Get matched with top insulation pros in Oil City, PA

If you’re a savvy DIYer around the house, own the basic tools, and have enough time on your hands, you can definitely install fiberglass insulation yourself. Doing the work yourself will certainly keep overall insulation costs down. However, if you’re not confident in your handy skills around the house, call in a professional.

Yes, insulating hot water pipes helps your system run more efficiently. This is especially true in basements in colder climates, where cold air likes to settle in. There are a few ways to insulate water pipes (foam is common) to keep hot water hot, reducing the need for your water heater to constantly heat the water in the tank or your circulator to kick on more than necessary.

Unfaced wall insulation is easier to cut and install, making it the better choice for a DIY project. It’s also more affordable. But if it’s unfaced, you’ll likely need to add a vapor barrier to reach your desired R-value and efficiency, as it doesn’t offer any moisture barrier.

Faced insulation uses paper or foil to create a built-in barrier and doesn’t require an extra step. It’s also more fire-resistant and safe. But it’s quite a bit more expensive and a little bit harder to work with as a DIYer.

2x4 walls can hold R-13 or R-15 batts of insulation, which is usually about 3.5 inches thick. You should also check with your local building codes to see if there’s a required thickness you need to adhere to. 

You can also use R-value maps to determine the best thickness and ratings for where you live. For example, someone in Texas doesn’t need as thick of insulation as someone in Montana. Energy Star has a good one you can reference.