Insulation FAQ

There is no single "best" type of insulation—each option offers distinct advantages and potential limitations. Cellulose provides excellent thermal performance at a competitive cost. Spray foam delivers superior air-sealing capabilities but comes at a higher price point. Fiberglass remains a budget-friendly option, though it requires careful installation to achieve optimal results. At Spink Insulation, our team is committed to helping you identify the most cost-effective and efficient insulation solution tailored to the specific needs of your project.

Proper insulation is essential along the entire exterior thermal boundary of a home—including the attic, rim joists, exterior walls, and floors above unconditioned spaces—to ensure optimal energy efficiency and comfort. In addition to thermal insulation, we also offer a range of soundproofing solutions designed to enhance acoustic performance throughout the home.

If you're working within a tight budget, Spink Insulation is here to help you identify the most cost-effective insulation solutions for your home. Our goal is to maximize energy efficiency while staying within your financial constraints. Should we identify other factors that may have a greater impact on reducing your utility costs, we will provide honest guidance and support to help you prioritize improvements that offer the best return on investment.

All insulation materials are rated with an R-value, which measures their resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the material's effectiveness in minimizing thermal transfer, contributing to improved energy efficiency and indoor comfort.

The amount of insulation needed for a home depends on several factors, including existing insulation levels, local climate zone, applicable building code requirements, and—most importantly—your specific comfort and efficiency goals. At Spink Insulation, we provide expert guidance to help you choose the most cost-effective solution tailored to your needs, ensuring optimal performance and long-term value.

To determine the R-Value of your current insulation, please contact us at (800) 464-3307.

Different areas of the country have different recommended R-values for insulation based on your geographic location and its corresponding climate. Subsequently, colder northern climates will have higher required R-Values than warmer tropical locales.

The amount of insulation needed is dependent on your home’s climate and the type of insulation being used. Consult a professional insulation contractor to determine the necessary R-Values needed for your location.

The term retrofit refers to the process of upgrading or enhancing various energy efficiency measures within a home to reduce utility costs and improve overall comfort. In the insulation industry, retrofit insulation specifically describes the improvement or replacement of existing insulation to boost thermal performance and enhance the living environment for occupants.

No. During a retrofit wall insulation installation, we carefully remove small sections of your siding to access the wall cavities. A small hole is then drilled, allowing us to dense-pack insulation into the cavity from the exterior. Once the installation is complete, the hole is sealed, and the siding is reinstalled to ensure there are no visible changes to the exterior appearance of your home.

Once filled, we re-install the siding. No unsightly plugs.

A good source for energy saving tips is the Federal ENERGY STAR program website from the US Government, www.energystar.gov.

The removal of existing insulation depends on several factors. If the current material poses a health hazard—such as contamination or mold—professional abatement is recommended. However, if the insulation is in good condition, it can often be supplemented rather than removed. Adding new insulation on top of existing material allows you to build on the R-value already in place, enhancing thermal resistance more cost-effectively than a full removal and replacement.

Yes. Certain insulation types are more eco-friendly than others. For example, the Nu-Wool Cellulose insulation we use at Spink is made from 100% recycled paper.

For more information on our Eco-Friendly Insulation, please visit our Green Insulation Options page.

Yes. Warm air inside your home can leak into the attic, warming the underside of your roof, causing snow and ice to melt and then refreeze as it runs off your roof.

This is what will then form Icicles and Ice Dams. Though poor insulation may be the root cause of the icicles, ventilation can also play a part.