Fall is just around the corner and, hot on its heels, the brutal winters Chicagoland is famous for nationwide. Now is the perfect time to give some thought to home improvements that will keep your residence warm, comfortable, and energy efficient this winter and every season afterward. At Budget Construction Company, we have been a leading home remodeling specialist with a 40 year history of affordable renovations to add value to any home, including energy efficient doors and windows, dormers, second floor additions, kitchen and bath remodeling, and many other budget-friendly projects.

Pick the Right Insulation for Your Fall Remodeling Project

Choosing the right insulation for your home remodeling project is an important decision, one that not only affects your annual heating and cooling bill, but also the health and wellbeing of you and your family. Just a few years ago, it seems, the insulation of choice for additions, garages, and attic and crawl spaces was the pink batty stuff in rolls you can buy from any home improvement center.

At Budget Construction Company, we believe that education is the key for homeowners making informed decisions for their own benefit. If you are interested building an addition or reclaiming little used attic space, there are four major options to consider:

• Fiberglass batting with paper backing, the kind in rolls we mentioned earlier. Made up of tiny strands of fiberglass, this kind of insulation is inexpensive, effective, and can be installed by an average homeowner. Unfortunately, the fiberglass threads pose certain health risks if inhaled or if they get into the eyes or under the skin
• Cotton batts made from recycled blue jeans are not only eco-friendly because they do not release potentially dangerous fibers into their air, but also as easy to install as fiberglass batts. On the downside, some brands can be up to 20 percent more expensive than fiberglass batting.
• Open cell foam is polyurethane-based and is blown into attics and crawl spaces and rapidly expands in spaces in walls and ceilings. Because it is sprayed in, this insulation fills areas that may not be reachable. The drawback? Open cell foam is expensive to the tune of two-times the cost of fiberglass-based insulation.
• Closed cell foam is denser and has sealed air pockets filled with gas, giving it a much higher insulation value than other kinds of insulation. It has high draft-blocking capabilities, but it solidifies making it difficult to install wiring and plumbing. It also is expensive, about three times the cost of regular fiberglass insulation.

When looking for insulation for your fall remodeling project, it is important to pay attention to the R-value of the product you are considering. This number represents how resistant the insulation is to the flow of heat that can pass through it. The higher the R-value, the better able the insulation to keeping heat inside your home in the winter, and out in the warmer months.

Call us today for more information at 773-283-9200 or to schedule a free in-home consultation.