Insulation FAQs

Improperly installed insulation can cause you to spend too much money on heating/cooling costs, or cause structural damage to the house due to humidity or moisture build-up. A professional has the right training, knows the codes, and will do the job right the first time.

Rockweiler Insulation takes a few measures to ensure you got what you paid for. In the attic we install attic rulers that show the depth and R-value of the insulation throughout the attic. When we are finished, our installer fills out an attic card that shows the R-value installed, the number of bags used, the square footage, and then signs and dates the card. That card is then stapled right by the scuttle access to the attic.

Another great way to confirm a quality insulation job is to do testing. A blower-door test or use of a thermography camera are two ways to make sure the insulation was installed correctly. Rockweiler currently does not offer these tests, but we can refer you to an energy consultant who can help you.

Yes, insulation is an efficient and cost-effective way to reduce sound. Sound insulation can be installed in new construction, or in existing construction by drilling into an existing wall or floor and blowing in insulation to reduce sound.

R-Value measures the resistance to heat flow. It is also referred to as "thermal resistance", or a material's ability to slow heat flow. The higher the R-Value of a product, the greater that product’s insulating power. Materials that have the same R-Value, regardless of thickness, weight, or appearance, are equal in insulation value.

Not only does insulation save energy and reduce the impact of greenhouse gases on the environment, today’s manufacturing technology is creating insulation that truly sustainable and more green ever.

There are three major differences between fiberglass and cellulose insulation.

Fire Resistance - Fiberglass is made mostly of inorganic materials and therefore is naturally non-combustible and has a low flame spread rating. It will maintain its fire resistance over its lifetime. On the other hand, cellulose is made up of newspaper, which is organic and naturally flammable. Therefore, approximately 20% of the finished cellulose product is comprised of fire retardant chemicals (80% newspaper/20% fire retardant chemicals). These fire retardant chemicals may not be applied consistently and may deteriorate over time. Smoldering and re-kindling of fires have been reported with this product.

Moisture Absorption - Fiberglass is installed dry and does not retain moisture. Cellulose is often installed damp and needs to fully dry after installation. Even after drying, cellulose can absorb moisture, which can lower the R-value of the product and may promote fungal growth.

Settling - Fiberglass has nearly no settling (1-3%). Therefore, the R-value is stable over time. Cellulose can settle or shrink causing the R-value to deteriorate over time.

Both blown-in cellulose and fiberglass insulation perform well to insulate your home, however, regardless of which insulation you choose the performance of the product largely depends on the quality of workmanship.

If fiberglass insulation becomes wet, usually it will not lose any R-Value if it able to completely dry out. Cellulose insulation usually needs to be replaced once it becomes wet. Always check with a professional if you are unsure if you need to replace your insulation. Most often Rockweiler will be able to come out and evaluate for you if the insulation is safe to dry out or needs to be replaced.

In 2010 new rules went into effect regarding work that disturbs lead-based paint in homes, childcare facilities, and schools built before 1978. Until 1978 many paints contained lead. Ordinary renovation and maintenance activities in buildings built before 1978 can create dust that contains lead. Lead paint dust can be dangerous, and it doesn't take a lot of dust to cause harm to children and adults. Children who ingest even small amounts of lead dust can develop brain damage, behavior or learning problems, and have a high probability of delinquency. Adults who inhale dust from lead-based paint can have a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease, stroke, heart disease, and diabetes.

Contractors are required to be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. These work practices protect residents from the dust that may contain lead by:

Rockweiler Insulation and its employees are certified by the State of Wisconsin to perform these lead-safe work practices. When you decide to have sidewall work done and your home was built prior to 1978, we will provide you with a pamphlet (Renovate Right) that explains basic facts about lead and lead safety. When these procedures are followed, you can be confident that your health is not at risk.

For more information on this topic, please visit www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/lead or www.epa.gov/lead.