Home insulation is one of the most efficient ways to reduce your energy bills and increase the value of your home. Even if you are planning to hire insulation contractors to do the job, there are a few things about home insulation that you must know.

If you already have clarity about some major things about home insulation, it will be easier for you to communicate with the contractors.

You can find several reputed insulation contractors in St Louis and surrounding areas. Once you choose one for the project, you need to discuss your requirements and listen to what they have to say.

A contractor can provide clear recommendations and tell you which options will be better for your home based on the location and architecture. Before you approach an insulation contractor, keep the following things in mind.

1. Blown-in or Batt Insulation?

Before anything else, you need to decide which insulation type you want to use. While several types of insulation are available in the market, the most popular options are mentioned below.

• Blown-in Insulation

This type of insulation comes from compact pieces of fibers. The technician uses a blowing machine to install it. It is ideal for spaces or rooms that are irregularly shaped, have obstacles, or have low ceilings.

• Batt Insulation

This type of insulation is typically made from threads of woven fiberglass. It is perhaps the most popular form of home insulation, ideal for spaces that are free of obstacles.

2. The Choice of Insulation Material

Another crucial thing to consider is the type of material you should use for insulating your home. Fiberglass is the most common insulation material and is used with both blow-in and batt insulation.

It is also inexpensive, resistant to moisture damage, and non-flammable. Some of the other options include cellulose insulation, Rockwool insulation, and cotton insulation.

3. Repair the Leaks before Insulation

Before you install insulation, you need to identify and fix all leak spots or gaps to minimize thermal escape at home. Otherwise, these leaks and gaps can render your insulation completely useless.

Leaks are also prone to mildew and mold damage, which affects the insulation's functionality. If you are having trouble fixing the leaks and gaps, consider hiring a professional technician to do the job for you.

4. Cost of the Insulation Process

The cost of home insulation depends on a number of factors, including:

• The accessibility of the insulation location

• The number of rooms where you want to install insulation

• The choice of insulation type

• The choice of insulation material

• The number of leaks and gaps that need to be sealed

• Whether old or damaged insulation needs to be replaced

In addition to all these factors, you also need to consider the contractor's fee. You can talk to different contractors and share your requirements to see who gives you the best deal on the home insulation project.

5. The Project Timeline

The time it takes to install insulation at a residential property usually varies from project to project next due to several factors:

• The size of the area that needs to be insulated

• The level of access to the location you wish to be insulated

• Whether you have old insulation that needs to be removed

Generally, it takes more time to cover a larger area during insulation installation. So, it is always better to discuss the project timeline with the contractor and plan accordingly.

6. Long-term Home Plans

Lastly, you need to discuss your long-term home plans with your contractor. If you are planning to get the home renovated in the next couple of years, it may affect the insulation.

Communicating these details with your contractor can help them adjust their installation approach for the project and give you the best recommendations for your long-term goals.

Key Takeaways

Installing insulation at home does not always have to be a hectic process. While hiring a reliable insulation contractor is essential for the success of the project, you also need to have clarity about the type of insulation you need and the choice of insulation materials.

You also need to consider things like the leaks and gaps in your home, the project timeline, the estimated cost, and your long-term plans.

Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014 and the luxury interior design blog All The Pretty Homes in 2024. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.

Look at her shopping suggestions for indoor living here.