Home insulation is an essential home energy-saving factor that can save you money on decades of home heating and cooling bills. And, it’s an improvement that will pay for itself quickly. This article will talk about the different types of home insulation and how you can find a good home insulation installer.
What is Insulation, and Why Do I Need It?
Insulation materials reduce heat flow through reflection or absorption. It fills gaps, crevices, and those hard-to-reach places behind walls to minimize heat transfer. There are some places in your existing home you may want to consider installing insulation, including the basement, crawl spaces, wall cavities, and the attic.
By increasing insulation in your home, you can reduce energy costs, reduce your energy bills, create a more energy-efficient home, and positively impact the environment. There are many different types of insulation, but the main objective is to increase the R-value in your home to keep heat inside and prevent moisture build-up.
Insulation shields homes from outside hot or cold temperatures by trapping air inside while blocking out drafts that lead to wasteful heating or cooling losses. Adding insulation helps control moisture which reduces mold growth within walls and roofs. You can increase home comfort levels while reducing energy needs with proper insulation by sealing off exterior leaks and condensation buildup between window panes that arise from temperature changes outdoors. Combined, all these factors work towards achieving optimum indoor living conditions, making it a beneficial, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly solution. It’s a great alternative to heating your home with traditional methods like fossil fuels.
Types of Insulation
What type is the best insulation for your home? This is where a contractor, an expert in the business, can step in and provide the best insulation options available and provide more information related to the benefits of each material. There are three main types of insulation materials, including fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam. These are not the only insulation options out there (such as mineral wool), but they are the most commonly used insulation materials.
Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass batt insulation (or blown) is affordable but not as effective at keeping the air in or out compared to the other two options.
Loose-Fill Insulation or Cellulose Insulation
Loose-fill cellulose insulation (also sometimes called blown-in insulation) offers similar benefits to fiberglass while being an environmentally friendly option because it’s made from recycled materials like newspapers.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation has become increasingly popular due to its high R-values (a measure of how well heat flows through your home), affordability, and ease of installation.
How to Find Reliable Contractors for Installing Insulation
Some home improvement companies offer to install home insulation. Before choosing someone to insulate your walls, be sure you are working with a reliable, efficient, and professional company that genuinely knows what they’re doing. Here are some tips for finding the right installer for your house.
Tip #1: Research contractors in your area
Most home improvement companies have a website. Search for the best insulation installers in your area and see who comes up. You should be able to tell a lot about the company through its website and the online reviews from other customers. Check and see what types of services and materials they offer, including spray foam insulation, mineral wool, fiberglass batts, and cellulose, for example.
Remember these questions: does the company have updated contact information? Do they provide testimonials from previous customers? Are they providing accurate information on the product being sold? Do they seem professional? Do they offer any education on the insulation materials they use?
Contractors who have a solid website or social media platform will give you a sense of confidence that they are a legitimate company.
Tip #2: Ask family and friends for referrals.
You’re going to get honest answers from your family and friends about who they used to install their insulation and whether they were happy with the services and experience. Word of mouth referrals are some of the best ways to find good help and can save you from headaches in the long run.
Tip #3: Check local directories.
There are many home insulation companies out there, so it’s essential to review all of your options. Check reviews online on sites like Yelp and Angie’s List or even the BBB (Best Business Bureau), which can give you insight into the home insulation company, their costs, and their level of professionalism. Keep in mind that some of these websites may have some negative or positive feedback about these companies. However, the home insulation installer’s response to these reviews is also essential.
4. Get quotes from multiple companies and stick within your budget.
An insulation company should be able to provide you with more than one quote. The best home insulation companies will have several different options, not just one type of home insulation, to provide the best service and cost at the same time. They’ll need your address to get an accurate estimate on the cost of home insulation install services.
Affordability is important, but keep in mind the cheapest option is not always the best option. Choose the right product that works within your budget and is best for your home and your wallet. Put your quotes side by side and analyze the differences and similarities between each company regarding price, quality of product, type of products, and quality of their customer service.
Tip #5: Compare products offered by each company.
The best companies will have various products to choose from, not just one type of home insulation. Make sure they base their recommendations on the R-value of your existing home. This will tell you how well heat flows through your house. There are many types of insulation options available on the market. Knowing your options is vital in finding what works for you, whether fiberglass or cellulose, spray foam insulation, or wool. The right provider will know what will work best for your home and your budget.
How Much Does It Cost? How Long Could the Process Take To Complete?
Insulating your house is an excellent investment in the future of your home’s energy efficiency. The costs and time needed to insulate will vary depending on the size of your project (primarily the square footage of the wall or area you want to fill). The type of insulation you chose will also factor into the price. Prices can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. You may be eligible for government subsidies and energy tax credits. However, you need to insulate your home with some of the most commonly used materials. Check into this with your tax preparer or make it easy and leave the work to Wattson Home Solutions! Wattson Home Solutions can fill out the proper paperwork to be sure you get the best subsidies and credits available.
Process time can vary as well. If you are doing a home insulation project with cellulose, the process can take anywhere from one to two days, depending on the square footage. Fiberglass insulation projects typically last between three and five days, while spray foam insulation will take closer to 12 hours. This will depend on the size of the space that is being insulated. There will be a big difference between attic insulation, crawl space insulation, and basement insulation projects.
Wattson Home Solutions’ team of experts are ready to get your project done!
Installing insulation can be done by anyone, but the best results will come from a professional contractor. They will help you choose suitable materials, give you plenty of information regarding the current heat flow in your home (the R-value), and give you an accurate time frame to complete the project. If you want to ensure that your home is well insulated, increase its energy efficiency, and save money on utility bills for years to come, check out your local Wattson Home Solutions team today.
Wattson Home Solutions’ team of experts are ready to get your home correctly insulated. Visit Wattson Home Solutions’ Florida website or call (855) 928-8123 today! Wattson Home Solutions also offers no-cost home energy audits!
