There is Much to Consider with Residential Home Insulation.

March 12, 2016

There are so many questions to answer when it comes to home insulation. Is there enough R-Value being installed? Is it the right type of insulation product for the job? Do the walls need more insulation? The attic? The basement? The garage? What about that room above the garage? It's a lot for the average homeowner to think about, and then to make good decisions. But with a good insulation contractor on the job, many of the answers are more forthcoming, and the project becomes much more manageable and less stressful. To begin with, there's the type of insulation product to choose. And while those pink fiberglass batts are one of the most popular, they have to be right for the job. Fiberglass batts have proven to be fire-resistant and moisture-resistant (for the most part). They are certainly one of the most affordable products, and provide very good thermal insulation when installed properly. But there are also some downsides to fiberglass, and here, some professional advice would be valuable, beyond the sales pitch from the local home center. Clearly, there are many other product options - everything from rigid foam insulation to the so-called blown in products. One of the products quickly gaining popularity in new homes is spray foam insulation. But because of its far-reaching advantages, it's just as effective in retrofits and reinstallations. Spray foam has very high insulation value; it fills and seals hard-to-reach areas; it's ideal for walls and ceilings; and it creates an exceptional air and vapor barrier. For the professionals, spray foam has become the "go-to" product. R-Value is another consideration when insulating the home. And yes - it's easy to go online and learn about it but the essentials are more multi-layered. For the most part, the higher the R-Value, the more effective the insulation, but there are many more dynamics that affect R-Value. Here again, a professional installer can be valuable in explaining how air and moisture can negatively impact R-Value. This is all quite relevant, and will have a bearing in determining which insulation product will deliver the best results in a given space. Professionals are knowledgeable when it comes to insulation products. They can ascertain which product or combination of products will be most effective, based on the project budget. And they can determine which approach will yield the better savings. In many cases, a quality installation and a quality product will deliver annual cost savings that could well offset the initial project investment. In fact, with some projects, the up front investment with a product like spray foam may be warranted based on the substantial annual savings. With some home insulation projects, there's a tendency to consider the DIY approach that some of the home centers promote. But like so many other home improvement projects, insulation is one that needs expertise. Many of the products need special handling, and some of the installations will require specialized tools and equipment. More importantly, the best results with most insulation projects come from an expert touch. And with a reputable insulation contractor, a homeowner can rest assured of great outcomes, within the budget.