Insulation FAQs

What is R-Value?
The “R” in R-value stands for resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the level of resistance and the greater the insulating power. R-value requirements vary depending on climate and building type.
Can insulation help with noise control and air quality?
Airborne noises such as conversation, running appliances, electronic devices and household equipment carry and echo through walls, ceilings and floors. Good insulation has the ability to drastically reduce such atmospheric interference, leaving rooms much quieter.

According to Energystar.gov, insulating your home can reduce the noise from outside your house as well as making it harder for pollen, dust and insects into your home, better humidity control and lowering the chance for ice dams on the roof/eves in snowy climates. In addition to keeping the noise levels low, this will also improve the overall comfort of your home.

What are the main types of insulation to choose from?
There are a few types of insulation materials to choose from, each having its own set of pros and cons. The insulation type you choose will depend on your needs.

Insulation Types

  • Batt & Roll
  • Loose Fill
  • Rigid Foam
  • Spray Foam

Insulation Materials

  • Fiberglass
  • Cellulose
  • Spray Foam
  • Radiant Barrier (warm climates)
Which insulation product is best?

Every insulation job has its own unique set of requirements and every homeowner has their own budget guidelines. To make an informed decision, it’s extremely important to talk to a knowledgeable insulation expert so you can learn exactly what options are best for you. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Why should I insulate my home?

This is one of our favorite insulation questions! That’s because we love to share all of the benefits of insulation for homeowners. By acting as a “blanket” for a home, insulation helps to promote more consistent and comfortable indoor temperatures throughout the year. This means less wear and tear on HVAC equipment and lower heating and cooling costs. Insulation also can reduce noise transmission, helping to create an overall quieter space. Plus, when paired with proper air sealing, adding insulation can help protect a home from moisture and allergens and improve the overall indoor air quality. You can learn more on G&G’s Why Insulate page.

How much does insulation cost?

The cost of professional insulation installation depends on the insulation product type
used and the amount needed, as well as other factors. If you are in need of financial
assistance, the Idaho Governor’s Office of Energy and Mineral Resources (OEMR) State Energy Loan Program offers low-interest loans to fund energy efficiency projects for single-family homes in Idaho.

Does insulation lower energy bills?

At G&G Insulation, we often hear from happy customers that their insulation upgrade has helped reduce their home heating and cooling costs. And there is research to prove it: The EPA estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces, and basements.

Do you offer a warranty for insulation?

All warranties depend on the product being installed. One unique warranty G&G customers can receive is the industry-exclusive CEE Limited Lifetime Warranty, thanks to our status as an Owens Corning ® Certified Energy Expert ® professional.

Here’s how it works: G&G Insulation’s customers can receive a limited lifetime warranty on the Owens Corning ® PINK ® Fiberglas product that we install AND the workmanship. The CEE Limited Lifetime Warranty can be transferred from homeowner to homeowner for the life of the home. This means a homeowner can use it as a selling point if moving in the future.

After installation, we can help assist you with registering your warranty with Owens
Corning. You will then receive a Proof of Warranty.

Note: Please see actual warranty for complete details, limitations and requirements. For the lifetime of the Home beginning from date of installation by an Owens Corning ® Certified Energy Expert ®.

Where should I add insulation in my home?

Insulation should typically be installed in the walls, floors, attic space, basement and
crawlspace. We can help determine where insulation is needed in your home through
an in-home assessment.

Should I remove old insulation?

We recommend leaving the insulation removal to the professionals! The experts at G&G can help gauge whether any current insulation needs to be removed before adding insulation. Insulation needs to be removed if there has been pest infestation, mold growth, moisture damage or other issues that we can assess.

How do I know if my current insulation is bad?

While insulation is not something you typically see, it’s certainly something you can feel! Homeowners often call us when they are feeling frustrated that their home does not feel consistently comfortable, whether it’s during Idaho’s cold winters or warm summers. You may notice signs that your home does not have enough insulation, such as fluctuating room temperatures and drafty rooms. You may also notice higher heating and cooling bills or that your HVAC system is constantly running.

While this does not necessarily mean your insulation is “bad,” it may indicate that your home does not have enough insulation or that your insulation has been compromised. The only way we can know for sure is by conducting an in-home insulation assessment, which G&G can complete at no cost to you.

Why should I choose G&G Insulation?
With roots in Meridian, Idaho, since 1951, G&G Insulation cares about our community and strives to make every home or building a better place to be. Our dedication to quality shows in our A+ BBB Rating, our positive customer reviews online, and our recent status as one of the Top 25 Insulation Contractors named by Walls & Ceilings.

Plus, G&G goes above and beyond to qualify for membership in the Owens Corning ® Certified Energy Expert ® Program. This means our work is regularly tested to meet the highest standards, and we serve as energy performance consultants to deliver advanced solutions based on decades of building science research. We are one of a select number of contractors that can offer customers both a limited lifetime warranty on the products installed AND the workmanship. There’s no other warranty like it!*

If you have more questions about whether G&G Insulation is the right fit for your project, we’d love to discuss them. Simply contact us here.

*See actual warranty for complete details, limitations and requirements. For the lifetime of the Home beginning from date of installation by an Owens Corning ® Certified Energy Expert ®.

What is G&G Insulation’s service area?

G&G Insulation has two convenient locations in Meridian and Twin Falls, Idaho. We service new construction and retrofit insulation projects in the Treasure Valley and Magic Valley regions.

What are the advantages of using a professional insulation installer vs. DIY?
While DIY insulation may seem cheaper at first, insulation must be installed accurately in order to perform. Poor installation can reduce insulation’s effectiveness, even if you are installing top-of-the-line products. And with 90% of U.S. homes estimated to be under-insulated, a professional insulation installer can make sure your home insulation is up to the latest energy codes.** This can even help boost the resale value of your home!

At G&G, we strive to help homeowners have cost-effective energy-saving solutions that are installed to last. Our work is regularly tested to ensure Grade 1 installation standards. This means all insulation products are installed for maximum performance. And by taking the time to conduct a home assessment, our professionals can look at the entire building envelope, rather than one area, to address any sources of energy loss. This whole-house approach helps to ensure your home insulation system works as efficiently as possible.

**Estimate developed by the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association based on an analysis of the single-family detached residential building stock by Boston University.

What’s the ROI of attic insulation?

Remodeling Magazine’s “Cost vs. Value” Report found that the average attic air seal
and fiberglass insulation project added value
to the home at resale within a year of
completion, averaging 116% ROI (return on investment).

How long does it take to install insulation?

The length of insulation installation depends on the specifics of the project, such as whether removal is needed, which insulation product is being installed, and if air sealing is also being applied. Once we complete an insulation assessment, we can give you a better idea of how long it will take to install your home’s insulation. We will then schedule the insulation installation at a time that works best for you.

Does my home need air sealing too?

While insulation acts as a thermal barrier, air sealing helps to seal out any leaks or gaps and limits the air flowing into a space. This helps insulation do its job better. While we typically recommend the combination of insulation and air sealing for home energy efficiency, we can review your unique specifications and circumstances to determine if your home needs air sealing and what type of air sealing will work best for your home.

*See actual warranty for complete details, limitations and requirements. For the lifetime of the home beginning from date of installation by an Owens Corning® Certified Energy Expert®.

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