Insulation performs at its best when installed properly. A contractor specialized in insulation can help you achieve this goal. The choice of the insulation is made by the home or building owner in collaboration the contractor. The insulation should fit the requirements of the home or business owner such as R-value, type of insulation, cost etc… 
 

Look for insulation contractor; they are specialized contractors who install thermal insulation. You can easily find insulation contractors that are specialized in the installation of one particular type of insulation such as reflective insulation, fiberglass, cellulose, spray foam etc…However some contractors know how to install more than one type of insulation.

 Look in the yellow pages and/or online to find local insulation contractors. You can also ask your utility company for a list of insulation contractors; consult your friends and neighbors or contact the Insulation Contractors Association of American (ICAA) at www.insulate.org for a list of certified contractors in your area. Contact at least two or three contractors in your area to be able to compare their prices and services.

You need to know what R-value is needed for your house or building. An insulation contractor can help you to find out the r-value that is appropriate for the application. “R” represents the resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation (to find high “R” insulation click here). Once the insulation has been installed, your contractor should provide you with a written statement of the R-value as required in the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) insulation regulations.

A qualified contractor inspects your home and recommends customized and cost-effective energy and comfort improvements. The Environmental Protection Agency offers mandatory certification for insulation workers who remove and handle asbestos.

The majority of insulation contractors learn their trade informally on the job; new workers receive instruction and supervision from experienced insulation contractors. Although some complete formal apprenticeship programs. A voluntary certification program has been developed by insulation contractor organizations to help workers prove their skills and knowledge of residential insulation. Certification in insulation of industrial settings is being developed. Workers need at least 6 months of experience before they can complete certification. The North American Insulation Manufacturer’s Association also offers a certification for insulation energy appraisal.

Insulation contractorrs combine their knowledge of insulation materials with the skills of cutting, fitting, and installing materials. Contractors in occupations involving similar skills include carpenters; carpet, floor, and tile installers and finishers; drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers; roofers; and sheet metal workers.

Finding the source of where your structure is not efficient on energy use is the first step in cutting energy costs. The following represents the average breakdown of where energy usage and its "energy waste" come from:

• 26% Window Solar Gains
• 7% Walls
• 22% Attic & Duct Gains
• 10% Infiltration
• 35% Appliance Gains

As you can see a large amount goes through the roof. Adding foil insulation will cut down on that 22% Attic & Duct as well as the 7% walls and the 10% infiltration. The best insulation right now is High R insulation. It is a radiant barrier consisting of a layer of aluminum foil placed in an airspace (like the attic) to block radiant heat transfer. It works better than conventional insulation in blocking the hot roof (in summer) and outer cold (in winter).

With the cost of crude oil and electricity rising, it is an important factor in controlling your monthly expenses for your steel building. Also since steel buildings have few if not zero windows, your use of foil insulation will show even greater energy savings. Don't waste the time getting conventional insulation without first considering the benefits of High R insulation.

To evaluate the energy efficiency of your home or building you can ask for the help of energy specialists such as a home energy rater or an energy auditor.

A home energy rater is a specialized contractor who performs a standardized evaluation of the energy efficiency of your home or building. A comprehensive evaluation can take about 3 hours depending on the size of the home or building. The evaluation should includes:

• on-site inspection
• air leakage test of your home and duct work
• computer analysis
• estimated savings
• home energy rating

Since home energy raters are contractors is it possible that they offer to make improvements. An Energy Auditor performs an evaluation of the energy efficiency of your home or building that may or may not be as comprehensive as a home energy rating.

 It is common for energy audits to be provided for free or at a discount rate by utilities. Contact your gas or electric utility and ask if they offer an energy audit.

You can ask the energy specialists if they will provide a list of improvements, if they will make any of them or of they can recommend a contractor who can make the improvements.

A house or building properly insulated will reduce the consumption of energy by keeping hot air in during the winter and out during the summer. Insulation also provides some sound proofing.

Look for the R-value - The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. Reflective insulation has a much higher R-value than fiberglass insulation. It is also safe to work with and its R-value is not affected by humidity. Reflective insulation is often used I n homes, steel buildings, and many applications. Contractor may get insulation at a better price because they buy it in larger quantities.

Go to the Leading Source for Radiant Barrier Foil for Builders.

Install insulation everywhere. In the attic of course, plus in the ducts, crawl spaces, basement, and ceiling. By insulated your water heater you can reduce heat loss up to 40%.