Adding insulation to an attic is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce your home energy costs and improve comfort. The best attic insulation installers will also help identify and repair air leaks in other parts of your house to prevent energy loss. Some will also provide duct sealing services to further reduce your home energy bills.
A contractor will assess your home and recommend the appropriate type and thickness of insulation for your specific situation. The type of insulation chosen will determine its R-value, which measures how well it resists the flow of heat in and out of a space. The four most common types of insulation for an attic include fiberglass batts, cellulose, loose-fill fiberglass and spray foam. The choice you make will depend on your budget and the condition of the existing attic insulation.
It’s important to hire an attic insulation installer that carries liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. In addition to ensuring that your home is protected against property damage, these insurance policies will protect you from any lawsuits should an accident occur during the installation process. In addition, ask about the company’s reputation. An attic insulation installer that has a long history of satisfied customers is a good indication that they perform high-quality work at a fair price.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, interview several contractors. They should take the time to explain the installation process and answer any questions you may have. They should also give you a detailed cost and scope of work estimate for your project. Typically, these estimates are free of charge.
Before beginning the project, an attic insulation installer should cover any items stored in your attic with plastic sheeting to ensure that dust or other contaminants don’t spread into other rooms of the house during the renovation process. The attic itself should be swept clean of debris and any signs of rodents, mold or other damage that may have occurred over the years.
The cost of adding insulation to an attic varies considerably depending on the type and thickness you choose and your contractor. However, the national average is around $1,900 to increase the R-value of an unfinished attic from R-11 to R-49. Check with your local utility provider to find out about rebates and other incentives.
An attic insulation installer will also examine the attic’s existing insulation and, if necessary, make repairs to keep it in place. They will also inspect for any potential sagging or gaps that can reduce its R-value. If they discover any problems, such as a leaking roof or water leaks, they will notify you immediately.
Many attic insulation contractors offer a range of home improvement services, including drywall and painting. In addition to insulating an attic, these companies can install drywall and paint, seal air leaks, encapsulate ductwork, repair insulation in crawl spaces and basements, and replace windows and doors. They can even assist with radon mitigation. Their experienced team is capable of handling all of your home improvement needs.