PEARLAND Blog

Hiring a Grade 1 Certified Insulation Team in Southeastern Texas

When you schedule an insulation upgrade, what kind of team are you looking for? You want an installation that improves more than your comfort. New material should mean you’re spending less on your energy costs, you see a decrease in energy waste, and there should be less potential for health hazards. 

All of these criteria are met when you schedule an insulation installation with professionals who prioritize Grade I installation. At Koala Insulation of Pearland, we focus on helping our community reduce energy waste and monthly costs by making sure insulation meets the unique needs of a building and has minimal defects when we're done with the job. How can you tell our service is a Grade I certified finish? 

What is Grade 1 Certified?

A graded insulation job measures the performance of the insulation based on how the material was installed. Certain standards need to be met in order to ensure your home's insulation is effectively supporting your building envelope. While it’s important to follow building codes and meet the R-value needs of your area, meeting Grade I standards should be prioritized just as highly. 

These standards are measured by The Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) in the Home Energy Rating System Standards. Grade I is considered the best installation that not only reduces discomfort and health hazards but also improves the energy efficiency of a building. Insulation material needs to uniformly fill wall cavities without problematic gaps or holes around protrusions. 

The Standards to Meet

• No compression in the insulation materials
• Less than 2% of the area has gaps
• Wall insulation must touch all 6 sides of the cavity
• Protrusions, such as wires, electrical boxes, plumbing, etc., need to be safely surrounded by material without compression
• Additional holes and openings need adequate air-sealing

Other Grading Criteria

For Grade II installation, the area has up to 2% missing insulation and slight compression. This level of installation has moderate defects which means there will be gaps around wiring, plumbing, and other surfaces. There are different grading systems to determine whether the insulation is lacking coverage or just compressed. While an area missing about 2% of insulation is considered Grade II, 2% of compression can still be considered Grade I. 

Grade III performance, on the other hand, holds substantial problems. There are gaps and holes of missing insulation from over 2% of the area. The installation also doesn’t comply with minimal installation requirements and is poorly added to the space. When a professional follows the necessary guidelines and codes for a better installation, the space will be optimized for proper airflow and thermal regulation.

The Benefits of Grade 1 Installation

Poorly installed insulation can have a significant impact on your comfort, safety, and savings. 2% may sound like a low bar to meet, but excessive gaps and voids around your home will add up to air leaks, moisture issues, and even potential pest infestation. These spaces reduce the effectiveness of the insulation, preventing the material from doing its job: reducing heat transfer in order to regulate temperature. 

Insulation Lifespan

While some homeowners may be satisfied with the quality of Grade II or Grade III installation, these shortcomings allow for an increased rate of deterioration. Poorly installed material is more likely to be susceptible to moisture, air leaks, pests, and other problems that reduce the lifespan of the installation. The snug fit of Grade I installation isn’t just to ensure the insulation isn’t going anywhere - plugging these spaces minimizes outdoor pollutants, humidity, mold, and entrances for pests. 

Energy Costs

When you schedule an evaluation and installation with a team that prioritizes Grade I, you’re not only cutting down on discomfort but also energy waste and costs. There have been multiple case studies done to measure the effective savings granted by upgraded installation, finding that homeowners in Texas can reduce heat and air infiltration with better insulation and air sealing. This reduces the need to use air conditioning and air quality correction during extreme temperatures, cutting down on your energy waste and regular utility costs.

Call Your Local Grade 1 Insulation Team

While you may assume a Grade I installation is the minimum expectation for any insulation professional, this isn't necessarily the case. These kinds of projects require training and expertise from team members who are familiar with the standards and look to meet these requirements

In addition to scheduling Grade I installation services, Koala Insulation of Pearland is also an ENERGY STAR® Partner. When it comes to installing new material in your home, our team is dedicated to bringing you products that are not only cost-effective but also energy-efficient. As an ENERGY STAR Partner, we work with local resources that reduce energy waste in our local neighborhoods. Contact Koala Insulation of Pearland to schedule your free evaluation today and learn more about how we can help you improve your environment.