Category Archives: Attic Insulation

Whether you are building a new house, or just need to remove the old insulation and install a newer more energy efficient option Barrier Insulation is Phoenix’s first choice in home and commercial insulation and solar services. We proudly provide the valley’s more comprehensive insulation service that helps you stay more comfortable and save on energy. Click here to schedule on our website, or just give us a call at 602-499-2922.

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Written by webtechs

20 March 2023

What Is The Best Type Of Attic Insulation?

If you’re searching “Attic Insulation” in Phoenix, we can help. Barrier Insulation offers the best attic insulation in Phoenix! Our team knows how to insulate attics the right way for your home. We install the best insulation for Arizona and proudly serve every city in the Phoenix Valley including: Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Glendale, Gilbert, Tempe and more.

Barrier Insulation offers the best attic insulation service in the Phoenix Valley. We offer all the different types of attic insulation to fit every demand and every budget. Insulating the attic is one of the most important areas of the home to insulate to reduce dependency on air conditioning and heating. Read more about the types of attic insulation we offer.

Blown-In Attic Insulation
Batt Attic Insulation
Spray Foam Attic Insulation
Radiant Barrier Attic Insulation

Blown-In Attic Insulation

One of the better choices is blown in attic insulation. It is installed by techs that have a large hose and shoot the insulation into the attic. They have training to create an even, uniformly deep layer of insulation. This is done by using a large air driven machine that churns up the material into chunks and then blows them up the hose and into the attic.

For blown material you have two main choices. There is cellulose and fiberglass blown in material. Both have advantages and disadvantages. With similar R values they both insulate well and are approximately 3 -4 R per inch. Fiberglass insulation is produced primarily from old glass or sand. Cellulose blown in insulation is made from recycled newspapers.

Depending on your application blown in insulation might be your only insulator in your attic, or you might use it in conjunction with other insulators to get the best energy efficiency. Blown in attic insulation sits on the floor of your attic as an even layer and helps keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Batt Attic Insulation

Rolled Batt Attic Insulation Batt attic insulation is pretty straight forward to install as it is rolls of material typically lined with a paper backing. They are made from interweaving fibers that are long and have adhesive qualities. This means they stick to each other and stick together as a grouping. Batt insulation is made from two source materials, cotton and fiberglass. Cotton batts are made from recycled denim jeans. Fiberglass batts are typically made from sand or recycled glass that is processed into the insulating strands and fibers.

To install the batts they must be cut to fit each and every space they will be installed in. Even with the best of intentions there are tricky spots around corners, pipes, wires, junction boxes and other areas that end up having gaps. This means there are areas that simply are not insulated as well as other insulation options.

Spray Foam Attic Insulation

Spray Foam Attic Insulation One of the most energy efficient types of attic insulation is spray foam. It comes in two types that have pros and cons. There is open and closed cell spray insulation. A larger percentage of homes were built with the HVAC and duct system in the attic of the home. This means that if your insulation is sitting on the floor of your attic, your system is having to work harder. Moving the “envelope”, or area of your home that is climate controlled, to the roofline can greatly increase your energy efficiency. Spray foam allows this envelop to be at the roofline, and helps fill in all the areas that batt insulation can struggle with.

Highly trained and skilled insulation technicians can spray the foam so there are no gaps or voids in the layer of insulation covering the attic ceiling. This means that the ducts carrying your hot and cold air to heat and cool your home are working in a more moderate climate. That translates into less energy being used to keep your home comfortable all year long.

Radiant Barrier Attic Insulation

Radiant barrier insulation provides an additional layer of protection to keep your attic and home more comfortable, and use less air conditioning and heating. This type of insulation has the same goal of preventing heat from entering homes as traditional insulation but achieves the goal in a different way. Instead of using thick layers of foam, loose insulation, or fiberglass batts it reflects the energy and heat with highly reflective surfaces.

It can be installed as a foil backed insulation board or it can be installed by spraying a highly reflective product onto the bottom of the roof decking in the attic. Barrier insulation installs R-Max radiant barrier and HeatBloc Ultra spray radiant barrier.

The Best Attic Insulation

Clearly the best attic insulation really depends on your home and your needs. If you don’t have any ducts or HVAC system in your attic and you don’t plan to finish or use the attic space, you might consider one of the less costly insulation types. However if you have ducts in your attic and want to keep your home as energy efficient as possible using spray foam might be a more costly, but better long term investment. Having local attic insulation experts come to your home and help you develop an effective and budget friendly insulation plan for your home is the only way to get the best attic insulation for you individual needs.

How Much Does Attic Insulation Cost in Phoenix?

The average attic insulation installation cost in Phoenix is $915 according to HomeAdvisor. Depending on the price of the materials used for insulation costs range between $665-$1,165 in 2019.

Barrier Insulation Offers Free Attic Insulation Quotes in Phoenix

Barrier Insulation Inc. is the premier provider of quality insulation in Phoenix. You can trust your insulation to the professionals at Barrier Insulation Inc. knowing your house will be optimized with the finest quality insulation in the marketplace. For all of your insulation needs call us today at 602-499-2922.

Whether you are building a new house, or just need to remove the old insulation and install a newer more energy efficient option Barrier Insulation is Phoenix’s first choice in home and commercial insulation. We proudly provide the valley’s more comprehensive insulation service that helps you stay more comfortable and save on energy. Click here to schedule on our website, or just give us a call at 602-499-2922.

what is the best type of insulation for an attic

Regular Post

Written by webtechs

2 January 2023

Attic Insulation Removal Cost 2023

The average cost of attic insulation removal is $2,500. The cost range for attic insulation removal is around $1,000 while larger or more involved jobs with extra personal safety protection can cost $4,000 or more. The cost for insulation removal depends on how big an attic you have and how much insulation is installed. Call us to receive a quote for insulation removal in your attic or home in the Phoenix Valley.

The first step is finding out how much insulation removal will cost is to see if you have any asbestos in your attic or home. Professionals can test your insulation to check for asbestos or vermiculite, which almost always has some level of asbestos. Asbestos is a highly dangerous insulation type that was installed in homes built in the 1970’s. It will cost more to remove your insulation if you have asbestos but it will ensure that your home is safer and won’t cause health problems.

Do I Need Insulation Removal?

Attic insulation removal is one of the most common places homeowners need. While exterior walls need to have quality insulation the attic is the primary barrier from heat in your home during the summer. If you have old blown in insulation, fiberglass insulation, damaged, or old insulation it needs to be removed and replaced. We will professionally and carefully remove your old attic insulation and offer you today’s best attic insulation options. From the high performance spray foam insulation option to radiant barriers and cellulose insulation we will find the best fit for your needs and budget.

Insulation Removal Due to Breakdown

Given the extreme heat we experience here in Phoenix, our roofing and insulation materials are put to the test. Given time, the materials wear down and aren’t as effective as they once were. Broken down insulation needs to be first removed and then replaced.

Insulation Removal Due to Sagging or Collapsed Ceilings

There are times, due to different reasons, that the structure of the building itself might begin to sag or entirely collapse. Clearly, in this situation, the insulation needs to be removed and replaced.

Insulation Removal Due to Smoke Damage

If you’ve had a fire in your home, the smoke from it can go into your attic and permeate your insulation with that terrible smoky odor. No one needs a reminder of such a traumatic event.

Insulation Removal for Upgraded Modern Insulation

If you’ve got old insulation or just a less effective insulation type, it can be removed and a more energy saving modern insulation solution can be installed in your attic and walls.

Insulation Removal Due to Infestation Contamination

Another risk is the possibility of animal infestation. Things like rats, mice, birds and even raccoons can find their way into attics. In addition to chewing wires, they leave their excrement and urine in the attic and in the insulation. Leaving insulation that has been contaminated with either mold or excrement/urine can cause respiratory and other serious problems. We safely and completely remove this ruined insulation to make way for improved indoor air quality, new effective insulation in your home.

Insulation Removal Due to Water Damage

If your roof has been damaged by a storm, or a branch has fallen on it, water can be getting in. When that water sits on your insulation it causes mold. If that mold is left unattended it causes air quality problems and can cause serious health problems. Stachybotrys is a type of mold that can exist in attics and on insulation. This mold is very common according to the CDC and can cause a variety of conditions, from mild eye and lung irritation to more serious conditions like fever and shortness of breath.

Schedule Your Insulation Services Today!

Whether you are building a new house, or just need to remove the old insulation and install a newer more energy efficient option Barrier Insulation is Phoenix’s first choice in home and commercial insulation. We proudly provide the valley’s more comprehensive insulation service that helps you stay more comfortable and save on energy. Click here to schedule on our website, or just give us a call at 602-499-2922.

cost to remove and replace attic insulation, remove attic insulation cost

how much insulation do i need in my attic

Regular Post

Written by webtechs

3 October 2022

How Much Insulation Do I Need In My Attic?

Once you have air-sealed your attic, it’s time to check your insulation levels and see if more insulation is needed. The attic is seen as the easiest place to add insulation, which improves the overall energy efficiency of the home.

Do I Have Enough Insulation?

Regardless of the kind of insulation is in your attic, one way to visually check the area’s needs is to look across the span of the attic. If the insulation level is barely below your floor joists, it’s time to add more insulation. If you cannot see the floor joists due to the insulation being above them, then it is not necessary to add insulation at this time.

It’s crucial for the insulation to be evenly distributed with zero low spots. If your attic insulation fully covers the joists and it is distributed evenly, then you have enough insulation, according to EnergyStar.

How Much Insulation Should I Add?

Insulation levels are specifically outlined by R-Value. This is a measurement of the insulation’s ability to resist heat flow. This means the higher the R-Value, the better the thermal performance of the specified insulation. The recommended R-Value level for the majority of attics is to insulate R-38 or between 10-14 inches, depending on type of insulation.

Best Types Of Insulation

Which insulation you choose will be based largely on a few key factors. Your budget for installing insulation is one of these key factors. Another consideration is how long you intend on staying in the home. If you plan this house as your last move, then the added cost of installing premium insulation will pay you back for years to come.

If you are planning on moving soon you may still consider spray foam insulation as it will increase the overall value of the home. Ultimately the question of which will be best for you, your home, and your budget is a conversation for you and your professional insulation contractor.

Batt Insulation

Batt insulation is commonly referred to as “batts” or “rolls”. This type utilizes a flexible blanket-like insulation that is best suited for easily accessible areas. Batts and rolls can be used in non-standard areas, so the material will have to be cut to size.

The blankets come in high, medium and standard-density constructions, made from fiberglass, rock wool and other similar materials. Batt insulation can be fitted quite easily to the specific areas, but it may be hard to fit in unusual or hard-to-access areas.

Blown-In Insulation

Blown in insulation is constructed of either fiberglass or cellulose that is blown into cavities in walls. This material is used to fill gaps in the insulation. Blown in insulation is ideal for attic spaces filled with nooks and crannies that are difficult to navigate through.

Cellulose blown in insulation is the most affordable option for home and business owners because it is made of recycled materials. Once it is installed, this insulation can last up to 25 years with very reliable performance overall.

Cellulose Insulation

Fiberglass and cellulose insulation are the two cheapest insulation types you can install in your home. While fiberglass is much more common cellulose is still the second most popular insulation material in the country.

For customers who can’t afford the higher performance spray foam insulation these types of insulation offer the layer of insulated comfort homes need.

Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass insulation has been installed in homes for many decades. It is comprised of extremely fine glass fibers which reinforce a pillow like plastic.

The fine glass is added to increase the overall strength of the insulation and help it resist sagging. It usually comes in one of 3 types, loose fill, rolls, or batts.

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation is sprayed on wet and it expands rapidly into gaps, cracks, and solidifies as a hard, thick foam. This insulation type can be used to insulate the walls of new build and existing homes. One of the best features of spray foam insulation is how well it conforms automatically to all of the odd shaped cavities and air leaks.

The R-value of spray foam depends on the chemical makeup as there are two variants, closed and open cell spray foam insulation. Spray foam insulation does require a slightly greater investment, but it does offer superior performance.

Schedule Your Insulation Services Today!

Whether you are building a new house, or just need to remove the old insulation and install a newer more energy efficient option Barrier Insulation is Phoenix’s first choice in home and commercial insulation. We proudly provide the valley’s more comprehensive insulation service that helps you stay more comfortable and save on energy. Click here to schedule on our website, or just give us a call at 602-499-2922.

Regular Post

Written by webtechs

13 August 2021

The Benefits of Insulating your Attic

Your attic does a lot more for your home than simply storing your belongings. Attics are designed for providing a protective barrier for your house from cold, heat and humidity. But for the top part of your home to fulfill its job, you need to have your attic properly insulated.

As reported by NAIMA, ninety percent of single-family homes in the United States are less than satisfactorily insulated. When your homes attic is not insulated or has not been insulated for a while, it could jeopardize your home’s safety, efficiency and comfort. What are the benefits of having your attic insulated? Keep reading to learn more.

Lower Utility Bills

Heating and cooling comprise of fifty to seventy percent of the energy consumed in the average US home. And when your home is un-insulated or less than satisfactorily insulated, you’ll spend extra money attempting to keep pleasant temperatures. How much are you going to save by having your attic insulated? As reported by the EPA, you could save an average of fifteen percent on heating and cooling expenses (or a ballpark of eleven percent on total energy costs) by having the home air sealed and insulating it’s attics, floors and tight places. The money you are going to save could depend on several factors, including your family’s way of life, the design of your home, and your kind of heating system, but you could expect substantial energy savings which translates to substantial dollar savings. As a matter of fact, the average homeowner is able to save about $780 each year.

Safer Home Structure

Insulating your attic allows you to prevent progressive damage to your home, as the result of heat and moisture. Insulation hinders water vapor from trickling in and eating away at your walls. It also decreases heat build-up in your attic, in which could cause your roof shingles to expand and crack or cause the plywood on your decking to weaken. It stops ice dams from developing when snow melt refreezes on the roof’s edge. Additionally, insulating your attic is a way to prevent mold growth that flourishes in moist, cooler areas. Insulation prevents these problems from happening by reducing the effects of condensation.

Better Indoor Air Quality

Outside pollutants like dust, dirt, mold, mildew and possibly worse can get inside your home through air leaks as the result of poor insulation. As time goes on, the build-up of these airborne contaminants can seriously jeopardize your indoor air quality. Insulating your attic stops these contaminants from spreading throughout the home, enabling your family to breathe easier and appreciate a cleaner indoor setting. Additionally, installing newer insulation can eliminate pollutants that possibly may have grown or lived on the old insulation.

Better Indoor Comfort

Heat naturally flows from warmer areas to cooler areas. And even in homes that are equipped with current HVAC systems may cause serious temperature variations when less than satisfactorily insulated. Meaning that the home can get hotter or colder faster when the outside temperature changes. Rooms on the second story could differ in temperature considerably from those the first floors. A temperature variance of ten to fifteen degree between floors in your home is a clear indication your home has insufficient insulation. A lot of bedrooms in homes in the US are located on upper floors, so installing insulation is a perfect way to guarantee comfort at night and in the early morning, when the temperature is at it’s lowest.

Less HVAC Depreciation

Older homes are inclined to be drafty, and inadequate insulation could cause your heating and cooling systems to work overtime to maintain an even temperature. These temperature fluctuations can become even more excessive in homes in which ductwork goes through the attic. Adequate attic insulation hinders cooler air from remaining at the lower floors whereas heat rises, resulting in less depreciation on your HVAC unit. With reduced heat gain in the summer and reduced heat loss during winter, you’ll decrease your family’s dependence on your home’s HVAC system while maintaining pleasant indoor temperatures all year long.

Schedule Your Insulation Services Today!