Get matched with top insulation pros in Smithville, MS

The best way to reduce heat upstairs is to release it by opening a window. Hot air rises, and if you can create some airflow by opening a window upstairs and also one on a lower level, the hot air should be pushed out of the home. Remember that fans pointing out the window do a much better job of circulating air than fans pointing into the home.

Insulation can be made of cellulose, fiberglass, polyurethane, polystyrene, or mineral wool. Radiant barriers are often made of aluminum or other similarly reflective materials, but they will need to be paired with something else because they don’t provide heating benefits. Cellulose is among the most eco-friendly options and may be recycled when it’s past its shelf-life, whereas polyurethane and polystyrene both emit harmful compounds and will need to be handled with care during installation.

Garage door insulation can last anywhere from 20 to 100 years depending on the type of insulation. Cellulose has the shortest lifespan coming in at between 20 and 30 years, while spray foam, mineral wool, and fiberglass can last between 80 and 100 years with proper maintenance. 

Humidity plays a role in how long more susceptible insulation materials—like fiberglass—last. Once fiberglass batts reach the 15-year mark, you'll need to routinely inspect your insulation to ensure that it is in mint order.

The cost of installing spray foam insulation is $2,760 on average, but this cost can be as low as $650 or as high as $7,700. The main cost factor is the size of the insulated area and the type of spray foam insulation. 

Polyurethane spray foam costs between $0.44 and $1.50 per board foot, where a board foot is equal to the volume of a one-foot length of a board. More expensive options, like soybean or vegetable oil spray foam, range from $1.50 to $3.00 per board foot.