SOUTH KANSAS CITY Blog

FAQs About Overland Park insulation Replacement From Koala

When people talk about improving their property’s energy efficiency, they may refer to upgrading their heating and cooling units or installing weatherstripping around their doors and windows. While these are certainly important to help manage energy costs and maintain optimal performance, you may need a second opinion from a certified insulation professional. Koala Insulation’s professional Overland Park insulation replacement services are designed to help residents identify and locate the exact problems they have in their attic space or behind their interior walls. 

Our certified insulation contractors bring the knowledge and expertise to properly replace insulation, so you won’t be dealing with a drafty house and heat loss much longer. Nobody knows your residential or commercial property better than you, but you will need the help of professionals to pinpoint the affected areas and provide the necessary air sealing and insulation installation service to recover your home’s energy efficiency.

When you choose us as your expert Kansas City insulation company, you can rest assured that you will receive excellent services from start to finish, plus the extra mile our team will go to exceed your expectations.

How Long Does Insulation Typically Last? And Which Type of Insulation Will Last a Lifetime?

When people simply tell you that insulation material lasts between 80 and 100 years, they are slightly over-ambitious! But it all depends on your insulation type and how well you maintain it. Your climate and quality of installation are also huge determining factors for how long your existing insulation may last. Take what you currently have into account and how long it has lasted you before hiring Overland Park insulation replacement services.

The average of 15 to 20 years sounds about right, and because Koala offers a wide range of high-quality, certified products, you can be prepared for a positive change.

As your certified local insulation pros, you can expect long-lasting thermal efficiency from our environmentally friendly types of insulation that include:

• Batt Insulation: Fiberglass batts are the most common types you will find in many buildings. You have probably seen those huge pink, fluffy, precut sheets that people use for wall and attic insulation. They are cost-effective, easy to install, and provide a standard R-value of 3.4 per inch. Older types of fiberglass insulation have a lifespan of up to 20 years. They are usually unfaced, meaning they don’t have a protective vapor barrier. Nowadays, it’s common to use improved modern batts that are “faced,” meaning a vapor retarder is present. If kept in good condition, they can last up to 50 years. At Koala, we also offer rock wool and denim cotton batts besides fiberglass.
• Loose-Fill Insulation: Also referred to as blown-in, loose-fill is the second most common material used in Overland Park insulation replacement projects. Cellulose is made of locally recycled materials and highly desired by those who are environmentally conscious and seek an eco-friendly solution. Loose-fill is cost-efficient, flexible and easy to install on top of old material (as long as it hasn’t suffered from water damage). Cellulose provides an average R-value of 3.5 per inch with a lifespan of 20 to 30 years. While cellulose is 38% better at stopping air infiltration than fiberglass. On the other hand, fiberglass loose-fill only offers an average R-value of 2.7 per inch. Blown-in products have proven to be up to 22% more energy efficient than batts due to their seamless nature.
• Spray Foam Insulation: SPF is by far the most superior form of insulation you can choose for any area of your home in Overland Park. It provides the best vapor barrier and air barrier and adds structural “racking” strength to your interior structures, enhancing your building’s overall structural integrity. Spray foam is popular for our attic insulation services, especially when applied to ceiling joists, wall studs, and rafters. No matter what your climate and what type of weather condition you’re dealing with, spray foam will provide you with a high level of thermal efficiency and comfort for as long as your Overland Park house stands. Keep in mind that there are two types of SPF: open-cell and closed-cell foam. Open cell foam comes with one expansive layer of SPF and suits mild climates the best, whereas closed-cell foam is best for cooler climates, as it allows you to apply multiple layers to help keep excess moisture out. Standard open-cell provides an average R-value of 7.4, whereas closed-cell offers R-12.

How Do I Choose Between Batt And Blown-In For My Overland Park Insulation Replacement?

This is arguably the most popular debate within the insulation industry, but it highly depends on your personal preference and situation. They are both cost-effective, providing similar thermal efficiency in various applications. From our experience, clients have preferred fiberglass or mineral wool batts for unfinished walls and multiple spaces in their attic, whereas cellulose blown-in is preferred in finished wall cavities, because it can be done without demolition.

Though, if you are conscious about our environment, cellulose might be your best choice. Another advantage of cellulose is that it will properly fit hard-to-reach places, including nooks and crannies. The good news is that both batts and loose-fill materials are naturally fire-resistant.

If your mind is set on either batts or blown-in, our certified insulation pros are more than happy to help you through the decision-making process during a formal consultation and inspection.

Why Is Spray Foam So Expensive?

Unfortunately, foam is generally a very expensive material, but there is also low-quality and high-quality foam, of which you want to make sure your Overland Park insulation replacement contractor uses the latter. Koala is a proud member of the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance, offering certified SPF products with guaranteed performance to our clients.

The reason why you pay good money for SPF is because of the zero defects concept and the lifetime warranty that comes with it. On the upside, the warranty gives you control over the Overland Park insulation replacement job done on your property and includes annual inspections. Should the R-value deteriorate by 10% within a year’s time, our team will rectify this issue free of charge. 

Our professional air sealing services involve spray foam application on seams and cracks, and around window casings.

What Are the Warning Signs I Need Overland Park Insulation Replacement?

There are various areas in your home that may show signs of deteriorated insulation, and you would need a certified technician to inspect your property from the roof down to detect the specific locations. But warning signs will typically come in the form of decreased comfort.

The main telltale signs you will experience include:

• Uneven temperatures indoor
• Decreased indoor air quality due to poor ventilation
• Skyrocketing utility bills
• Air leaks and drafts
• Condensation, moisture damage, or mold growth
• Sudden symptoms of allergies and colds
• Pest infestation in attic, ductwork, and behind walls

Pro Tip! Get An Energy Audit

Energy audits are the best way to determine specific areas that need attention and will help identify spots that were improperly air sealed. So if your energy bills have always been sort of high, our team will help you find out why and rectify this issue. This way, you can begin your energy saving journey and benefit from a more energy efficient home.

Our local professionals use a thermographic imaging device for insulation testing to locate the exact trouble spots and deliver a detailed energy evaluation.

Does Koala Insulation Offer Insulation Removal?

We certainly do! We don’t like the idea of doing half the job needed from our skilled team. Whether you’re in the middle of remodeling your home or are planning a retrofit, our professional Overland Park insulation replacement pros offer effective insulation removal services. This way, you’re rid of outdated, old, or damaged materials in your home.

We do not recommend attempting the removal service on your own because it’s not only messy but also unsafe. If you don’t know the safety guidelines or have the tools and protective gear, it’s essential that you hire a professional team.

What R-Value Do I Need For My Overland Park Insulation Replacement?

Knowing your recommended regional R-value is important when determining the type and R-value of your Overland Park insulation replacement. So far, we have learned that each product carries a different R-value, depending on the actual material and shape it comes in.

Regional R-values are divided into seven categories, and it’s fair to say that Kansas lies somewhere between Zone 4 and 6, depending on regional climate and weather patterns. 

Therefore, when measuring and determining the best R-value for your Overland Park insulation replacement, keep in mind the following guidelines:

• Walls: The average R-value for exterior walls should be at R-18, whereas interior walls should be at around R-20 to keep heat transfer low. During an energy assessment, our Koala Insulation team will be able to provide you with a more detailed calculation of what will work best for you.
• Attic: A good average R-value for attics is R-49, given that air sealing is done properly and the layers of insulation installed correctly. 
• Roof: Your roof would benefit from an R-value of R60, because it’s an exterior structure. By insulating the ceiling joists and rafters in the attic well, you could even go without intensive layers on your roof. 
• Garage: R-16 will be more than sufficient for your garage, as long as our team makes sure that space is entirely air-sealed, including your garage door. That’s important if your garage is a heated space.
• Basement: The minimum R-value for the basement is between R-12 and R-14. As the dampest spot on your property, there are a few things to consider before your Overland Park insulation replacement service. If your current material is damaged due to a high level of humidity, you will need to hire a certified plumber for a detailed plumbing inspection and a waterproofing service. Waterproofed surfaces typically last about ten years but require periodic inspection. 

Does Wall Insulation Replacement Need Drywall Demolition?

Unfortunately, yes. Unless you have outdated cellulose insulation that is still intact but not as effective anymore, we can blow in a new layer of cellulose on top of the old layer.

However, in the event of water damage due to busted water pipes or foundation cracks, it’s essential that you have an Overland Park insulation replacement service to switch out the damaged cellulose or fiberglass. Our expert team is also happy to help you with your new drywall replacement and inspect your exterior wall’s condition. If your house siding is in need of repair or replacement, we can inspect your sheathing, drainage plane, furring strips, and also replace insulation.

Does Blown-In Insulation Need To Be Replaced?

It depends on whether it has suffered from water damage. Otherwise, if it’s simply old and no longer providing you with thermal performance, it’s possible to install a new layer of loose-fill on top of the old one. This is the best option for wall insulation where you want to keep your existing drywall in place. We’ll be able to inspect the whole structure and even what’s behind your current insulation, such as the drainage plane and sheathing. We can also inspect your exterior walls’ insulation to ensure the vapor barrier is still in working order.

Is It Time to Replace Insulation at Home? Call Your Expert Team At Koala For Excellent Service!

Koala Insulation is proud to serve the local community of Overland Park and nearby neighborhoods, including Lee’s Summit, Prairie Village, and beyond. Contact our dedicated customer service representatives at (816) 929 8255 today and find out more about our Overland Park insulation replacement services!

While you are here, we invite you to learn more about our solar attic fan installations if you are interested in rebates and incentives.