10 to 30 minutes.

We prioritize thoroughness in our inspections, checking several critical areas, including:

• The status of your insulation: We assess if it's sufficient and effective.

• The condition of air ducts: We look for any signs of damage or leaks.

• Moisture levels: We check for any signs of moisture buildup or water intrusion that could lead to mold.

• Ventilation efficiency: We evaluate whether your attic and crawl spaces are properly ventilated to ensure air circulation is adequate, which helps prevent issues like condensation and mold growth.

  This approach ensures that we identify potential problems early, helping to maintain the energy efficiency and structural integrity of your home.

Are you a pest control company?

While we don't provide traditional pest control services, which typically involve methods like snap traps, glue traps, poison baits, and rodenticides, we offer a proactive approach called rodent exclusion. This involves inspecting your home for potential entry points and sealing them to ensure that rodents can't find their way inside. We use live traps if we need to remove a critter or two. For more information, visit our rodent exclusion page.

What is R-value, and why is it important?

R-value measures how well insulation resists heat flow, with "R" standing for "resistance." The higher the resistance or R-value, the better the insulation is at stopping heat from passing through it. This is crucial because it determines how well your home retains heat in the winter and stays cool in the summer. High R-values help keep your home comfortable and save energy by reducing heating and cooling costs.

Can I add new insulation over old insulation?

Yes, you can add new insulation over existing insulation as long as the old insulation is not damaged or wet. Using unfaced batting insulation or blowing in loose-fill insulation are common methods.