Notes on insulating homes on the Gulf Coast
Plain answers about attics, spray foam and summer heat for Sugar Land homeowners.
Can I spray foam insulate my crawl space?
Yes, in most cases, but only after you deal with moisture, access and pest inspection, and only with the right type of foam for a humid climate.
Read the answerWhat spray foam can you use in cold weather?
Use a foam labelled for low-temperature or winter use, keep the cans warm before you spray, and only spray onto a surface that is as warm and dry as the label asks for.
Read the answerHow much attic insulation do I need in Houston?
For most Houston-area homes with insulation on the attic floor, aim for about R-38, or R-49 if you are adding insulation anyway and the attic has room for it.
Read the answerOpen cell or closed cell spray foam for a Texas attic?
For most Sugar Land attics, open cell foam sprayed on the underside of the roof deck is the better choice. Closed cell is better kept for metal roofs, low-slope sections and damp areas.
Read the answerDoes spray foam insulation need to be removed before selling a house?
In most cases no: spray foam that was installed properly can stay, and usually only damaged, wet or badly installed foam needs to come out.
Read the answerWhy is my upstairs so hot in summer?
Usually it is because a very hot attic sends heat down through the ceiling, and the ducts carrying your cooled air run through that same attic.
Read the answerShould I remove old attic insulation before adding new?
Usually not: if the old insulation is dry, clean and lying evenly, you can add new insulation on top of it, but it should come out when it is wet, moldy, contaminated by pests or smoke, or when you are switching to spray foam on the roof deck.
Read the answerDoes a radiant barrier work in Sugar Land?
Yes, in most Sugar Land attics a radiant barrier cuts the heat coming off a hot roof deck, but it works alongside insulation, not instead of it, and only when it is installed with an air gap and the right side facing the right way.
Read the answerHow do I know if my attic is under-insulated?
If you can see the tops of your ceiling joists, if upstairs rooms stay hot after the AC has run all afternoon, or if the insulation is patchy, flattened or missing in spots, your attic is probably under-insulated.
Read the answerCan spray foam cause moisture problems in an attic?
Yes, it can, but usually because of a roof leak, gaps in the foam or a sealed attic that was never connected to the home's air conditioning, not because of the foam itself.
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Tell us about your attic or building
Call (281) 010-0001 during business hours or send a note through the form. Tell us what you have noticed, such as hot upstairs rooms, high summer bills or damaged insulation, and we will arrange an inspection and a written estimate.