FIBERGLASS

CELLULOSE

MINERAL WOOL

SPRAY FOAM

INSULATION & R-VALUE

If you are needing insulation services in the Houston, Texas or a surrounding area, look no further than The USA Supreme Team. We have experience with different types of insulations and can help determine what is the best option for your home needs. We work with homeowners and builders/contractors. No job too big or too small for our teams to fulfill.

While often overlooked, insulation is essential to a comfortable and energy efficient home. Having insulation installed in your home can save you hundreds of dollars a year in utility expenses. Advantages to insulation is maximizing the comfort of your home, reducing noises from outside and also from inside your home between different rooms and levels, improve performance of HVAC system, and contribute to healthier environment. Insulation comes in different forms and made of different materials, but the most common denominator among varieties of insulation is the R-value. I bet you asked yourself “what does the R value mean?”

• The R Value is the measurement of thermal resistance and measures the ability of heat to transfer from one side of an object to another (energystar.gov). “The higher the R-value the better the thermal performance of the insulation” (energystar.gov). Houston is considered to be located in Zone 2 for recommended insulation levels based on climate
  

LOOSE-FILL INSULATION (BLOWN-IN)

Loose-fill insulation also known as blown-in insulation as we here at USA Supreme prefer the term blown-in, is great for filling in hard to reach locations such as nooks, crannies, around pipes, and duct work. Blown-in insulation consist of strands of fiber which are blown into walls and attics with a special machine. This type of insulation is the least expensive choice. Blown-in insulation comes in fiberglass or cellulose.

• Blown-In Fiberglass- with a R value of 2.2-4.3 per inch, is very lightweight and makes perfect for attic applications. A drawback is that when exposed to low temperatures it can lose 50% of its effectiveness unless blanket insulation is used in conjunction with blown-in insulation. Thankfully in Houston, we do not experience cold temperatures like those in the north do.
• Blown-In Cellulose- with a R value of 3.2-3.7 per inch, is a much heavier type of insulation making it good for low temperatures. In some cases, it is not good to use in attics due to the weight. Overtime it settles losing 20% effectiveness.
• Blown-In Mineral Wool- with an R value of 3.1-4.0 per inch, is a much eco-friendlier option than fiberglass but has a higher cost. Mineral wool stands up to moisture, insulates while wet, and typically outlast fiberglass.

BATTS & ROLLS

Batts and blankets are known to be the most common type of insulation used today. They are easy to transport due to being pre-packaged or pre-cut pieces to fit standard construction techniques and ready to install. They are great for DIY projects and easy to work with, as long as the accessibility conditions are favorable in the area the insulation is being installed. However, if they are improperly installed, they can lose up to 50% effectiveness. Some types come with a vapor barrier to help protect against moisture. The three most common types of batts and blankets are fiberglass, mineral wool, and cotton.

• Fiberglass- with a R value of 3.1-3.4 per inch and widely available, fiberglass is one of the most affordable options. Drawbacks to this option include possible irritation of the skin and lungs due to being made from fine glass fibers and the batts of fiberglass can lose effectiveness due to compression. 
• Mineral Wool- with a R value of 3.1-3.4 per inch and more fire resistant, mineral wool is harder to find and not as affordable as fiberglass. Mineral wool is made from volcanic rock, primarily basalt, and does not absorb moisture. Mineral wool does not promote corrosion, rot, mold, bacteria growth, or mildew.
• Cotton Batt also known as “blue Jeans”- with a R value of 3.5-4 per inch and considered the most expensive form of batt insulation. Cotton batts are made up of 85% recycled fiber and borate fire retardant material, which also acts as a repellent to certain insect pests. This option is hard to find and not widely available in some areas.