Insulation questions, answered
Short answers to what Concho Valley homeowners, landlords and ranch and shop owners ask most.
Estimates and scheduling
Do you charge for the inspection?
- No. The visit and the written estimate are free.
- There is no obligation to go ahead.
Can I send photos before anyone comes out?
- Yes. A few photos of the attic, barn or shop and the rough size help us give you a ballpark.
- A short visit then confirms the details for the written price.
What area do you cover?
- San Angelo, Wall, Christoval, Grape Creek, Miles and Mertzon.
- Also rural property across Tom Green County and nearby parts of Runnels and Irion counties. See all locations.
Can you work around a military move or a rental turnover?
- Yes. Most attic jobs are done in a day.
- Share your report date, closing date or tenant move out date and we plan around it.
Attics and the West Texas sun
How much attic insulation does a home here need?
- Tom Green, Runnels and Irion counties are in climate zone 3B, a dry zone.
- ENERGY STAR recommends R-49 for an uninsulated attic, or adding R-38 over 3 to 4 inches of existing insulation. More in our San Angelo attic insulation guide.
Is a radiant barrier worth it in San Angelo?
- It pays off best in hot, sunny climates, and this is one of them.
- It adds to attic insulation rather than replacing it. Read radiant barrier in the West Texas sun.
Why are my rooms still warm late in the evening?
- A thin attic lets the ceiling soak up heat all afternoon, then release it after dark.
- More insulation and a radiant barrier slow that heat before it reaches the ceiling.
Does insulation matter in winter here?
- Yes. Nights can turn cold fast, and hard freezes do happen.
- The same attic layer that blocks summer heat holds furnace heat in.
Why is there so much dust in my house?
- Wind pushes dusty air through gaps around light fixtures, the attic hatch, pipes and wiring.
- Sealing those gaps before adding insulation cuts it down.
Pole barns, shops and barndominiums
What is the best insulation for a pole barn or metal shop?
- Closed cell spray foam on the metal is the usual choice. It insulates, seals seams and stops condensation.
- More in our pole barn insulation guide.
Why does my metal building drip on cool mornings?
- Overnight the metal cools, and moisture in the air inside condenses on it.
- Foam keeps that air off the cold surface.
When should a barndominium be insulated?
- After framing, plumbing and wiring, and before the interior walls are closed.
- See our barndominium insulation guide.
Open cell or closed cell?
- Closed cell is denser and resists moisture, so it suits metal buildings.
- Open cell is lighter and fits interior walls and wood roof decks.
Do we need to leave the house during spray foam work?
- Yes, during spraying and for the wait time the manufacturer specifies.
- That is often around a day.
Other questions
Can new insulation go on top of the old?
- Yes, if the old layer is clean and dry.
- Material fouled by pests or damaged by roof leaks comes out first.
Can walls be insulated without opening them up?
- Often. Insulation is blown in through small holes that are patched afterward.
What if there is vermiculite in my attic?
- It looks like small gray brown pebbles and may contain asbestos.
- We stop and recommend testing before anything is disturbed.
How much will my project cost?
- The area, the material and any removal or prep work set the price.
- You get a written price after a free inspection. See what affects insulation cost.
Have another question?
Send it over. We will answer it and set up a free inspection if you would like one.