Foam Insulation FAQ

Is foam insulation safe?
Yes. Icynene is a polyicynene foam that is water-based and gives off no harmful VOCs.

Is Icynene fire safe?
Icynene carries a Class 1 fire rating.

Is foam insulation accepted by the building codes?
All codes bodies accept Icynene foam.

Is foam permanent?
Icynene is a flexible foam so it will not shrink or deteriorate. It is permanent.

Does foam absorb water?
No, Icynene is hydrophobic and actually repels water.

Do you have to worry about installing foam around wiring?
No, Icynene is not a concern.

What about termites, mice and other vermin?
Icynene offers no food value.

Is Icynene corrosive to metals?
No. It is neither acidic nor alkaline.

What are the acoustic properties of this product?
As an effective air seal, it eliminates air gaps that can allow noise to pass.

Is Icynene a proven product?
Icynene has been around since 1986 and been installed in thousands of homes in the U.S. and abroad.

Insulation FAQ

What are the options when choosing insulation?
There are a variety of insulations to choose from including fiber glass, mineral wool and cellulose foam. The most common types of insulation for residential applications are fiber glass, cellulose and foam.

Which insulation product is the best?
All insulation products are good if properly installed. All our insulation products are manufactured by the leading national companies who stand behind their products.

What is R-value?
Insulation is identified and labeled by R-value. “R" stands for resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power.

How much insulation should I have in my home?
Many older homes have inadequate attic insulation. For existing homes, you should have a minimum of R-30 in your attic, R-13 in the sidewalls and R-19 in the floors. Heating and cooling account for 50% to 70% of the energy used in the average American home. Adding insulation will probably reduce your utility bills. For new homes, we are experts in insulation levels that are required by code for each area of the home. We'll work with you to review your plans and tell you exactly what you need. Give us a call and let us help you.

How do I know I'm getting the amount of insulation I want?
Our installers are extensively trained to install insulation right. We also will give you a certificate for your new home that tells you how much insulation we have installed by thickness and R-value.

Can I add insulation to the existing insulation in my attic?
In all cases, yes.

If I am adding more insulation to my home do I need to remove what I already have?
Since R-values are cumulative, there is no need to remove what you already have. In your attic we can blow in a uniform layer over your existing insulation to give you a total R-value of R-30 or R-38. We can also check the other areas of your home and make recommendations for improvement. Better insulating your home will typically save money in reduced utility bills to pay for itself within a few years, continue to save you money for as long as you own the home and increase the resale value of your home.

Can you insulate sidewalls in an existing home for sound control?
Yes, we have the products and experience to insulate interior walls.

What types of fiber glass insulation are available?
There are two types of fiber glass insulation: fiber glass loose-fill (blown in) insulation, and fiber glass blanket insulation. Fiber glass loose-fill insulation comes in bags. Fiber glass blanket insulation comes in batts and rolls in various densities, widths and lengths to fit particular home insulation applications.

What is the function of the 'facing' on insulation?
The facing material is generally a vapor retarder and is usually applied toward the "warm-in-winter" portion of the home to help resist the movement of moisture vapor to cold surfaces where it can condense. This means that in the ceilings the vapor retarder faces down; in the walls, it faces the inside; and in the floors over unheated spaces, it faces up. In hot, humid climates, a vapor retarder may not be needed.

How do I know which insulation products are the most environmentally-friendly?
There are a number of so-called green products on the market, but to be truly environmentally friendly a product must do more than just use recycled goods. Fiber glass and mineral wool insulation manufacturers have improved their manufacturing processes to reduce transportation loads and energy usage. Because these products are highly compact, fewer bags are needed on the jobsite and packaging these products creates less waste.
Fiber glass relies on post-consumer glass and uses millions of pounds every year, creating one of the largest markets for recycled glass according to the Glass Packaging Institute. Since glass is made from sand, any new glass used in insulation comes from a rapidly renewable resource.

Siding FAQ

What types of siding materials can I choose from?
Among the siding materials available today are vinyl, aluminum, steel and hardboard. Vinyl siding is particularly popular because it adds to the value and beauty of the home, requires minimal upkeep and can be installed over most existing sidewalls. It simulates the appearance of wood, and is the most durable, practical and efficient siding on the market.

What exactly is vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding is manufactured from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a revolutionary building material that has replaced metal as the prime material for many industrial, commercial and consumer products. PVC has many years of successful performance as a construction material, providing impact-resistance, rigidity and strength.

Can the color peel or flake off?
No. There is no paint to peel, flake off or blister.

If painting isn't required, then how do I keep my vinyl siding clean?
Usually all you will need is to rinse your siding down annually with a garden hose. Every few years professional pressure washing with the appropriate cleaner will restore your siding to like new!

Does vinyl siding contribute to rotting, moisture buildup or termite infestation?
Vinyl siding will not cause any of these problems, but neither will it cure problems that existed before the siding was installed. Vinyl siding can be applied with assurance that it will not promote rotting, moisture or termite infestation. Indeed, the siding itself is impervious to rotting, and does not attract insects. It is designed to allow for proper ventilation. Pre-punched weep-holes along the bottom butt edge of the siding allow condensation to drain out.

What is fiber cement siding?
Fiber cement siding is a revolutionary breakthrough in siding. It is durable, colorful and gives the impression of wood without hassle. It is a great option to vinyl or wood and reasonably priced. We offer James Hardie®, a leader in fiber cement siding. James Hardie® fiber cement siding is designed to last a lifetime, resisting cracking, rotting, hail damage, termites and many other possible problems. It combines sustainability and beauty, and offers unmatched durability.

Gutters FAQ

Why do I need gutters?
This question is asked by customers on a daily basis, and it has one simple answer; water. Water damage is the main reason why there needs to be gutters on a home. No matter what age of the house or building, roof water can cause problems.

What are the advantages of gutters?
The main advantage of gutters is that they will save you thousands of dollars in home repairs. They will prevent backsplash, washouts, erosion and flooded basements. Also, if gutters are installed correctly, they will enhance the curb appeal of your home. Gutters and downspout come in many colors, styles and metal types so there will be one that is the right match for your home. Gutters are a professional matter, hiring a professional gutter company will save you thousands in costly home and gutter repair.

Is your gutter company the same as the rest?
No, the truth is we all use the same materials, but the biggest difference is the customer service that we offer and the professionalism of all our employees. Austin Company has been in business since 1970. Because we have been serving Charlotte and the surrounding areas for 38 years, customers have a piece of mind that we are here to stay and serve you for many years to come. Our gutters are backed by a 20-year manufacture's warranty.

What type of gutters do you offer?
5" and 6" K-style seamless gutters are the most frequently installed. 5" and 6' seamless copper and 6' Half-round seamless aluminum and copper gutters are also available. Separate from the gutters, we offer leaf protection systems.

What is a leaf protection system?
LeavesOut® is one of the most popular of the three systems we offer because it comes with a 20-year product warranty and a no-clog guarantee. By teaming up with LeavesOut®, we have all but eliminated overflowing gutters and clogged drain spouts. It attaches to virtually any pitch and roofing material and installs on new and existing gutters. Please note, that if you have existing gutters they must be in excellent condition, meaning no sags, bends or leaks in order to install gutter protection.