R-Value is what the building and construction industry uses to measure thermal resistance. The higher the R-Value is, the more the material can resist heat and cold loss; depending on size, thickness or weight. All insulation materials, such as Fiberglass, Cellulose, Spray Foam and any other insulation options are tested for R-value. But the material’s R-value doesn’t necessarily mean that your home will have that same level of R-value. That’s why correct insulation installation is so important.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the typical U.S. family spends close to $1,500 each year on energy bills. And in Northern Ohio, it is doubtful you’re on the low end of this list, with our frigid winters and humid summers. Statistics show that, typically, 44% of a homeowner’s utility bill goes toward heating and cooling. Homeowners may be able to reduce their energy bills by 10% -50% by taking certain steps. One of the major steps is increasing the amount of thermal insulation in their existing homes or purchasing additional insulation when buying new homes.

Unless your home was constructed with special attention to energy efficiency, adding insulation will most likely reduce your utility bills. The amount of energy you conserve will depend on several factors: your local climate; the size, shape, and construction of your house; the living habits of your family; the type and efficiency of the heating and cooling systems; and the fuel you use. Energy conserved is money saved, and the annual savings increase when utility rates go up.

Different areas of a home have different recommended R-values. If your home or other property was built before the 1980s, chances are high that your home does not have the proper amount of insulation. And you could be paying for it, month after month.

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends home insulation R-values based on where you live – use the R-Value Calculator –http://web.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/insulation/ins_16.html to help determine your correct level.

It is also important that your new home complies with current Ohio building code requirements – http://www.insulate.org/tech4.html  for insulation. These building codes establish minimum levels of insulation for ceilings, walls, floors, and basements for new construction.

• Fiberglass is made from molten sand or recycled glass and other inorganic materials under highly controlled conditions. Fiberglass is produced in batt, blanket, and loose-fill forms.
• Rock and slag wool are manufactured similarly to fiberglass, but use natural rock and blast furnace slag as its raw material. Typical forms are loose-fill, blanket, or board types.
• Cellulose is a loose-fill made from recycled materials, much of it paper and flame retardants are added to it in order to give it a permanent fireproof element.
• Foam insulations are available as rigid boards or foamed-in-place materials that can fill and seal blocks or building cavity spaces. Foams are also used in air sealing to fill gaps, cracks, or openings.
• Reflective materials are fabricated from aluminum foils with a variety of backings such as polyethylene bubbles and plastic film. Reflective insulations retard the transfer of heat; they can be tested by the same methods as mass insulation and therefore assigned an R-value.
• A Radiant Barrier is a building construction material consisting of a low emittance (normally 0.1 or less) surface (usually aluminum foil) bounded by an open air space. Radiant barriers are used for the sole purpose of limiting heat transfer by radiation.

Professional insulation contractors devote their time to insulation contracting services and focus on your energy conservation and comfort. Proper installation is essential for insulation to perform properly.

Knowledge of vapor retarders, air infiltration, ventilation, recessed lighting, and water pipes are just a few of the areas critical to installation techniques. Professional insulation contractors have access to a wide variety of training, are familiar with local codes and regulations, and can offer guidance about the type and amount of insulation to be used.

Yes. Insulation is an efficient way to reduce unwanted sound, and it is commonly used to provide a more comfortable and quieter interior environment. Insulation effectively reduces noise transmission through floors, ceilings and through interior and exterior walls. A professional insulation contractor can help you select the proper insulation for your needs.

• General: U.S. Department of Energy – http://energy.gov/eere/office-energy-efficiency-renewable-energy , and Energy Star –http://www.energystar.gov/ia/home_improvement/home_sealing/IncreaseInsulationFS_2005.pdf a service of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Fiberglass, Rock and Slag Wool Insulation: North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) – http://www.naima.org/index.php
• Cellulose Insulation: Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association (CIMA) – http://www.cellulose.org/
• Spray Foam: Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) – http://www.sprayfoam.org/

It’s better to go low-tech according to Lane Burt, a building-energy expert with the Natural Resource Defense Council. Hire a professional to find all the leaks in your home and plug them up. This should cost much less than a new heating system, so you won’t be heating the outside of your home. The best energy efficiency measure you can take is insulating and air sealing your home – according to McKinsey & Company.

Est Insulation offers a two-year workmanship warranty on top of the  manufacturer warranty on every product we use.