The United States Department of Energy has estimated that the average home uses between 50% and 70% of its energy to keep it warm or cool. If you want to make sure your home is efficiently utilizing the energy it is paying for, you have to have the right insulation. In Phoenix insulation contractors are well aware of the different types of insulation best suited for your home. They can tell you the best option for ensuring your home is warm (or cool) inside efficiently and cost-effectively.
Factors to Consider
Before picking out a specific type of insulation, you need to be aware of certain factors that will affect your choice. Talking to an professional Phoenix insulation contractors will help you come up with the decision. You and your contractor need to know:
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Where the insulation is needed
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What R value is required to make the insulation the most efficient
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How much insulation will be required
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The budget for this job
Once you have determined these basic factors you can look at the various types of insulation.
Types of Insulation
There are different types of insulation capable of handling the needs of your home and the insulation contractor. Among the most common are the following:
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Batts and Blankets: Found in rolls, this is the most common of insulationtypes stuffed around and between joists and studs in attics, floors and ceilings as well as walls..They are precut and are fiberglass, rock wool or cotton (Blue Jeans). They can be installed by professional insulation contractors but are frequently a DIY project. Cotton batts are the most environmentally friendly being about 85% recycled fiber.
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Loose-Fill Insulation: This type consists of threads of feathery strands of fiber. It may be fiberglass or cellulose. Fiberglass is lightweight. It is used for attics and above drywall ceilings. Cellulose is too heavy to use for attics. It is best used in hard to reach places, above certain types of ceilings, wall cavities and strong attic floors. Loose fill insulation requires pneumatic equipment. While it is possible to DIY, it may best be left to professional insulation contractors if you are inexperienced.
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Structural Insulated Panels (SIP): Found in polystyrene and polyurethane panels, this method is favored in Phoenix and elsewhere in Arizona, for potential savings. They will cost more but can be employed in a variety of places including basements and crawl spaces. Colorful to look at, SIP is best left to professional insulation contractors to install.
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Spray Foam: Sprayed into place, this insulation consists of either latex or polyurethane. It is perfect for a great many small and large jobs. You can do the small jobs such as cracks around windows and doors. For the larger ones, however, you will require special equipment. This means hiring insulation contractors to handle the job properly and effectively.
When it comes to saving energy, consider the advantages of installing the right amount and type of insulation. The savings can be impressive. In Phoenix insulation contractors can help you determine the best type of insulation for your home needs. Talk to several and do your research. Only after you have all the facts should you make a decision about what will prove to be the best method for insulating your home
