Insulation Installation FAQs

Thank you for choosing Snap Construction and Affordable Insulation for your insulation project! We’re excited to help make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable. To ensure everything goes smoothly, we’ve outlined a few important details about your upcoming project.

General Questions

1. How do I prepare my home for insulation installation? Clear the area where the work will be performed, remove any fragile items, and ensure pets and children are kept away during the installation process. Removing stored items or clutter can help speed up the installation. Upon arrival, our crews will lay drop cloths to protect your property.
2. Will there be a lot of dust and debris during the install? We take precautions to minimize dust and debris by using protective coverings and vacuuming before we leave. However, you may notice a small amount of dust in the work area.
3. What should I expect on the day of the install when the crew arrives? The Crew Lead will greet you at the door and introduce their team. They will walk through the installation plan and review the work to be done. The team will then prepare the house and work areas by laying drop cloths and applying any necessary protective coverings.
4. Will I need to be home during the insulation install? We ask that you be present to let the crew in and show them the areas being worked on. If you need to leave during the installation, that’s fine—just let the crew know and inform them if they need to lock up when they’re finished.
5. When will the dumpster be delivered and removed? The dumpster will typically be delivered the morning of the removal and scheduled for pickup the next day, unless it’s needed for a longer period.
6. Will the dumpster damage my driveway? The dumpster company will place protective strips under the dumpster to prevent any damage to your driveway or surface.

Post-Installation Questions

1. When can I expect to see energy savings after the install? You may notice a difference immediately in comfort, but substantial savings on your energy bills typically become evident after the first full heating or cooling season.
2. Do you offer any warranties or guarantees on your insulation services? Yes, we provide a limited warranty on both the materials and workmanship. We’ll provide you with specific details based on the type of insulation installed.
3. Is there any maintenance required after insulation installation? Insulation is low-maintenance, but we recommend checking your attic every couple of years for any signs of moisture, pests, or damage.
4. Will you handle the cleanup after the installation? Absolutely! Our crew will handle all cleanup and dispose of any old insulation or debris, leaving your home as clean as we found it.
5. Can I qualify for any rebates or incentives for installing insulation? Yes, many homeowners qualify for energy efficiency rebates. We will assist with the rebate application process and provide you with the necessary documentation.

Attic Insulation FAQs

1. How long does attic insulation installation take? Typically, the job can be completed in 4-8 hours, depending on the size of your attic and the type of insulation being installed.
2. Will attic insulation make my home warmer in summer and cooler in winter? Yes, proper attic insulation helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures year-round, reducing the strain on your HVAC system.
3. Do you need to remove old insulation before adding new insulation? In some cases, yes. If the old insulation is wet, moldy, or contaminated (e.g., by pests), we recommend removal. Otherwise, we can add new insulation on top of existing material.
4. Can attic insulation help prevent ice dams? Yes, proper insulation combined with attic air sealing can help reduce the risk of ice dams by keeping your attic temperature more consistent.

Wall Insulation FAQs

1. How is wall insulation installed in an existing home? For existing homes, we typically use blow-in insulation. Small holes are drilled into the walls, and insulation is blown in to fill the cavities. The holes are then patched and painted to match the existing wall. Depending on the siding type, we can install from the exterior of the property.
2. Will installing wall insulation damage my walls? We take care to minimize disruption. The small holes drilled for blow-in insulation are 2.5 inches in diameter, and are plugged with a styro-foam or wood plug so the newly installed insulation won’t fall out. We prep the hole to be able to be patched by some drywall putty.
3. How long does it take to install wall insulation? Installation time depends on the size of your home, but most wall insulation projects can be completed in 1-2 days.
4. Will wall insulation help with noise reduction? Yes, adding insulation to your walls can help dampen noise from outside, making your home quieter and more peaceful.

Spray Foam Insulation FAQs

1. What is spray foam insulation? Spray foam insulation is a type of insulation that expands on application, creating an airtight seal. It’s highly effective for reducing air leakage, providing moisture control, and offering superior thermal performance.
2. Why do I need to leave my home during spray foam installation? During installation, spray foam releases chemicals that can be irritating if inhaled. For your safety, we require homeowners and pets to stay out of the home for 48 hours to allow the foam to fully cure and for any odors to dissipate.
3. How does spray foam compare to other types of insulation? Spray foam provides an excellent air seal and has a higher R-value (insulation effectiveness) per inch than fiberglass or cellulose. It also acts as a moisture barrier, making it ideal for areas prone to air leaks and moisture, like rim joists.
4. Will spray foam insulation help with soundproofing? Yes, while it’s primarily used for its thermal benefits, spray foam can also help reduce noise by sealing gaps and creating a solid barrier. 
5. Is spray foam insulation safe for my home? Yes, once it has cured, spray foam is safe and does not release harmful chemicals. The temporary stay-out period is a precaution to ensure it has completely hardened and any residual fumes have cleared.
6. How long does spray foam insulation last? Spray foam insulation is highly durable and can last the lifetime of your home if properly installed. It won’t settle or degrade over time like some other types of insulation.

Rim Joist Insulation FAQs

1. What is a rim joist, and why should it be insulated? The rim joist is the area where your home’s floor meets the exterior walls, typically located in the basement or crawl space. Insulating the rim joist helps prevent air leakage and moisture buildup, improving your home’s energy efficiency and comfort.
2. What type of insulation is best for rim joists? We typically recommend using spray foam insulation for rim joists because it provides an excellent air seal and moisture barrier. In some cases, rigid foam board insulation can also be used effectively.
3. How long does it take to insulate rim joists? The process is usually quick and can be completed in a few hours depending on the size of your basement and the accessibility of the rim joist area.
4. Will insulating the rim joist help reduce drafts in my home? Yes, rim joist insulation is one of the best ways to stop drafts, particularly if you’ve noticed cold floors or drafts near your exterior walls. It helps seal gaps and prevents outside air from entering your home.
5. Will insulating the rim joists help with moisture problems? Yes, spray foam insulation acts as a moisture barrier, reducing the risk of condensation and mold growth on the rim joist area. This is especially important in older homes or in humid climates.
6. Can rim joist insulation help lower my energy bills? Absolutely! By sealing a common source of air leaks, rim joist insulation can significantly improve your home’s overall energy efficiency, leading to lower heating and cooling costs.

If you have any other questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 612-333-7627 ext. 2 or email randy@snapconstruction.com. We’re here to help make your insulation project as smooth and hassle-free as possible!