Insulation questions, answered
Quick answers to what East Texas homeowners, landlords and shop owners ask us.
Estimates and scheduling
Do you charge for the inspection or estimate?
- No. The inspection and the written estimate are both free.
- There is no obligation to book.
Can I send photos instead of waiting for a visit?
- Yes. Attic or crawl space photos plus your square footage help us give you a rough idea quickly.
- The final written price follows a short inspection.
What area do you cover?
- Tyler, Longview, Whitehouse, Lindale, Kilgore and Bullard.
- Also nearby communities in Smith and Gregg counties. See all locations.
Do you work with landlords and builders?
- Yes. Rentals are scheduled between tenants.
- New construction can be priced from plans.
Attics
How much attic insulation does an East Texas home need?
- Smith and Gregg counties are in climate zone 3.
- ENERGY STAR recommends R-49 for an uninsulated attic there, or adding R-38 over 3 to 4 inches of existing insulation. More in our attic insulation guide.
What are the signs my attic is under insulated?
- You can see the tops of the ceiling joists.
- Some rooms stay hot or cold no matter the setting. See more warning signs.
Why does humidity matter for attic insulation?
- Damp air leaking up from the house can condense in the attic and soak insulation.
- Air sealing and proper venting keep it dry. Read about attic moisture in a humid climate.
Can new insulation go on top of the old?
- Yes, when the old layer is dry and clean.
- Wet, moldy or pest damaged material comes out first.
Crawl spaces and floors
Should I insulate under my pier and beam house?
- Usually yes. ENERGY STAR recommends R-19 for floors in climate zone 3.
- Drainage and ground moisture get checked first. See our crawl space guide.
My crawl space insulation is falling down. Why?
- Batts that get damp grow heavy and sag out of the joists.
- Fixing the moisture first, then reinstalling with proper supports, keeps it in place.
Spray foam
When is spray foam the right call?
- Hot attics with ductwork, leaky older homes, metal buildings and new construction.
- For a simple attic top up, blown in insulation usually gives more for the money. Compare in spray foam vs fiberglass.
What is the difference between open cell and closed cell?
- Open cell is lighter and suits roof decks and interior walls.
- Closed cell is denser and resists moisture, so it suits metal buildings, rim joists and crawl spaces.
Will we need to leave the house?
- Yes, during spraying and until the foam maker’s stated wait time has passed.
- That is often around a day.
How do I stop my metal shop from sweating?
- Closed cell foam sprayed directly on the metal keeps humid air off the cold surface.
Other questions
Does a radiant barrier help under pine trees?
- It works best on roofs in full sun.
- On heavily shaded roofs, added insulation is often the better choice.
Can closed walls be insulated?
- Often yes. Insulation is blown in through small holes that are patched afterward.
What if you find vermiculite?
- It looks like gray brown pebbles and may contain asbestos.
- We stop and recommend testing before anyone disturbs it.
How much will my project cost?
- It depends on the area, the material and any removal or prep.
- You get a written price after a free inspection. See what affects insulation cost.
Didn’t see your question?
Send it over. We will answer it and, if you like, set up a free inspection.