FAQS

FAQs on Insulation Services at ABS Insulating in Charlotte, NC

Customer QuestionsABS INSULATING ANSWERS YOUR INSULATION AND GUTTER QUESTIONS

Most homeowners aren’t insulation and gutter experts and, at ABS Insulating, we don’t blame them. It’s easy to overlook insulation and gutters when they’re each working properly. Insulation and gutters are out of sight and out of mind. When you do have a question about insulation or gutters in your Charlotte, NC home, it’s essential to know who to ask. ABS Insulating is a leader in these services in the Charlotte, NC area and has the knowledge and experience to address your questions. For your convenience, we have compiled our most frequently asked questions and answered them here.

HOW MUCH DOES INSULATION INCREASE HOME VALUE?

Adding insulation to your home is a great way to increase its value – how much increases depends on several factors. Studies show that properly installed insulation can on average earn a 116% return on investment. It is important to remember that results may vary and home value is influenced by many other conditions including location and size. Although a substantial increase in your home’s value isn’t guaranteed, insulation will help you save money through reduced energy costs. Insulation creates a thermal barrier to help manage your home’s interior temperature so your HVAC unit doesn’t need to overwork. Upgrading your home’s insulation does show a positive return on investment.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF SPRAY FOAM INSULATION?

At ABS Insulating, we’re proud to use spray foam insulation because of the many benefits it provides. Because spray foam is an insulator and seals air leaks in one step, you can see a significant reduction in your energy bills. Spray foam insulation increases your home’s energy efficiency. Your HVAC system won’t need to work overtime which can help reduce your energy bills. Spray foam insulation is also water- and mold-resistant. In the event of excess moisture, spray foam won’t absorb water and allow mold to fester, potentially causing harm to you and your family. On top of all that, spray foam insulation won’t settle or break down over time. Choosing spray foam over other types of insulation can afford your home or businesses an insulation solution that will last years. A few more added benefits include the following:

  • Environmental friendliness
  • Reduced noise from outside
  • Keeps pollen from getting inside your home
  • Won’t develop holes for bugs and small animals to sneak into your home

WHY SHOULD I USE JM SPIDER® PLUS INSULATION?

Johns Manville Spider® Plus insulation is an excellent choice for several reasons in your Charlotte, NC home. ABS Insulating recommends JM Spider® Plus for its interlocking fibers that are designed to fit into the smallest gaps and completely fill a cavity such as an open wall. JM Spider® Plus is mold resistant, doesn’t contain formaldehyde, and leaves little mess behind. Your insulation can be installed and dried in one day. All in all, JM Spider® Plus can save you money and keep your construction project on schedule.

IS A RADIANT BARRIER BETTER THAN INSULATION?

Radiant barriers and insulation are both designed to regulate the temperature of your home, and neither is significantly better than the other. For best results, ABS Insulating advises that you use one in conjunction with the other. Insulation serves to slow down outside temperatures from getting into your home, while a radiant barrier reflects heat away. Radiant barriers force outside heat to retreat from your home, while insulation adds a second layer of protection. When used together, radiant barriers and traditional insulation make for a very energy efficient home.

WHY DO I NEED GUTTERS?

Gutters are a crucial part of your Charlotte, NC home. They provide several functions without which your home could be at risk for preventable damage. Without gutters, rainwater runs off your roof straight onto the soil, resulting in soil erosion. As more and more soil washes away, your home’s foundation could begin to crack and basement flooding becomes a real possibility. Gardens could be harmed, as well as your home’s siding. Before rainwater runs off your home to your foundation it can seep into your home’s wall assembly or other areas of your home’s structure. This can cause building materials to rot, allowing pests into your home, and, in the long run, can cause structural instability. Contact ABS Insulating for an expert gutter installation.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CLEAN MY HOME’S GUTTERS?

How often a gutter needs cleaning depends on many factors. However, most gutter installation experts say cleaning twice a year is enough to keep your gutters functioning properly. If you have a lot of critters like squirrels and mice around your home or pine trees that shed their needles, it’s best to check your gutters every three months to ensure nothing is obstructing water flow. While Charlotte, NC doesn’t typically stay cold for too long, freezing temperatures can mean ice in your gutters. If your area experiences an ice storm, be sure to check your gutters for frozen build-up. Failing to clean your gutters frequently can result in ill-timed leaks and harmful mold growth.

DO I NEED TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL?

No matter the scale of your project, it’s always best to hire a professional for insulation or gutter installation. An experienced team will make sure the job is done correctly the first time. Improper insulation could leave you exposed to sweltering summer heat and cold winters. Poorly installed gutters put you at risk for water damage, mold growth, and more. With so many adverse effects of bad installation, it’s always a good idea to seek professional help from the get-go. ABS Insulating is a leader in both insulation and gutter installation in Charlotte, NC. Our team has helped numerous customers in the area, both homeowners and contractors. Contact us today and let us know how we can help you!

CAN NEW INSULATION BE ADDED ON TOP OF EXISTING INSULATION?

New insulation can be added on top of existing. If the existing insulation is wet, it is best for it to be removed prior to adding new insulation. If insulation is wet and doesn’t dry properly, it can lead to mold, mildew, or even rotting of your ceiling roof rafters. If there is a leak, contact a roofing contractor to have it repaired.

I’M ADDING INSULATION. WHY DO I NEED TO AIR SEAL?

Fiberglass insulation is not an air barrier. It provides a thermal blanket, but does not prevent conditioned air inside the home from escaping through penetrations in the attic (e.g., chimney chases, venting, etc.). This air loss results in increased energy use. Air sealing stops the escape of air from the home.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FIBERGLASS INSULATION AND CELLULOSE INSULATION?

Fiberglass is made from melted sand, which is spun much like cotton candy. It comes in batt form that can be cut and fit into wall cavities and in a loose form that can be blown into attics. Cellulose is a loose product that can be blown into attics and dense packed into closed cavities. It is made of newspaper and treated to be a fire retardant.

CAN SPRAY FOAM INSULATION BE INSTALLED IN AN EXISTING HOME?

Generally, spray foam insulation can be installed in an existing home. Since each home is different, we recommend scheduling a free estimate with one of our team members so we can provide detailed options about where spray foam can be used to improve your home’s thermal performance and comfort level.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OPEN CELL AND CLOSED CELL FOAM?

Closed cell spray foam insulation is made up of cells that are closed and packed tight together. They are filled with gas that helps the foam rise and expand. Closed cell foam is a greater insulator due to its denser properties. Open cell spray foam insulation is made up of cells that are not completely closed. The cells are broken and air fills all of the “open” space inside the material.