icon1   icon2

Request a FREE Inspection

973-536-1013

201-205-2042

Category Archives: Attic Insulation

Fixing Air Leaks before Insulating the Attic

The secret to a comfortable, energy efficient home starts in your attic.

In the attic you can find the HVAC system, as well as electrical wiring, cam lights, pipes and more. If not properly sealed, air can leak from the living space through the cracks, which will lead to inefficient use of energy, and result in uncomfortable temperatures throughout your home.

In order to prevent such a scenario, it’s important to consult with a professional contractor, to better understand if there are any air leaks prior to even beginning work on replacing or upgrading the insulation.

After all, if more insulation is placed on top of the old insulation, and air leaks haven’t been sealed properly, the new insulation won’t be effective and your money will go down the drain.

At Quartz Solutions, we check your house for air leaks as part of our free inspection. We must insure our mutual goal of keeping your family happy is met! Only then, we make our recommendations for the necessary steps to sort out existing problems quickly and efficiently.

Call us today to schedule your free inspection and get a comprehensive analysis of air leaks and existing insulation condition. A comfortable, energy efficient home is one phone call away 201-205-2042 OR 973-536-1013.

The Importance of Proper Insulation

Air flows from warmer areas of the attic and crawl space, to cooler ones. Insulation is a mechanism that restricts heat flow and keeps the warm air where it belongs. Thus, with insulation in place, warm air will not enter the cooler indoors in summers. Likewise in winters, when the temperatures dip drastically outside, insulation prevents loss of conditioned air by trapping the warm air inside.

For that reason, and with energy and electricity costs escalating each day, having a proper insulation system in place is of paramount importance. Here is an extensive list of advantages that a proper insulation can bestow upon your property and dwellers.

  • Comfortable Interiors – Be it blistering summers or chilling winters, a proper insulation system makes your interiors comfortable. While insulation repels hot air in summers and prevents it from entering your home, it traps the warm air inside in winters, improving overall comfort levels.
  • Lower Energy Bills – The higher the heat flow resistance the lower the energy bills. Proper insulation and an effective HVAC system complement each other. While HVAC system conditions the air, a proper insulation system prevents its loss to the atmosphere.
  • Cuts Down on Noise Pollution – Besides acting as a thermal barrier, insulation also has an inbuilt quality of absorbing sounds. Thus with proper insulation in place, there is a reduced penetration of ambient sounds, making the interiors comfortable and noise proof.
  • Improves Air Quality – Proper insulation cuts down on dampness which supports growth and breeding of mold, mildew and fungus; organisms which spread through air and cause respiratory allergies.

Whether you’re looking for fresh insulation installation or simply need to upgrade and improve existing insulation, we at Quartz Solutions are committed to helping you find just the right insulation at the right price. Call us at 201-205-2042, 973-536-1013 to learn more about our insulation products, methods and the ways in which we can help you.

The Link Between HVAC Systems and Your Insulation

An upgraded insulation or an energy-efficient HVAC System; Often times, it is difficult to discern which solution is more efficient in helping you maintain comfortable indoor temperatures throughout your property. To keep the chill away during the wintertime and protect against the scorching heat in summers, a well-maintained system gives you year round comfort.

While many think that it’s one of the two, experts suggest that it’s a combination of both that will help you enjoy ideal results without breaking the bank.

From a scientific standpoint, insulation is a thermal barrier for your home. It deflects the heat during the summer and locks it in during the winters. On the other hand, HVAC System is a heating and cooling device that works until the desired temperatures are reached, and terminates automatically thereafter.

To be candid, insulation and HVAC systems go hand-in-hand. An error or malfunction in oneof the two systems will directly impact the otherand the overall efficiency in maintaining a comfortable environment.

For instance, if your insulation is wearing off, then it will allow hot air to leak through cracks and openings. In summers, the hot air outside will leak in and in winters the hot air inside the property will escape out. This will put greater burden on the HVAC system, making it run for longer and exponentially increasing your energy bills.
On the other hand,if the HVAC system are not cleaned and maintained regularly and properly then it will work more intensely to attain and maintain steady temperatures. This will again increase energy bills drastically, making you shell out your hard earned money.

Thus the best way to improve your home’s comfort and to start saving, is by upgrading/maintaining both systems simultaneously. Proper insulation and effective HVAC systems will help you enjoy benefits like:

  • Comfortable homes and offices
  • Fewer repairs
  • Lower monthly utility bills
  • Increased lifespan of the HVAC system

So, if you’re seeking to increase your property’s temperature control efficency, you should make sure that your HVAC systemis fully functional, as well as, be sure that your insulation is not damaged. At Quartz Solutions, we are the experts in the field. Equipped with the right equipment and staffed with the finest personnel, we offer end-to-end services from consultationand maintenance to installation. Call us at 201-205-2042, 973-536-1013 to learn more about the ways in which we can help you.

How Can I Tell if My Attic is Infested?

Attics and crawl spaces are the seldom visited parts of the property. This makes them most vulnerable to rodent attack and infestations. It is humble to believe that these innocuous looking creatures just reside in the dark and dreary areas and spell no danger and threat to the living spaces and the dwellers. Ironically, their feces, hair and germs spread through the ventilation systems, which can lead to diseases. Also, they slowly but surely find their way into the living spaces, damaging stuff and contaminating food. Thus, it is important to spot the problem early and take steps to clear the property.

Here are simple ways to learn if you have rodents residing in your property:

  • Noise: Rodents squeak and let out a lot of noise and sounds. They also create sounds when they nibble upon things. Pay close attention to noises that you might hear coming from your attic and crawlspace. The sounds are most prominent at night because that’s when they are running around looking for food.
  • Droppings: Rodent dropping and smell of urine are the obvious giveaway signs. In-fact, an in-depth analysis of the size and shape of the droppings can provide important clues about the type of infestation.
  • Gnaw marks: In search of food and shelter rodents try to cut into everything that comes along. Floors, ceilings rafters, electrical wires, ventilation ducts; everything stored or placed in the attic will have gnawing marks. These are important tell-a-tale signs of rodent infestation.
  • Entry points: Look around your house and attic for possible entry points. Small holes, damaged sidewalls, tampered roofs; any opening bigger than the size of a coin signals towards a rodent attack. Thus, sealing off every point is the best way to get rid of the problem.

A regular and periodic inspection of the attic and crawl space will unveil the presence of unwanted guests. At Quartz Solutions, we extend support not just to inspect, but eradicate and prevent the menace altogether. Get in touch with us at 201-205-2042, 973-536-1013. Our skillful professionals will help you tackle the trouble in the most professional way.

Is Your Home Winter Ready?

Winter is here, which means that rain snow and cold weather will be part of our daily routine for the next couple of months. This is the time to closely monitor, overhaul and upgrade your facilities to ensure that your home is protected and ready for winter conditions.

Here are simple steps that will help keep your family and property protected. Based on the famous quote ‘a stitch in time saves nine,’ following these steps in a timely manner can help cut down costs and ensure your peace of mind.

  • Insulate your Attic: Ensure that your attic is effectively insulated. Poor insulation will not only allow cold air to set into your living spaces, but also make your HVAC system work overtime, which will increase your utility bills.
  • Seal Cracks and: As the temperatures take a dip plunge, any cracks or openings in the roof or ceiling will act as entry points for rats and squirrels. These rodents damage wires and ducts and can cause serious damage. They contaminate the area and spread serious infections. Sealing the cracks will help keep them away.
  • Seal Doors and Windows: Caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows will help keep cold air out, bestowing comfortable temperatures inside.
  • Repair Roof Leaks: Take a closer look at the condition of your roof. Undertake the required repairs and ensure that it doesn’t give way to strong and heavy snow storms. Consider installing a water-repellent sheet under your roof to keep the moisture out.
  • Trim Trees: Cut and trim the trees to get them below roof height. This will ensure that they do not weigh down with ice or snow and fall on your roof, which can cause damage.
  • Wrap the Pipes. It is important to wrap and cover ducts and vents with appropriate insulation cover. This will ensure that they do not loose heat and remain effective for a long time.
  • Inspect your HVAC System: The Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) mechanism of your house will surely be your life-line during the winter. The system will condition the indoor air to make it warm and comfortable. But you’ll obviously not want to shell out bundles in form of utility bills… Therefore, inspect your HVAC System beforehand to ensure that it performs to its optimal level.

At Quartz Solutions, we are the known and trusted experts to offer comprehensive advice and support to winterise your home and property. Call us at 201-205-2042, to find out more about our services to get you winter ready!.

Crawl Space Insulation – Do it right

Insulation is a vital aspect of a building’s. An optimally insulated home or office always bestows comfortable temperatures upon its dwellers. It also helps save energy and cut utility bills drastically.

To achieve the desired results it is important that each area of the property is well insulated. While attic spaces invariably get the most attention, crawl space insulation too is crucial for the overall health of the property.

Though it appears to be a simple task, there are some insulation essentials for the floor below your feet. Crawl space insulation ensures that your home retains adequate warmth, controls moisture, and prevents subsequent mold build-up. Here is how you can do it right –

  • b>Fiberglass Batts– Fiberglass batts lend support to the insulation. It is therefore important to install them in a way that they touch the underside of the floor. Using a crisscross wire web placed equidistant from each other can further add to the batt support.
  • Vents – Vents in the crawl space are important in order to prevent mold and mildew build-up. The number of vents required in the crawl space is proportionate to the size of the crawl space. Professional service providers therefore calculate how many vents are required for the area and make provisions accordingly.
  • Insulation and Sealing – Proper repair and sealing of plumbing pipes and air conditioning ducts is a prerequisite for any insulation job. Failure to do so will result in loss of hot and cold air, leading of the overloading of the HVAC system and inflated energy bills.
  • Insulation Material– Understanding the type of insulation material is of paramount importance. Close-cell spray insulation, although expensive, is a better option as compared to open-cell spray insulation. This is because it keeps moisture from building up in the space, thus delaying the growth and build-up of mold, fungus, and mildew.

Hiring professionals for the job is undoubtedly the right call. At Quartz Solutions, we are the experts in the field. Get in touch with us at 201-205-2042, 973-536-1013. Our team will provide you a complete insight on the nitty-gritty of crawl space insulation.

Common Attic Insulation Problems to Watch For

The attic of residential or commercial properties is an important place to consider when getting an insulation job done. It houses several important systems such as electrical, plumbing, and heating. But due to its inconvenient location, the attic space encounters several insulation problems that eventually bring down the R-Value of the property. As a result, the properties consume more energy, cause inappropriate heating, and are more prone to build-up of moisture, mildew and mold over time.

It is therefore important to understand the common attic insulation problems before opting-in for the right insulation. A thorough understanding ensures that the issues are dealt with in a strategic and systematic manner.

  • Missing insulation – It is common for inexperienced installers to miss out on insulating the entire rooms of a house during installation, simply because they presumed them to be part of the garage or a storage area. Therefore, insisting on a whole house tour before getting down to actual work is of paramount importance.
  • Knee walls – Improper or missed insulation of the knee walls (walls between the ceiling and the attic) is a common problem. As a result the insulation is not efficient, leading to improper heating. This can be countered with the use of insulation straps, foam sprays and insulation boards.
  • Misaligned fiberglass batts – In homes where there is a difference in ceiling height from one room to another or within the same room due to architecture or design, it is common to find attics with misaligned batting. They appear to be the same on top and have a large area underneath that left vacant. As a result, there is improper heating or cooling, resulting in heavy utility bills.
  • Disruptions in insulation – Often properly installed initially, the insulation tends to get disrupted when repairs and maintenance works take place in the attic. Therefore, itis important to keep an eye on such faults and take care of them before they become a problem.
  • Mold, mildew and moisture buildup – Improper installations, inadequate waterproofing, and lack of timely repairs and maintenance of the attic insulation may lead to moisture build-up, fueling mold and fungal growth.

It is therefore important that you get your attic space insulated from an experienced and highly reliable service provider . At Quartz Solutions, we are the experts in the field. Get in touch with us at 201-205-2042, 973-536-1013 for the best and fully customized attic insulation solutions.

How to Avoid Mistakes When Installing New Insulation

Insulation is beneficial in many ways. It helps stabilize temperatures and by that, making the living space more comfortable. Furthermore, if the space is properly insulated, it is bound to consume less energy and cut down the monthly utility bills. However, while we expect our home’s insulation to do the job, we often fail to get the desired results.The obvious reason has everything to do with the quality of the initial installation.

Here is a quick checklist to follow during the installation process

  • Select the right insulation and the required volume: Insulation material will depend on the area and shape of your attic. While closed cell foam board and spray insulation work best for crawl spaces, batt and fibreglass insulation are apt for attic areas. Besides the type of insulation, the quantity of insulation to be used is also of paramount importance. Areas that are not thoroughly insulated fail to deliver the desired results.
  • Do not remove old insulation: Unless of course your old insulation is inundated with mold and fungus, there is no reason to remove it and start from scratch. The best solution is to add layers of fresh insulation over the top of your old insulation. This will not only enhance the efficiency, but also help save money.
  • Ensure no gaps: It is important that the insulation sticks to the walls as gaps between the wall sand the insulation makes it ineffective. Filling gaps that cannot be filled with Batt insulation,with foam or blowing in loose fill can prove helpful.
  • Insulate attic doors and windows: Attic doors and windows are often left un-insulated. These outlets allow conditioned air to escape.Placing insulation against the attic door and windows and other outlets and adding weather strips around the edges can help control the escape.
  • Beware of heat points: While it is important to insulate all gaps and holes, never place insulation near water heaters, oil burners and furnaces. Insulation materials are highly flammable and can be a major fire hazard.

Although insulation may appear to be a DIY task, seeking professional help is proven to be beneficial and efficient. At Quartz Solutions, we are experts in the field. Call us at 201-205-2042 973-536-1013 to find out more about our insulation services.

Insulation Mistakes to Avoid

Do you notice substantial difference in the comfort levels in your home or business during the high winter and summer days? Are you bogged down by increasing utility bills? If the answer to these questions is yes – we have a solution – a periodically overhaul of your insulation system.

Faulty insulation may do more harm than good. It allows the conditioned air to leak, eroding comfort levels. Besides increasing utility bills,it also exposes the home to serious problems like seeping moisture, humidity, mold and fungal growth.

However, if you are facing problems after cleaning or replacing your insulation you might have made the wrong call. More often than not, we opt for insulation systems that are not right for our needs. Here are the top mistakes to avoid when selecting attic or crawl space insulation:

  • Selecting the Wrong Insulation: It is important to understand that not all types of insulation can be installed everywhere. The right type of insulation for your needs will be determined based on the climate, overall layout/structure and budget. Furthermore, attics, crawlspaces, basements and living spaces – all have a unique purpose to serve; therefore the type of insulation will vary. Installing the same insulation in each of these areas is a big mistake! It brings down efficiency levels, instead of increasing them.
  • Focusing only on R-Value: The R-Value statistically denotes the performance quotient of the insulation. The higher the R-value the greater the effect. But it would be wrong to say that R-value is the only thing to be considered. Air leaks, seeping moisture, and quality to fight mold and pests attacks, holds equal value.Before you start laying down new insulation, you must check for air-leaks, moisture or mold, if you want to achieve maximum efficiency.
  • Price Based Decision: As products of equal R-Value are propagated to perform equally, people generally tend to make a decision based on the final price tag. However,air leaks, moisture, mold, escalating energy bills are often ignored, and the price difference between the basic insulation and advanced insulation would become irrelevant over time.
  • Faulty Installation: While some insulation materials come as a DIY, ready to go packages, seeking professional help is always beneficial. It’s not just the quality of the material that matters, the actual workmanship and quality of installation will determine the effectiveness of the insulation.

Call the attic and crawl space experts at 201-205-2042, 973-536-1013 and take simple steps to make your homes effective and efficient– for years to come!

Which Type of Insulation is best for me?

Heating and cooling expenses constitute a large portion of the household’s energy bills. The utility billscan go up or down, depending on the quality of the insulation system.

Thus, the amount and quality of insulation is the key to control energy consumption and utility bills. Here is a short guide of the different insulation types to help you find the best fit for your home:

  • Batt Insulation:
    Batt insulation provides the dual benefit of economic value and effectiveness. Made of fiberglass, slag wool or natural cotton, Batt insulation provides a long-term solution for all thermal and acoustic fittings. Batt insulation works best when the panels are juxtaposed very tightly, leaving no gaps between them. Depending on the area, the task can be accomplished in a day or two.
  • Blown Insulation:
    Blowing in cellulose in the attic is another foolproof method of reducing energy bills by 10-20 percent. While many people think that it is a simple do-it-yourself task, the reality is that this grimy and clammy work is best carried out by an expert. If one tiny area is left uncovered, it can compromise the entire installation.Blown insulation is fairly quick to install, and the amount of insulation will determine the cost and final R-Value.
  • Pest Control Attic Insulation
    Pest Control Attic Insulation entails the use of natural fiber insulation that has the potency to stop pests from entering the attic spaces. This type of insulation is environmental friendly and will benefit any homeowner for the long run, as it is also excellent in reducing energy costs.

Still unsure about which type of insulation is best for your property? Call us at 201-205-2042 and we’ll provide a free consultation, with no obligation.

Screened & Approved by HomeAdvisor

© 2018 Quartz Solutions. All rights reserved.