Frequently Asked Questions

Insulation makes your home more energy efficient by stopping heat transfer (meaning your home will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter). Different types of insulation work in different ways—thermal insulation like fiberglass traps heat; radiant barrier, installed under the roofline, helps reduce radiant heat.

There are several insulation materials available. Common ones are:

• Fiberglass
• Loose-fill cellulose
• Spray foam
• Radiant barrier

Attics should always be insulated—you can also install insulation in walls and crawl spaces. Talk to an insulation professional about your specific home and situation.

There is no single correct answer for how much insulation saves. The amount of insulation energy savings you’ll see depends on the insulation materials you use, the area of your home you insulate, the size of your house, etc.

The R-value of insulation is a measurement of its resistance to heat flow. It depends on the material, thickness and density of the insulation. In general, higher R-values indicate a more effective insulation material.

There is no single correct answer. The amount of insulation you need depends on a few different factors, including where you live, how big your home is, the type of HVAC equipment you have and the area you’re insulating. For example, you may need more attic insulation and not as much wall insulation.

When installed by professionals, cellulose insulation can often be completely recovered and reused on site, leaving hardly any excess material to go to waste. Special machines used in the blown-in process allow extra material to be vacuumed up and blown back in on site or salvaged for future installation. Like cellulose, fiberglass insulation can be removed easily and put back in place—and it can also be reclaimed from demolition debris and recycled into a new product.

Although both often consist of fiberglass, batt and blown-in insulation are different. Batt insulation is a pre-cut, continuous material and is generally installed in unfinished walls. It’s well suited for spaces free from obstructions like wiring, pipes, etc. Blown-in insulation is blown into spaces using hose-like equipment and is a “loose-fill” material, able to fit in irregularly shaped areas.

Faux wood blinds and plantation shutters:

• Offer the beauty and charm of wood without the upkeep
• Tend to be more affordable
• Are durable and easy to maintain

According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of blind installation in the San Antonio, Texas area is $1,000. The majority of homeowners spent between $451 and $1,550. But the overall cost of your project will depend on a few factors, two main ones being the material and the number (and size) of windows you need blinds for.

• Clogged gutters (from anything from leaves to sticks, animal nests, tennis balls and more)
• Clogged downspout
• Improper gutter pitch

A direct vent fireplace is a prefabricated fireplace made of metal that is part of a sealed-combustion system. This type of system draws fresh outdoor air into the firebox, a unique distinction from traditional fireplaces and inserts. Because it doesn’t need a chimney, most models of direct vent fireplaces can be installed just about anywhere in a home.

Wood burning fireplaces offer the charm that you can’t find with more modern gas models—some people just love the look and feel of a wood burning fireplace! When it comes to efficiency and convenience, gas fireplaces take the lead. But there is no best fireplace—it all comes down to your preferences.