Compare the highest-rated insulation professionals in New Kensington, Pennsylvania. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, modern insulation contractor known for its strong customer service and comprehensive approach. They specialize in both new installations and upgrading old, inefficient insulation. They are a franchise of a national brand, which provides structured processes and training, but operate locally.
As the name implies, this company is a specialist in spray foam applications, a premium and high-performance insulation method. They are an excellent choice for homeowners seeking maximum air sealing and R-value, particularly in complex areas like crawl spaces, basements, and cathedral ceilings.
A long-standing, family-owned HVAC and insulation company with a stellar reputation in the region. Their longevity and breadth of service (combining insulation with heating and cooling) make them a trusted one-stop-shop for whole-home energy efficiency, including audits and addressing air leakage.
** The insulation market in New Kensington, PA, is characterized by a mix of long-standing local contractors and specialized modern companies from the broader Pittsburgh area. Due to the city's older housing stock (with many homes built before modern energy codes), there is a consistent demand for insulation upgrades, particularly in attics and walls. The competition is healthy, driving a focus on quality and customer service. **Average Quality:** The top-tier providers offer excellent service, are well-versed in modern materials like spray foam and dense-pack cellulose, and understand the specific needs of Western Pennsylvania's climate, which requires effective vapor barriers and moisture management. **Competition Level:** Moderate. While there are numerous general handymen who may offer insulation, the field of dedicated, professional insulation experts with proper certifications (like BPI) is more concentrated. This gives homeowners a clear choice between a few highly-qualified front-runners. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is competitive with national averages. As a rough guide: * **Blown-in Cellulose/Fiberglass (Attic):** $1,500 - $2,500 for an average attic. * **Spray Foam (Attic):** $3,500 - $7,000+ depending on board feet and foam type (open vs. closed cell). * **Wall Insulation (Blown-in):** $1,000 - $3,000 for exterior walls. Homeowners should always seek multiple quotes. Many providers offer free, detailed estimates and can advise on potential rebates from utility companies like Columbia Gas or Peoples Natural Gas for energy-efficient upgrades.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with New Kensington regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about insulation services in New Kensington, Pennsylvania.
For the many older homes in New Kensington (often built pre-1950), blown-in cellulose or fiberglass in attics and walls is typically the most cost-effective retrofit solution, balancing performance and price. For attic insulation, homeowners can expect to pay between $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot installed, depending on material and desired R-Value. Given Pennsylvania's climate zone 5, we recommend targeting an attic R-Value of R-49 to R-60 for optimal energy savings against our cold winters and humid summers, which maximizes long-term cost-effectiveness.
While insulation can be installed year-round, the ideal periods in Western PA are late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October). These seasons typically offer milder, drier weather, which is crucial for proper installation of materials like spray foam that require specific temperature ranges. Scheduling during these shoulder seasons also ensures your home is prepared before the intense heating costs of an Allegheny County winter or the cooling demands of our humid summers, and you'll find greater contractor availability compared to peak summer or last-minute winter rushes.
Yes, Pennsylvania offers several valuable programs. The most significant is the **PA Act 129 Home Energy Assessment Program**, administered by utilities like Duquesne Light, which provides low-cost energy audits and substantial rebates for recommended insulation upgrades. Additionally, the federal Inflation Reduction Act offers tax credits for insulation improvements. A reputable local installer will be familiar with these programs and can often help you navigate the paperwork to significantly reduce your net project cost.
Always choose a contractor who is properly licensed and insured in Pennsylvania. Look for established local companies with strong references in the community and ask for proof of certifications from manufacturers (like Owens Corning or CertainTeed). Crucially, ensure they perform a thorough pre-installation inspection for moisture issues and old knob-and-tube wiring—common in New Kensington's historic homes—as covering such wiring with new insulation is a major fire hazard and against code.
In our climate, sealing and insulating the **basement rim joists** (band joists) and crawl spaces is critical to prevent cold drafts and moisture intrusion, which are common in homes along the Allegheny River valley. Also, don't overlook air sealing before adding insulation; it's the most important step for efficiency. Properly insulating basement walls can also provide a major return on investment by stabilizing temperatures and reducing humidity, making lower-level living spaces more comfortable year-round.