Installing home insulation is a great investment that contributes to lowering your energy bills and increasing both your comfort and your home’s value.
1. Blown-In Fill vs. Batts
Whether installing the insulation yourself or hiring a professional, you’ll need to decide which type of insulation you’ll use. Two of the most popular options are blown-in insulation and batt insulation.
Blown-in insulation (also known as loose-fill insulation) comes from collected small pieces of fibers. A blowing machine installs the insulation and, because of this, it’s ideal for irregularly-shaped spaces or rooms with obstacles and/or low ceilings. Batt insulation, typically made from threads of woven fiberglass, is one of the more popular types of insulation and is suitable for spaces free of obstacles.
2. Choose the Right Material for Insulation
Whether you opt for blown-in or batt insulation, there are multiple materials out there, and some may work better for your home than others. Hiring an insulation contractor can provide you with knowledge of all available options and the best insulation for your house.
Fiberglass is the most common insulation material, heated to form a liquid, twisted into thin fibers, and often installed as batts or blown-in. Fiberglass insulation is one of the more inexpensive types, nonflammable, and resistant to moisture damage.
Other insulation materials include:
- Cellulose insulation: Used for both batt and blow-in insulation and constructed from recycled paper fibers, this type of insulation is somewhat prone to moisture damage.
- Rockwool insulation: Used for both batt and blow-in insulation and constructed from rock fibers or recycled slag, this material is fire-resistant but more pricey than other materials.
- Cotton insulation: Used for batt insulation and created from fibers of recycled cloth, this type of insulation obstructs airflow and sound and is one of the more expensive materials.
3. Fix Leaks Before Insulation Installation
It is essential to repair all leak spots or gaps before installations to allow air to escape, rendering insulation somewhat useless. Furthermore, leaks are prone to mildew and mold damage, which also reduces the insulation’s functionality. If you don’t know how to seal or repair leaks, contact your local plumber.
4. Which Areas Need Insulation?
Typically, contractors recommend installing insulation in your attic, on walls, on floors, in crawl spaces, and in the basement. Installing insulation in these areas is beneficial; it contributes to saving energy within your home.
5. Insulation Costs
Typically, the cost of home insulation falls between $1,400 and $6,300, depending on the type of insulation you choose. At roughly $.30 to $1.50 per square foot, batt insulation costs a little less than blown-in insulation, which costs around $1 to $2 per square foot.
6. Insulation May Remain Partially Visible
It’s essential for many homeowners to know the details of installations; you should know that parts of your insulation may remain visible afterward, particularly for blown-in insulation. The plugs required for this type of installation are often noticeable, so be prepared to rearrange if this will be bothersome.
7. Follow Safety Precautions
If you choose to install insulation yourself, keep in mind that the installation can be messy, dusty, and potentially dangerous. You’ll want to have a mask, some type of protective eyewear, and gloves. Consider wearing old clothing or something you won’t mind getting dirty. Read all instructions and follow recommendations for tools or safety.
Note: Be sure that the insulation isn’t against heat sources such as wiring, lighting, or water heaters, which could become fire hazards.
Thinking of insulating part of your home, but you don’t know where to focus your attention or energy? At Alamance Insulation and Gutters, we can help you decide the prime locations to insulate in your home or office building. Whether you’re building a new home or updating your insulation, contact us today for all your insulation needs.