Compare the highest-rated insulation professionals in Bristol, Rhode Island. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading home performance and energy efficiency contractor in Southeastern New England. They are well-regarded for comprehensive energy audits and implementing holistic solutions that combine air sealing, insulation, and ventilation to maximize home comfort and efficiency.
A dedicated insulation contractor serving the entire state. They focus specifically on insulation installation, removal, and upgrades using various materials. They are known for their expertise in both residential and commercial projects and for helping homeowners navigate local utility rebates.
A specialized contractor focused on reducing energy costs through improved building envelope performance. They offer a full suite of insulation services with a strong emphasis on basement, crawl space, and wall insulation solutions for older Rhode Island homes.
The insulation market in Bristol, RI, is characterized by a high demand for energy efficiency upgrades, driven by the town's abundance of historic homes and its coastal climate, which leads to significant heating costs in winter and cooling costs in summer. The market is moderately competitive, dominated by a mix of local specialized contractors and larger regional home performance companies. The average quality of service is high, as contractors must be well-versed in both modern energy standards and the intricacies of retrofitting older New England building stock. Typical pricing is at a premium compared to national averages, reflecting the higher cost of living and specialized expertise required. For example, attic insulation with blown-in cellulose can range from $1,500 to $3,500, while a full spray foam application in an attic or crawl space can cost $4,500 to $8,000 or more. Homeowners are often motivated by state and utility-backed rebate programs (like those from National Grid RI) and federal tax credits, which most reputable contractors are qualified to administer. A professional energy audit, a common first step, typically costs between $400 and $700.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Bristol regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about insulation services in Bristol, Rhode Island.
For Bristol's historic homes, which experience cold, damp winters and humid summers, a combination approach is often best. Blown-in cellulose or fiberglass is excellent for retrofitting existing wall cavities and attics due to its ability to fill irregular spaces and provide good thermal performance. For basements and crawl spaces, which are prone to moisture from our coastal location, rigid foam board or spray foam that includes a vapor barrier is critical to prevent mold and improve energy efficiency.
Costs vary significantly based on the home's size, the insulation material (fiberglass batts vs. spray foam), and the area being insulated (attic, walls, basement). For a typical Bristol single-family home, attic insulation can range from $1,500 to $3,500, while whole-house wall insulation can be $2,000 to $8,000+. It's important to note that Rhode Island, including Bristol, offers excellent incentive programs like those from Rhode Island Energy (formerly National Grid) that can cover 75-100% of insulation costs for income-eligible residents and provide rebates for others, dramatically reducing the net price.
Insulation can be installed year-round, but the best times are late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October). These periods typically offer mild, dry weather in Bristol, which is ideal for projects like attic work. Scheduling during these shoulder seasons also ensures your home is prepared before the peak heating season begins, and you can often find better availability with local contractors compared to the busy late summer rush.
For standard retrofit insulation work in existing homes, a building permit from the Bristol Building Official is generally not required. However, if the project is part of a larger renovation that involves opening up walls or altering the structure, a permit may be necessary. Crucially, all insulation installers working in Rhode Island must be licensed by the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB), so always verify your provider's CRLB number for your protection.
In Bristol's windy coastal climate, you likely need both. Insulation slows heat transfer, while air sealing stops the drafts that carry conditioned air directly outside. A professional energy audit, often available at a discount through Rhode Island Energy, is the best first step. The auditor will use tools like a blower door test to pinpoint air leaks (common in older homes around windows, doors, and attic hatches) and thermal imaging to check for insufficient insulation, providing a tailored plan for your specific home.