Tips for Choosing an Insulation Contractor

If your house is feeling too cold in winter, too hot in summer, and generally uncomfortable year-round, your insulation, or lack of it, may be to blame. Insulation helps keep heat or cool air locked in. Without insulation, the air would leak through cracks or otherwise radiate out of your home, driving up your utility bills while leaving you miserable.

Fortunately, there are thousands of experts out there who can inspect and insulate your home with spray foam, blown-in insulation, foam board, rigid foam panels, or other types of insulation. But what should you look for in an insulation installer? To help you get started, here are a few tips for choosing an insulation contractor.

Ask Around

The best testimonies come from friends, family members, and coworkers who had similar work done on their homes. They’ll have the best and most trustworthy contractors in mind, and, more importantly, they’ll remember the ones they didn’t trust or did a bad job. Search online, too. Facebook groups for your local community are a good source, though you’ll have to use your best judgment if a contractor sounds too good to be true. When you whittle the list down to a top three, contact each contractor and ask for references from jobs they’ve previously performed. The ones worth their salt will be happy to oblige.

Check Credentials

Ask each potential contractor to provide proof that they’re licensed and certified by the Insulation Contractors Association of American (ICAA) or another professional association. Ensure they’re insured with coverage that will protect their installers and your home against injury or damage. Ask them to describe the process and materials they use, highlighting the R-value of the insulation, which measures how well it resists the conductive flow of heat. Your region will require a specific R-value, which you can easily find online. You might feel uncomfortable asking a contractor to prove themselves, but the best ones will provide the credentials that show they’re up for the job.

How do I choose the right insulation?

Properly insulating your home is one of the keys to maximizing your home’s energy efficiency and keeping your utility bills as low as possible. There are several things to consider when it comes to insulating your home such as climate, home design, and budget.

Having a properly insulated home improves the comfort of your home by slowing down the movement of heat throughout your home.
In warmer climates, like an Arkansas summer, proper insulation can slow down the rate at which hot air from outside enters an air-conditioned home.

What are 3 different types of insulation for residential construction?

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation is one of the most efficient types of insulation on the market. It has been known to provide energy savings of 50% while other types of insulation offer a savings of just 30%.

Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass is made from spun glass or glass fiber which has millions of tiny air pockets that actually slow down the movement of heat.
Fiberglass Insulation typically comes in two different forms – pre-cut batts and blown-in. It’s the most cost-effective insulation solution, providing the same thermal resistance as spray foam and cellulose, but at a much lower cost.

Mineral (rock or slag)

This is a material we don’t install or recommend. There are simply better options.

What type of insulation is most cost effective?

Fiberglass Insulation

If you’re looking for an inexpensive solution for your insulation needs, then fiberglass might be the option for you.

What is the best type of insulation for a new home?

Spray Foam Insulation: Open & Closed Cell

Spray foam insulation is one of our most popular choices for insulating materials.

Get It in Writing

When you pick a contractor, ask for a quote for residential insulation services. The estimator will stop by and assess the attic and other areas of the house. Never accept a quote by phone. A professional estimator will take the time to measure and assess every part of the attic rather than simply glancing around. They will note special issues that need to be addressed, how much material is required, and how much time it will take. They will then itemize the entire process in their quote to ensure there are no surprises later. After insulation, you will be given a contract or receipt for the entire process, which you should use to ensure the job has been performed as promised.