Insulation Contractor - With heating and cooling costs on the rise, it is easy to see why many homeowners are scrambling to update their home insulation and get more savings from their energy bills. Whether you are installing new insulation or replacing the old stuff, it’s a good idea to avoid taking on the project yourself. Without the right knowledge of R-factors, insulative properties and the way they will react to your homes environment, you may end up doing more harm than good.
Many areas require that insulation contractors have a local, regional or even state license. On top of that, liability insurance and workers compensation is also required. Give your local building department a call and you can find out what licensing and insurance requirements your prospective insulation contractor may need to complete the project. They can also verify if your potential insulation contractor is properly licensed and insured in their district. A building department official will also provide you with the details on any permits or inspections you may need when insulating your home or business.
There are five main types of insulation that may be applied by an insulation contractor:
Rigid Foam- This insulation is made from a foam material and is often covered with a radiant barrier to increases R-factors. Typically these materials are ¾” thick and are adhered on interior or exterior concrete walls. Some rigid foam panels can also be used on subflooring materials.
Loose Fill- Commonly made from shredded fiberglass, loose fill insulation can also be made from Rockwool, vermiculite or cellulose. It is installed by using a pneumatic air compressor to shoot the material into attic crawlspaces or other cavities in the structure.
Blanket - Batting- This is the most recognizable form of insulation and can be used between floor/ceiling joists and wall studs. Materials are rolled into blankets of various thickness and widths. Materials are attached to a paper surface so that they can be secured between joists and studs easily.
Spray Foam- Unlike rigid foam, spray foam comes out a liquid and hardens after being applied. This allows a deeper penetration to seal any cracks or gaps.
Radiant Barrier- This form of insulation uses a metallic foil barrier to reflect radiant energy. It is often applied to plywood, rigid foam and other stiff insulative materials to add to the R-factor of the material.
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