Get matched with top insulation pros in Pamelia, NY

Also known as sound-dampening blankets, acoustic blankets reduce echo in a room. They come in different thicknesses and materials, and they can be nailed or glued to walls.

Structural insulated panels and rigid foam boards have the highest R-value of any insulation that contractors commonly use, with R-values reaching up to around 8.0. These types of insulation are best in extremely cold climates, but they’re generally preferred for new construction, as they can be challenging to retrofit. Blown-in and loose fill insulation provide the next best insulative value, provided the installation is done properly. It’s important to choose an insulation type that meets your needs based on climate, as maximizing R-value may not always be financially worthwhile if you live in a moderate climate.

You don’t need to remove old insulation before adding new insulation. As long as the old insulation is still in good shape—not wet, physically damaged, or moldy—then you can stack new insulation on top of old insulation to get a compounding effect. You can also mix different types of insulation, like adding blown-in insulation around existing fiberglass batt insulation or installing rigid insulation boards over rafters in your attic that already have batt insulation installed. If your existing insulation is very old or damaged, though, you’ll likely see more benefit from removing it and replacing it instead.

Heat lost through uninsulated basement walls can account for up to 30% of the total energy lost through heat transfer to the outdoors. While homes in mild climates won't gain as much benefit from having an insulated basement as those in cold climates, the effects are still noticeable on your energy bill.