Heating costs in some New England states rose to $5 a gallon for propane this winter. There is a surge of people throughout the United States who are looking for ways to cut their heating/cooling bills down as much as possible. With the help of an insulation contractor, you may be able to update your older with modern, thicker insulation so you can save on your heating and cooling bills. Or, when building a new home, an insulation contractor can make certain your home is properly insulated before the walls go up.
What Should I Look for When Hiring an Insulation Contractor?
Generally, there are four key areas where insulation should be installed: Attics/Roofs, ceilings, floors and walls. A house can lose up valuable heat if the insulation is old or improperly installed. An insulation contractor learns the trade through an apprenticeship or vocational program, so find out where he or she was educated and find out as much as possible about the contractor’s experiences.
How Can an Insulation Contractor Help Me?
Your insulation contractor can determine how much insulation is needed for your home. In addition, they understand the benefits and downfalls to each type of insulation can help you select the right type of material before installing it in your home.
What are the Different Types of Insulation?
There are four main types of insulation:
- Blanket insulation come in rolls and are generally made from fiberglass or rock wool. They are available in certain widths, wide enough usually to install between wall studs and floor joists evenly. Blanket insulation is hand cut and requires special gloves so that fiberglass splinters are not an issue.
- Foam insulation is made from one of three synthetic materials—polyicynene, polyisocyanurate or polyurethane. They are sprayed into place with special blowers and tend to allow water vapors to flow more evenly, so they are not as effective as the other methods.
- Loose-fill insulation is made from cellulose, fiberglass or rock wool. It is sprayed into a crawlspace or wall cavities using a special pneumatic blower.
- Rigid insulation comes in thick panels made from fiber or plastic. They are shaped to fit in between floor or wall joists. They are commonly used to wrap around the pipes in your basement or to line the outside wall of your basement foundation. Due to the durability and density, they are the best type of insulation available.
