What Everyone Needs To Know About Insulation Rip-offs

By Author: Mark Munns
Total Articles: 4762
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There are a lot of reasons you might start shopping for new insulation for your home. Perhaps you want to improve the energy efficiency of your home, or are building an addition, or are planning to sell and would like to increase its value. You could simply want to lower your monthly energy costs. Or maybe you're just sick of hearing every car that drives by.

Fortunately for you, the advances in insulation materials and the improvements manufacturers have implemented in recent years will only increase your desire for better energy utilization. Unfortunately however, there is some misinformation out there and some less scrupulous salespeople will only focus on the specific qualities of their insulation, leaving homeowners without a full picture of all the needs and benefits to consider to make an informed decision The recent movement toward greater energy efficiency comes with a greater responsibility on the consumer to be aware during the shopping process so they get the right product for them and don't waste money on the wrong thing. There are a number of items to know before shopping for your materials and your ...
... installation company.

Neglecting the Full Purpose of Insulation

Most laypeople have heard of R-values as a measure of insulation's effectiveness, and some even believe this one measure is the best determinant of the value of a material. Many companies have caught on to this fact and merely focus on marketing the highest R-value possible, while neglecting to detail the other important characteristics of an insulation material.

The truth is that reducing airflow is an important measure of quality insulation that is rarely mentioned. Without reducing the flow of air into your home, you could have the highest R-value possible in an insulation material and still have trouble keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Always ask how the insulation material you're considering will stop air flow as well as what the R-value is. A reputable professional insulation contractor or company can be a tremendous help in choosing the right insulation for your specific situation.

This is also a perfect example of how doing it yourself is often the best option. You can do all your own research, not just for choosing which insulation to buy, but also for getting all the details of what factors make one insulation better than another. And after you have done your own research, you will see that you can do your own installation, too.

You Must Choose a Trustworthy Contractor

Unfortunately, some unsuspecting homeowners are promised one type of product by an insulation contractor, but receive another. Considering the complexity and variety of choices available today, it can be impossible for a layperson to tell if they're literally getting what they pay for. Or a dishonest contractor could charge for fire-rated spray foam but install a non-fire-rated type. In this situation the end product would not be up to code, and even an educated inspector might not be able to tell the difference. If you can, be available when the contractor performs the work and ask to see the product they are using.

You can avoid these situations by selecting a contractor with a good reputation, that has been in business for some time, and has references in the area. Take your time interviewing a number of contractors and companies, ask all the questions you need to, and speak directly to their references. You will feel more confident in the process and end up with a well-insulated home.

This can also be avoided by doing both the purchasing and installation yourself. There is plenty of information online. You can research it yourself, so you can be assured you got the best type of insulation for your particular situation. Having bought it yourself, you know with complete certainty that you got what you paid for, and when you install it yourself you will know that the correct product is in your home.

Good Installation Is a Must

Choosing the right insulation product is only half the battle. In order to experience the true value of what you've just purchased, it must also be installed properly. The insulating properties of even the highest-rated, most expensive, top-of-the-line insulation will be lessened with poor installation, and dishonest contractors may cut corners to save on labor costs. If you hire someone to install it, make sure you choose a specialized reputable company or contractor, because they will stake their reputation on installing the product properly.

If you are going to do it yourself, there are many resources online. You will find directions for the proper installation techniques, tips on what to watch for and issues to avoid, and even video to show you visually how to install your insulation correctly. A little research goes a long way, and it will save you money and headaches in the end.

Beware of Pushy Insulation Sales

Just like any other business, insulation companies are in the business of selling their product. Unfortunately, some less than honest salespeople may push to make a sale, and this can sometimes lead to a hurried or pressured decision by a homeowner that doesn't necessarily put them in a better position. Other companies may impress upon an owner that they must install their product throughout their entire home in order to achieve their desired results. If this is the only option a company is giving you, that should raise a red flag. The fact is that many times a combination of different products used in different areas of your home can not only achieve the best results, but possibly save you money in the meantime as well.

Doing it yourself can avoid all the doubts and hassles of dealing with salespeople. You can take your time doing your research, email companies with specific questions to get specific answers, and review products from multiple companies so that you can see the benefits and shortcomings of each.

In addition to watching out for these common rip-offs seen in the insulation industry, just remember to use your head and common sense when shopping for products and services for your home. If you are going to hire someone to do the work for you, obtain at least three different bids, check out all companies with your local Better Business Bureau, and ensure they are properly licensed and insured to work in your area. At the end of the day you may find you have more confidence in the products and installation if you just do it yourself. By doing your own research, you can check and cross-check all the product claims so that you get complete and accurate information, and you get a good overall picture of what you need to protect your home. When you buy and install it yourself, you know a thorough job is performed and nothing was left undone. You'll find your experience with installing new insulation much more enjoyable and satisfactory.
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Spray Foam Direct.com features quick and easy do-it-yourself spray foam insulation which will save you money and energy. Guardian Energy Technologies Inc. offers the added benefits of reducing our carbon footprint by offering foam it green solutions and balancing their impact through carbon reproduction projects. Visit online today.