Insulation FAQs
What to Expect During the Insulation Process
Before adding insulation to the attic, homeowners must decide if they want to retain any storage space in the attic and communicate that with the contractor. Homeowners will also need to remove all items currently stored in the attic and ensure that all attic access points are clear of obstructions and accessible to the insulation crew. Places to check include existing exterior roof vents, installing new roof vents for access, or through existing attic hatch/access.
If your walls are being insulated from the inside, the crew will be working inside your home to insulate the outer walls. This process will be dusty. If you or anyone in your family has breathing problems or allergies, you may want to have the insulation installed from the outside of your house.
It is important that you clear space for the insulation crew to work. Everything should be 4 feet from the exterior walls, including items hanging on the walls. The crew will drill holes and use a hose to blow the insulation into the exterior walls. The holes will be about 16 inches apart.
If your house was built before 1978, the insulating crew will be following the Environmental Protection Agency's Lead Safe Work Practices. This includes putting up caution tape, warning signs, and putting poly down on the floor to capture any dust containing lead.
If your walls are insulated from the outside, the insulation crew will remove siding and drill holes on the outside of your house. If your house is stucco, they will drill through the stucco. They will then use a hose to blow insulation into your walls. After the walls are blown full of insulation, the insulating crew will put the siding back in place or path the stucco.
To prepare for this, homeowners should remove all items hanging from outside walls. If you have special plants near the walls, you should move them until the work is done.
Insulation FAQs
A typical insulation job takes one to two days but can take up to four days depending on the size of home and the scope of work. An Energy Advisor can be reached at 612-244-2484 or EnergyAdvisor@mncee.org with questions.
It is recommended the homeowner work out the availability arrangements with the selected contractor. The contractor may want to discuss the work prior to starting but not require the homeowner to be present for the remainder of the working day.
Children and pets are allowed in the house during the insulation work. A contractor may request a pet is placed in a bedroom or kenneled during certain stages of the work or during the day. Your selected contractor may have additional safety requests while in the home.
Payment for insulation work completed is arranged between the homeowner and the contractor. Make sure the payment options are discussed before the scheduled day(s) of work begins. CEE has multiple financing options available for insulation. You can find all available options here. If you have any questions, please contact CEE’s Lending Department at 612-335-5884 or loaninfo@mncee.org for any questions.
As part of the scope of work, the contractor may need to use large equipment that requires the use of a hose. The closer the contractor can get to the home the better.
The contractor may need to acquire “No Parking” signs, permitted from the city, if on-street parking is limited or by permit only. Please discuss with the contractor prior to beginning work.
Contractors should place drop cloths or plastic flooring guards down prior to starting work. This is usually placed for all walking paths to the different rooms where insulation work is to be completed. A contractor may bring a hose through a second story window for easier access to the attic or wall space. Protection over the windowsill should be installed prior to starting work by the contractor.
Yes, the contractor should clean up the area free from construction materials, debris, and tools. It is recommended to conduct a final walk through the house following completion of work. This is a good time to review the work and complete a visual inspection of the house.