“There are a lot of different insulation materials on the market today,” says Daniel Hair, president of McHale’s Environmental Insulation Co., Inc. “Since there are many choices, you should research each one and be careful about the type of material you use.”
Some of the insulation materials available are:
• Fiberglass, a common and familiar insulation that comes in a blown-in or batting-type form.
• Ultra-touch cotton insulation, which is made from denim or blue jean products—an environmentally-friendly product.
• Rigid Board, for areas that have limited cavity depth to achieve a high r-value.
• Cellulose, a wood-based fiber that’s made mainly from recycled newsprint and cardboard that is treated with a fire retardant—another environmentally-friendly product that requires less energy to make. It’s also useful in blocking sound.
• Spray foams, which are mostly petroleum-based. Spray foams expand, so they don’t always work well in a retrofit or remodel application where the walls are intact.
• Reflective Insulation and Radiant Barrier to block radiant heat, used in conjunction with insulation.
When deciding who will do the work, it’s important to take into consideration the experience and reputation of a company. Choose a contractor who’s known for dependability, service and excellent customer relations. “Be conscious of the quality of work,” says Mr. Hair. “Make sure the contractor intends to follow all codes and guidelines for bringing the house up to current building standards.”
Always make sure anyone doing work in your home is licensed and insured. Ask for references and consider calling previous customers to ask if they were happy with the service and results of the job.
