Considering insulating the attic of your home by yourself? Before you do it, let’s discuss why you might want to hire a professional insulation contractor instead.
Did you know that about 90% of U.S. homes are under-insulated? (Source: U.S. Department of Energy.) Attic insulation plays an important role in sustaining comfort levels by regulating temperatures inside your home. It can also potentially save you up to 20% on energy costs. My Insulation Guy, a professional contractor, can help you make your home more energy efficient and thus increase its value.
In this guide, we will understand whether you should do it yourself or hire a professional. So, without wasting any time, let’s dive in!
The Importance of Attic Insulation
Attic insulation plays a vital role in making your home comfortable and cozy. Without it, you may suffer from increased energy costs, temperature inconsistencies, and moisture problems.
The Positive Effects of Adequate Insulation are:
- Lower energy costs
- Heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer
- Minimizes mold and moisture buildup
- Improves air quality
- Increases home value
But should you install it by yourself or hire an insulation contractor? Let’s evaluate.
DIY Attic Insulation: Is It a Good Idea?
Going the DIY route can be appealing, especially for the budget-conscious type of homeowner. But there are obstacles to overcome.
Pros of DIY Insulation
- Upfront cost – You will not have to pay for labor.
- Flexibility – You can do the work whenever you want, at your own pace.
- Experience – You will learn what your home insulation needs are from the inside out, as you will be removing and replacing the materials.
Cons of DIY Insulation
- Safety – Exposure to fiberglass can be harmful to your skin and lungs.
- Wrong materials – Not all attic insulations work the same way.
- Gaps and uneven thickness – If gaps are present or the insulation coverage is uneven, the system will not work as intended.
- Tools – Professionals use specialized tools to ensure proper installation.
Reasons why hiring an Insulation Contractor is a Better Option
A professional attic insulation company ensures that your property gets the best insulation possible. Here are a few areas that prove it makes a difference to hire an expert.
Expertise and Experience
An insulation contractor will know what type of insulation is best for your property.
In addition to determining the optimal type of insulation, an expert will weigh factors like:
- Climate conditions
- Existing insulation level
- Spots of air leakage
Selecting the Right Material
Experts can help you select the best attic insulation, which can consist of:
- Fiberglass batts- These are inexpensive and very common.
- Spray foam- This type of insulation is very efficient and great for sealing leaks.
- Cellulose insulation- This is a green product that has performance characteristics of being very effective.
Proper Techniques for Installation
Poor insulation can lead to energy loss. Experts will have the proper techniques for ensuring even coverage and sealing the remaining gaps for an effective thermal performance.
Value of Time and Money
Some homeowners might think they will save on the cost of insulation by doing it themselves. However, if you need to hire a contractor to fix your mistakes, that could cost you even more in the long run. If you hire an expert, you can be certain that:
- The installation is done correctly the first time itself.
- You will save on your energy bills for years to come.
- Many materials have warranties for performance if they are properly installed.
Health and safety attributes
Handling insulation materials safely requires a certain level of personal protective equipment. Experts will always use safety measures during the installation process to ensure that health aspects are considered when exposed to fibers and chemicals.
DIY vs Professional Insulation: A Quick Comparison
Real-Life Case Study
Mark, a homeowner in Texas, thought he could save money by installing attic insulation by himself. After spending hours installing fiberglass batts, his energy bills did not seem to go down. It was not until a contractor came to his home that he discovered several gaps that were not sealed, wasting energy and costing him money. Once Mark hired a contractor to fix the insulation, he reduced his energy costs by 25% in just a few months.
Choosing the right insulation contractor
It’s important to hire a good and professional contractor. Here are some things to watch for:
- Experience – Look up how long they have been providing service.
- Qualifications – You want them to be credentialed and trained in the field.
- Customer Feedback – You want to review their customer testimonials and ratings.
- Warranty & Insurance – This protects you from unexpected instances.
- No Fee Inspections – A reliable company provides free inspections of your attic before providing a quote.
Final Thoughts: DIY insulation or hire a professional?
If you have some experience with the proper tools, you can certainly get by with a DIY insulation job. But for long-term effectiveness, safety, and cost savings, a professionally trained insulation contractor is the way to go. To enlist the help of an expert, visit My Insulation Guy, which can install your insulation more professionally. For more details, you can visit our website or contact us.
FAQS
- What is the most effective attic insulation for energy efficiency?
Spray foam insulation is the most effective insulation for energy efficiency. It has a high R-value, an airtight seal, and excellent insulation performance.
- How long does attic insulation last?
Fiberglass insulation typically lasts 20-30 years, while spray foam can last a lifetime if it remains in good shape with proper maintenance.
- How much does attic insulation cost for professional installation?
Depending on the insulation material and the difficulty of the installation, contractors can expect to pay between $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot.
- Can I install attic insulation myself?
Yes, you can install it by yourself, but poor installation may create leaks and cause energy loss. Therefore, you should consider hiring a professional contractor for its installation.
- How do I know when my attic insulation needs to be replaced?
You know when to replace your insulation when you notice high energy bills, inconsistent temperatures in the living space, or moisture accumulation.