Frequently Asked Questions

• Q:

  How does insulation work?

  A:

  Insulation works by providing a resistance to the flow of heat. Just like when you put on a jacket to help keep you warm in the winter, you want a blanket around your living space to help keep the cold out and heat in. In the summer months, you want your house to stay cool and comfortable. Simply stated, R-value is the thermal resistance to heat. The higher the R-Value per inch, the better protection from heat and cold. Insulation standards in the Bay area counties is dictated by the climate code of your area and local building authority.

• Q:

  What’s the difference between Cellulose & Fiberglass?

  A:

  Difference in how it works: Cellulose is a closed cell product that is very dense and blocks heat out. Fiberglass is an open cell product that traps and holds heat within the body of the insulation.

  Difference in materials: Fiberglass is made with molten glass and consists of fine filaments of spun glass particles. Cellulose is a natural wood fiber made from recycled newsprint and card board treated with a fire retardant.

  McHale’s Environmental Insulation Co. uses 100% borate Cellulose Insulation which meets or exceeds all federal insulation standards.

• Q:

  Is there a difference in price between the two?

  A:

  Blown-in fiberglass is slightly more expensive than cellulose. It depends on the application, brand used, R-Value desired and location of installation.

• Q:

  What is Radiant Barrier?

  A:

  Radiant Barrier is a reflective material that reflects up to 97% of the radiant heat that strikes its surface back to the source. In the hot summer months, radiant barrier will reflect the sun’s rays. In the winter, it helps to eliminate ice dams. Radiant Barrier does not have a high R-Value on its own and should be used in conjunction with a good R-Value insulation.

• Q:

  Can you insulate existing walls?

  A:

  Yes. We insulate existing walls by drilling a small hole (1.5-inch diameter) through the exterior or interior wall covering, whichever is least invasive, we then check for structural blocking or laterals. We pump in under a small amount of pressure dry borate cellulose to dense pack the cavities. We plug and patch the holes with the appropriate material and make ready for final covering. Fiber glass can also be used instead of cellulose as a blown-in blanket.

• Q:

  What about payment?

  A:

  Payment in full is due upon completion of work unless other arrangements have been made and approved by McHale’s Environmental Insulation Co. and yourself. In most cases, a down payment is not required. We do accept major credit cards but charge a 3% processing fee.

• Q:

  Are the Fiberglass batts that you use Formaldehyde free?

  A:

  Fiberglass batt manufactures have taken the formaldehyde as a binder out of the material.

• Q:

  What is Cellulose?

  A:

  Cellulose insulation is a wood based recycled product made from shredded newspaper and cardboard that uses less embodied energy to produce than other types of insulation and helps to block the movement of air. Today’s cellulose insulation is approved by The American Society for Testing and Materials Standards. Specifications C-739 for loose fill insulation. It contains no asbestos, formaldehyde or glass fibers and meets the safety standards of the US Consumer Products Safety Commission. Cellulose insulation is not itchy or uncomfortable to work with or around.

• Q:

  What about a guarantee?

  A:

  McHale’s Environmental Insulation Co. guarantees our installation and workmanship for one year. A Manufacturer Product Warranty is available upon request. We guarantee that cellulose insulation will not lose it’s R-value for the life of the structure.

• Q:

  Do you offer senior discounts?

  A:

  Yes, we offer 5% discounts for seniors. Not to be combined with other discounts.