DIY Insulation: What You Can and Shouldn't Do
If you find yourself researching DIY insulation projects, then you already know that a well-insulated home is crucial for maintaining comfort, reducing energy costs, and enhancing overall efficiency. There are some insulation projects you can tackle yourself, however, it's essential to understand what you can do yourself and when it's best to call in the professionals. This guide will help you make informed decisions about retrofitting your home with insulation.
Different Types of Insulation and How They Are Installed
Cellulose Insulation
Made from recycled paper products, cellulose insulation is an eco-friendly option. It is often blown into walls and attics, making it ideal for retrofitting. Proper equipment is necessary for installation, which might be challenging for DIYers.
Rigid Foam Board Insulation
These boards are great for insulating sheds, accessory dwelling units, some residential exterior walls and basement foundations. They offer high insulation values and moisture resistance. Cutting and fitting rigid foam boards can be labor-intensive, but it's manageable for experienced DIYers.
Spray Foam Insulation
This type provides excellent air sealing and insulation. It's sprayed into place, expanding to fill gaps and cracks. Spray foam requires specialized equipment and expertise, making it not suitable for DIY projects.
DIY Insulation: What You Can Do
For homeowners looking to take on insulation projects themselves, it's best to focus on areas that are easily accessible. Using materials like batt insulation or rigid foam boards—especially if you’re comfortable with them—can be a manageable task. However, it's important to recognize the limits of DIY insulation. Larger projects, particularly those that are part of a comprehensive whole-home energy efficiency upgrade, as well as spray foam insulation are best left to the professionals. Expert installers have the training, equipment, and experience necessary to ensure that insulation is installed correctly and works in harmony with other crucial elements like air sealing and ventilation. This not only maximizes energy savings but also ensures long-term performance and comfort.
When to Call the Insulation Professionals
To maximize the energy saving potential of insulation and secure it for as long as possible, you are going to want to call an insulation professional to handle your insulation needs from top to bottom. A call to Halco gets you more than just insulation—it gets you:
Expertise and Equipment
Halco has the expertise and specialized equipment to install multiple insulation materials and access to the right material for the job every single time.
Comprehensive Solutions
As whole-home comfort and efficiency experts, we provide comprehensive solutions that include air sealing, moisture control, ventilation, and heating and cooling to ensure your home is energy-efficient and comfortable.
Air Sealing
Insulation of any type will be dramatically less effective if the home is not thoroughly air sealed. At Halco, insulation and air sealing are rarely talked about separately, because when we do one we also do the other. Using the results of a blower door test, Halco will permanently seal up the air leaks in your home to stop outdoor air infiltration.
Diagnostic Assessments
Another reason to trust an insulation professional is for a thorough assessment of your home's current insulation status and to identify areas that need improvement. Halco’s assessment process includes diagnostic equipment like thermal imaging, as well as precise load calculations to better customize your insulation upgrades.
Access to Incentives
By hiring professionals, you might be eligible for NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) programs and rebates. These incentives can significantly reduce the cost of your insulation project and improve your return on investment.
Call Halco - ‘Cause We Do It All!
While DIY insulation projects can be a great way to improve your home’s comfort and energy efficiency, certain tasks are best left to the professionals. By understanding the types of insulation and assessing your home’s needs, you can make informed decisions about retrofitting your home. Remember, working with professionals not only ensures quality installation but also provides access to valuable incentives through NYSERDA programs. Contact Halco today to learn more about how our professional insulation services can help you achieve a more comfortable and energy-efficient home.
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