Attic Insulation Contractors Seattle

When your house is cold, and you’re trying to stay warm, you have two options:

1. Bundle up in layers of sweaters and blankets
2. Crank up the heat

Most people choose the second option because it’s more comfortable and effective. However, it’s also incredibly expensive. According to the Department of Energy, an estimated 50 to 70% of our energy bills are due to trying to heat and cool our homes.

If you’re looking for a way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and lower your energy bills, especially during those bone-chilling Seattle nights, insulating your attic may be your ideal next step.

Think about it this way: we lose a lot of body heat from our heads, which is why we wear hats in cold weather. They help trap and conserve our body’s warmth. When it comes to our homes, it’s the same principle. The attic is like our head, and we should insulate with a hat to prevent heat from escaping.

In parts of the country that have cooler temps year-round, like Seattle, attic insulation is a must to save on power bills. There are other benefits to insulating your attic other than just saving money.

Seattle’s Trusted  Insulation Installation Contractors

Many homeowners are tempted just to add new fill on top of the old. At Guardian Home, we strongly advise against that. While it may be a less expensive alternative for the immediate term, it’ll cost you more in the long run. This is because there could be problems with the old insulation like dampness or rodent colonies that need to be addressed first.

Make an Extra Room and Increase Your Home’s Value

Most people use their attics primarily for storage space because they’re either too hot or too cold to comfortably spend time in. However, an insulation installation will allow you to convert that unused space into an office or an extra bedroom. When it comes time to sell your home, that extra room will make your house more valuable.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Most homes use an HVAC system to keep their homes at an ideal temperature. Without attic insulation, these systems have to work harder to maintain a steady temperature. Since HVAC systems are responsible for about half of a home’s carbon footprint, it makes sense to minimize that, especially if you’re concerned about the environment.

There are quick and easy ways to insulate your attic, especially if you already have it in that part of your home. You can add fiberglass batts or loose fill cellulose, which are relatively quick, easy and inexpensive to do. These DIY solutions will provide some benefit, but the positive effects pale in comparison to a professional installation.

Keep in mind that these are labor-intensive processes, and won’t yield the same results as a professional installation.

If you’re serious about regulating your home’s temperature, having a licensed contractor to do blown in insulation will give you the best return on your investment.

This process is when the contractor uses a blowing machine with a hose attachment to evenly fill every open nook, crack, and cranny to prevent unwanted air from getting in or escaping. There are three materials to choose from:

1. Spray-In Foam or Spray-On Foam
   This material is polyurethane that expands and fills in all the spaces, forming a tightly sealed barrier. Spray-in foam is a popular choice because it can expand upwards of 100 times its original volume, and it will maintain its integrity as your home ages. This technique takes a high degree of skill and is not recommended for amateurs. If you opt for blown in insulation, make you contact a skilled contractor. There are different quality levels of spray-in foam, and the level of quality is measured by the R-value. The higher this number, the better the foam.
2. Cellulose
   Cellulose can be used in loose-fill or blown in insulation. It’s been around for about 100 years, and it’s made of recycled newsprint, cardboard, and other paper products. Because these materials can combust easily, they’re treated with fire retardant. One known issue with the fire retardant is that it can be corrosive to pipes, wires, and fasteners. Note that we said, “can be.” With proper installation by a licensed contractor, this risk is minimal.
3. Green Insulation Options
   A more natural alternative is soy-based foams. For homeowners concerned about indoor air quality and excessive CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons), and formaldehyde, this option is becoming increasingly popular. It’s made from a combination of soy or castor beans, plus polyurethane. Despite its natural properties, it’s considered mold and mildew resistant.

Not sure which type is right for your insulation installation project? Give us a call at 877-926-9966 and one our experts can advise you.

If you’ve had your insulation for longer than you can remember, you may be overdue to have it replaced. Older materials lose effectiveness over time, allowing air to get in and out. Your energy bills will rise, and you could even experience some health problems.

How do you know when it’s time for an insulation removal? Here are the signs:

• Higher energy bills. If your insulation isn’t doing the job anymore, your heating and cooling systems have to pick up the slack.
• More variable temperatures. If your home used to feel like it was a fairly constant temperature, but now you notice it changing throughout the day and night, this is a clue.
• Increased draftiness. If you’re feeling drafts and breezes in your home that don’t seem familiar, it’s time for removal and replacement.

Whether you’re considering an installation or removal project, Guardian Home Insulation Service would love to help make sure your project goes smoothly. Schedule a no-obligation appointment today, valued at $149, free. Or give us a call at 877-926-9966.