When we arrived for the inspection, we quickly identified several conditions that were allowing outside air and lower-level air infiltration to move freely throughout the home. Built in 1990, the home showed no evidence of prior air sealing work in either the unfinished basement or attic. This is extremely common in homes built during that time period, as air sealing was not a standard practice in residential construction the way it is today.
The attic still contained the original fiberglass insulation installed during construction. Over time, fiberglass insulation can become compressed, disturbed, and less effective, especially when exposed to decades of airflow and temperature fluctuations. In this case, the insulation had significantly degraded and was no longer performing at the level needed to properly protect the home from heat transfer and uncontrolled air leakage.
During the attic inspection, we also identified a large whole-house attic fan that was no longer in use. Even though the fan itself was inactive, it continued to create a major opening between the conditioned living space and the attic. This allowed significant unwanted airflow between the home and attic space, contributing to energy loss, comfort issues, and pathways for air movement that can influence radon migration throughout the structure.
To properly address the problem, we recommended a full attic insulation removal so our team could access all penetrations, gaps, seams, and bypasses hidden beneath the old insulation. Once the attic floor was exposed, our crew completed a comprehensive attic air sealing process designed to reduce uncontrolled air exchange between the attic and the conditioned areas below. This included sealing common leakage points around wiring penetrations, plumbing penetrations, top plates, recessed lighting areas, duct openings, framing gaps, and other hidden pathways where air was escaping.
At the same time, we performed air sealing work in the unfinished basement to further reduce unwanted airflow entering the home from lower levels. By addressing both the attic and basement together, we were able to create a more controlled building envelope and significantly reduce the stack effect that often pulls air — and potentially radon gases — upward through a home.
After the air sealing process was completed, we installed new blown fiberglass insulation throughout the attic to achieve an R-49 insulation level. Bringing the attic up to modern insulation standards helps reduce heat gain during Chattanooga’s hot, humid summers while also improving heat retention during colder months. The new insulation system was designed to work together with the air sealing improvements rather than simply covering over the original issues.
Since completing the project, the homeowner has reported noticeable improvements in both comfort and energy efficiency throughout the home. Rooms that previously experienced uneven temperatures have become more stable and comfortable, and the HVAC system is no longer working as hard to maintain indoor conditions. Most importantly, the homeowner also reported significantly reduced radon levels following the completion of the air sealing work.
Projects like this demonstrate how insulation and air sealing work together as part of a complete home performance solution. In many homes throughout the Greater Chattanooga area, especially homes built in the 1980s and 1990s, hidden air leakage can contribute to comfort problems, high utility costs, indoor air quality concerns, and elevated radon readings. Properly identifying and correcting those issues requires more than simply adding insulation — it requires a full evaluation of how air moves throughout the structure.
At Insulation Commandos of Greater Chattanooga, we take a whole-home approach to insulation and energy efficiency projects so homeowners can achieve lasting improvements in comfort, performance, and indoor air quality.
Contact us today for your free inspection and detailed estimate. We’ll help you understand your options and develop a plan that works for your needs and budget.
Most people think insulation is just “the pink stuff” thrown in your walls by a few guys with a truck. But the experts do it differently: from taking precise readings with thermal cameras to calculating R-values and matching you to just the right products, we’re excited to show you how much we can make a difference in your home.
Our founders brought a powerful lesson home from the front lines: trust in your people is absolutely critical. This principle of trust is the foundation of our business.
High utility bills? Cold/hot rooms? A struggling HVAC? Noisy neighbors?
You have options when it comes to choosing insulation and our experts are here to help: we discuss what you’re interested in, we answer your questions, and we recommend a solution that will fit your budget and get you the results you’re looking for.
Our customers choose us because of our experience with Chattanooga area homes, our thoroughness, our professionalism, our attention to detail and most importantly, our results.
We’re experts in everything insulation – including how you can save on the work we do for your home.
Available tax credits help lower the cost of insulation and air sealing upgrades. You can claim up to $1,200 every year, in addition to other incentives and rebates. Ask our team how insulation tax credits work and how much you stand to save.
As the homeowner, you claim this tax credit directly when you file your taxes for the year in which the insulation was installed. Our itemized final invoice will include your tax-credit-eligible costs, making the process easy.
We understand most folks want an estimate over the phone – but this goes against our duty and our principles to.
Here’s why:
We firmly believe that if we gave you an estimate over the phone we’d be doing you a disservice.
Even if you're just looking for a ballpark estimate?
Yes.
Because we are incredibly thorough with your free estimate. And that's what it takes to get the results you deserve.
That's why we require a free in-person visit for your estimate.
We take photos of problem areas. We perform imaging with a thermal camera. We record laser measurements. We take the time to look in (and often climb into) all the tight spaces that could be missed in a hurry. And most importantly we have a face-to-face conversation with you so we understand the exact results you expect from a job done right.
Our high standard of service means we aren’t the right fit for everyone. In fact, there’s a good chance we won’t be the lowest-priced company. Our customers choose us because they value our expertise, thoroughness, attention to detail and most importantly, our results.
An insulation contractor typically offers attic insulation installation, insulation upgrades, insulation removal, and air sealing. These services help reduce heat transfer through the attic and improve overall home comfort, especially during warmer parts of the year.
It depends on the room and space, and there are important steps to follow and considerations to make sure your insulation work actually gets the results you need:
We use advanced equipment and techniques to custom-tailor solutions for every home. Even if you like to DIY we're happy to come out and give you a free inspection and estimate for the opportunity to let the pros handle making sure you get the best results.
While not a direct air filter, properly installed insulation can reduce drafts and infiltration of outdoor pollutants, pollen, and dust. In conjunction with proper air sealing, insulation supports improved indoor air quality by limiting the pathways through which contaminants might enter. This makes it easier for your home’s ventilation and filtration systems to maintain a cleaner indoor environment.
Yes. Today’s market includes options like cellulose (often made from recycled paper) and natural wool. These materials can offer thermal performance comparable to traditional materials while also reducing environmental impact. They can appeal to homeowners interested in lowering their carbon footprint without compromising on home comfort.
Yes. While some projects involve extensive work, we can do targeted upgrades—like adding insulation in the attic, sealing air leaks, or insulating a specific crawl space—these can make a noticeable difference. We can help pinpoint strategic improvements that fit both your comfort goals, your home’s current design, and your budget.
Bring your project to life with our financing and flexible payment options.
Our goal is to make your insulation project a reality. In addition to providing expert guidance, workmanship, and service, this means making our very best work as affordable as possible. We tailor your job to meet your budget, and if you want more flexibility we work closely with leading providers of affordable financing who have great programs specifically for insulation and home improvement projects.
Whether you know exactly what you want or you’re just starting to think about how our services might help your home, we’re happy to answer your questions, come out for a free in-person estimate, and show you how the insulation experts can make a difference in your home.
Most people think insulation is just “the pink stuff” thrown in your walls by a few guys with a truck. But the experts do it differently: from taking precise readings with thermal cameras to calculating R-values for your microclimate and matching you to just the right products, we’re excited to show you how much insulation can make a difference in your home.
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