Insulation questions, answered
Short answers on attics and R-value, spray foam, removal and moisture, estimates and the Valley cities we serve.
Attics and R-value
Attic insulation and R-value
What R-value does a Valley attic need?
- The Rio Grande Valley is climate zone 2, hot and humid.
- ENERGY STAR recommends adding R-49 to an attic with no insulation and R-38 to an attic with 3 to 4 inches already.
What does R-value mean?
- It measures how well a material slows heat. Higher is better.
- Read R-value explained for more.
How do I know if my attic needs more?
- You can see the tops of the ceiling joists.
- The insulation looks thin, flat, patchy or dark with dust.
- Some rooms stay hot no matter the thermostat. See signs you need new insulation.
Is a radiant barrier worth it here?
- Usually, yes. The Department of Energy says radiant barriers work best in hot climates, especially with ducts in the attic.
- It works with insulation, not in place of it. See attic insulation and radiant barrier.
Blown in or batts for the attic?
- Blown in fills around wires and framing better in most existing attics.
- Batts suit open walls and new framing. Compare them in blown in vs batt insulation.
Spray foam
Spray foam questions
Open cell or closed cell?
- Open cell is common on attic roof decks and in walls.
- Closed cell suits metal buildings and damp spots. See open cell vs closed cell.
Is spray foam better than fiberglass?
- Not always. Foam also seals air leaks. Fiberglass costs less.
- Our page on spray foam vs fiberglass explains when each one wins.
Will my attic vents be closed off?
- With a sealed roof deck design, yes. The attic becomes part of the conditioned space.
- We explain the plan for your house before work starts.
Do I need to leave the house?
- Plan to stay out of the work area while we spray and for some hours after, per the product instructions.
- We give you the timing for your job before we start.
Can foam hide a roof leak?
- It can. Any roof leak should be repaired before foam goes on.
Removal and moisture
Removal, mold and moisture
When does old insulation need to come out?
- When it is wet, moldy, full of droppings or smoke damaged.
- When it is too matted to build on. Read insulation removal: when and why.
How is old insulation removed?
- We cover the path through the house, vacuum the old material into bags and clean up when we finish.
- See insulation removal and replacement.
Can insulation cause mold?
- Insulation does not cause mold. Moisture does.
- Roof leaks, sweating ducts and damp air leaking in are the usual sources. See insulation and mold in the Valley.
What if my attic has vermiculite?
- It looks like small gray brown pebbles and may contain asbestos.
- We leave it alone and recommend testing before any work starts.
What should I do after a storm or roof leak?
- Get the roof fixed first, then have the wet insulation checked.
- Read hurricane season and your insulation.
Estimates and service area
Estimates, language and where we work
How much does insulation cost?
- It depends on the area, the material, the depth, access and any removal.
- You get a written price after a free inspection. See what affects insulation cost.
Is the inspection free?
- Yes, with a written estimate and no obligation.
¿Hablan español?
- Yes. Our crew is bilingual. Hablamos español from the first call to the final walkthrough.
Which cities do you serve?
- McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, Pharr, San Juan, Alamo, Donna, Weslaco, Mercedes, La Feria, Harlingen, Brownsville, Los Fresnos and Rio Grande City.
- Nearby areas too. See all locations.
Do you work on businesses and mobile homes?
- Yes. We insulate warehouses, shops, offices and metal buildings. See commercial insulation.
- Mobile and manufactured homes are built differently, so we look first and explain what is practical.
How long does a typical job take?
- Most attics are done in a day. Large homes, removal jobs and metal buildings can take longer.