FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is R Value?
R-value (also called thermal resistance) is a measure of insulation's resistance to the flow of heat. Higher R value means greater resistance to heat. R-values is determined by the type and thickness of material and by its weight per square foot, not just by the material's thickness.  Insulation is installed to keep your buildings cool in the summer and warm in the winter by preventing energy loss through the roof, walls, and crawl spaces of the building.

What is Green Building?
Click to read our Green Building information page.

How do I know if I need insulation or additional insulation?
- Most homes built prior to 1980 have inadequate insulation.
- If the insulation in your attic is no higher than the joists you need more insulation.
- If you are constructing a new home or business, you need insulation. 
- If your energy costs are too high you probably need more insulation.  An energy audit can help determine exactly what is needed.
- Many communities have building codes that list minimum requirements for insulation.

How much insulation do I need?
Insulation offers the greatest energy savings to cost of any other home or business related expenditure.  In our area the U.S. Department of Energy insulation recommendations are as follows:

Click here to see the U.S. Department of Energy Recommended R-Value Map.
Click here to see the U.S. Department of Energy Insulation Fact Sheet

What are the different types of insulation available?
-  Fiberglass - Made of molten sand, recycled glass or other materials.   Fiberglass is available as loose-fill, blankets, or batts.
- Cellulose - Made from paper or wood materials treated with flame retardant.
- Foam insulation - Sprayed polyurethane foam (also called SPF) is an insulating foam plastic which is sprayed on via a specifically designed apparatus.  It is installed as a liquid which expands to many times its original volume.

Why should I buy foam insulation instead of a less expensive type of insulation?
SPF benefits include:

Click to read more about U.S. Green Building Council and LEED

Is SPF safe?
Yes. Cured polyurethane foam insulation is relatively inert so won't release toxic gases into the air or leach into soil or water.

Is traditional fiberglass insulation safe?
OSHA states that fiberglass is officially designated as possibly carcinogenic (Cancerous)
Green Living Eco-Home listed its dangers and concentrated on showing the alternatives.
National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) compared insulation types and said that fiberglass has the most health risks.

Is formaldehyde safe?
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen under conditions of unusually high or prolonged exposure. In 1995, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that formaldehyde is a probable human carcinogen. In June 2004, the IARC reclassified formaldehyde as a known human carcinogen (2). Source: National Cancer Institute Fact Sheet

Why should I hire Therma-Lok for my insulation needs?
Proper installation is essential for proper functionality of the insulation. Therma-Lok owners have years of experience in the construction industry and in insulation installation. We are thoroughly trained in the proper method of installing foam insulation. Our reputation is on the line with each job we do and we value our good reputation. We will be glad to provide references on request. Our focus is on making sure your space is the most efficient and cost saving environment possible.