Quality Products and Professional Installation
Loose-Fill Insulation for Open Attics
Austin Insulation uses premium loose-fill insulation from multiple cellulose and fiberglass manufactures keeping an unbiased outlook on new and existing products. Our goal is to simply give our customers the best products and installation possible.
When adding loose-fill insulation to new and pre-existing attics, special attention is focused on the proper ventilation requirements. Attics are designed to intake fresh air through the soffit vents and exhaust through the roof vents. This cycling of fresh air is crucial in reducing and eliminating mold and condensation of wood framing members, ice damm issues, and extending the life of your shingles.
Fiberglass Batt Insulation
Fiberglass batts come in a variety of sizes and faces depending on the situation, space available, and code requirements. The R-Values range from R-8 to R-38 and the facing material is available in Kraft Faced, Foil, Vinyl, and Unfaced.
The current code for new constructed homes in Michigan are as follows:
Exterior Walls: R-21
Attic ceilings: R-49
Floors: R-30
Basement Walls: R-13
Retro-Fit "Drill and Fill"
Older buildings without insulation in the exterior walls are addressed at Austin Insulation with a technique know as Drill and Fill. Where loose-fill insulation is blown-in all wall cavities by drilling through the exterior and filling the cavities with insulation. The ending R-Value is R-13 for 2x4 constructed walls and R-21 for 2x6 constructed walls. Depending on the type of exterior the building has, the technique varies slightly as follows:
Brick Exterior
Small 1 inch holes are drilled through the mortar joints and the cavities are filled with
cellulose insulation. Mortar is then placed into the holes blending the entry holes with the
exterior of the building.
Vinyl Exterior
Strips of the siding are removed and larger 2 inch holes are drilled and filled with loose-fill
insulation. The siding is replaced with virtually no signs of entry.
Aluminum Exterior
Aluminum sided homes are a little trickier. Siding is removed or loosened and bent up
for the drilling and filling process. The siding is replaced into its original position with little
or no visible signs of entry.
Wood Exterior
Holes are drilled directly through the wood surface, all cavities are filled with
loose-fill insulation, and the holes are fitted with wood plugs. Since the entry holes
will be noticeable, the surface can be sanded and painted to blend with the existing
exterior or covered with a new siding material.
Drywall Applications
2 inch holes are drilled, all cavities are filled with loose-fill insulation, and the entry holes
are fitted with drywall plugs, tape, and joint compound.
Drill and Fill is also used in interior walls for sound control and for fire walls in residential and commercial applications.
Crawl Spaces
In the past, crawl spaces were addressed as untreated areas. The floors typically were
insulated with fiberglass batt insulation, and the perimeter foundation walls were left
uninsulated. Several vents were required to allow fresh air to circulate throughout the
crawl space. Over the years, this installation technique has given less than satisfactory
results. Crawl spaces were found to be colder with higher moisture content than desired.
At Austin Insulation, we address crawl spaces as treated areas. Insulating the perimeter
walls, and covering the open vents with a vinyl or foil wrap with R-Values ranging from R-8
through R-19. The band joist or "bond" is insulated with a R-13 - R-30 unfaced fiberglass
batt throughout the perimeter of the crawl space. The floor of the crawl space is covered
with a plastic sheeting creating a vapor barrier between the floor and the crawl space.
This installation technique has provided more comfortable floors, reduced mold and
moisture content, and overall energy savings for the consumer.
- Competitive, Honest Pricing
- Cost-effective process from beginning to end
- Eco-Friendly products
- Over 18 years experience
Energy efficiency at an affordable price!
