General Questions
R-Value is a measure of resistance to heat flow through a given thickness of material. In theory, the higher the R-value, the greater that resistance. That's true to a point, but it's just one of four key factors that determine the effectiveness of an insulation material.
A vapor barrier (or vapour barrier) is typically a plastic or foil sheet, that resists diffusion of moisture through wall, ceiling and floor assemblies of buildings to prevent interstitial condensation. Technically, many of these materials are only vapor retarders as they have varying degrees of permeability. All materials have a moisture vapor transmission rate that is established by standard test methods.
Concrete settles as the soil underneath a slab either compacts (the water in the ground has evaporated to the point that it has shrunken) or a void* or pocket has been created due to erosion from running water (from a downspout or a natural sloping of the ground toward your cement) or rainwater, causing a concrete slab to sink, settle or become uneven.
The four seasons in Maine move and change soil conditions every year. When a region experiences less rain or moisture the water in the soil evaporates which dries the soil, causing the cement slabs to sink into the ground in an uneven way.
Winter snow and ice, or improper draining onto your driveway, can be especially problematic for concrete. Make sure when the ground thaws each spring you check your driveway and sidewalks for gaps between the concrete slabs. If you think you may have an issue with sinking concrete, call us. The sooner you call us the more cost effective our visit can be!
*Void-A void can develop due to soils not being properly compacted before concrete is poured, through erosion, and poor drainage.
Common Questions
The costs vary depending on the product used in your home, it depends on where it is going and how accessible the area to which it is going.
Not all insulation is created equal. Blown in cellulose is a great product for your attic and the least expensive.
80% of existing homes are deficient in proper insulation for our climate zones.
Areas that make the biggest bang for the buck and have the highest rate of return are:
- Air sealing basement penetrations and all penetrations in the attic.
- Spray foam is a great product for the rim joists in the basement.
-Adding additional blown in material in the attic.
We are a local and family-owned business. We are certified and take pride in what we do. We love what we do and we care about the results of our project. When we do an assessment we examine all areas that will be affected by what we do. And when we are done we are confident that your money will have a return on the investment.