- PHOENIX METRO (623) 939-3329
- TUCSON (520) 200-2958
- PRESCOTT (928) 445-3828
- PHOENIX METRO (623) 939-3329
- TUCSON (520) 200-2958
- PRESCOTT (928) 445-3828
8 out of 10 attics we inspect have poorly installed or missing insulation. We find the problems, fix them right, and make your home more comfortable and energy efficient.
Retrofit insulation is the process of re-insulating a house that has insufficient or poorly installed insulation. Retrofit insulation includes attics, framed wood floors, walls, and garages.
Close to 95% of the insulation-related calls we get are for attic insulation. In homes built prior to the year 2000, we find that 8 out of 10 attics have poorly installed or missing insulation.
The insulation industry’s problem is well documented, if you know where to look. The cellulose insulation literally tapers down to bare sheetrock in many homes. This type of work was routine in the 80’s and 90’s in Arizona.
At Advantage Home Performance, we do it differently. We pay our crews hourly — not piece rate — so they focus on doing a quality job rather than rushing to the next house.
In 1994, the Insulation Contractors Association of Americas published A Plan to Stop Fluffing and Cheating. The first sentence reads: “Whatever one calls it, it is fraud.”
The plan states that “cheating is prevalent throughout the United States” and “this pattern of fraud has persisted since day one.”
Most Arizona attics have at least one of these issues silently wasting energy and reducing comfort.
Blown-in insulation that was never installed — leaving bare sheetrock exposed to attic heat.
Poorly installed blown-in insulation with wildly uneven depths across the attic floor.
Not enough insulation to meet R-38 standards — common in older Arizona homes.
Fiberglass batts on knee walls and skylight wells that have shifted or fallen out of position.
Air barrier issues and gaps that let conditioned air escape into the attic space.
No baffles at vented eaves — insulation blocks soffit vents and causes moisture problems.
A home missing just 5% of its attic insulation (bare sheetrock) will see a 54% drop in R-value. R-value measures resistance to heat flow — the greater the R-value, the greater the insulating power.
The photos from this Mesa, Arizona home show the worst case scenario: 111°F ceiling surface temperatures and an infrared image revealing heat pouring into the living space.
A typical attic retrofit on a 2,000 sq ft home costs between $800 and $2,500. The price depends entirely on the issues our inspector finds and the level of energy efficiency you want to achieve.
Quality attic insulation pays for itself twice: first on your monthly utility bill, and again when you sell your home — a properly insulated attic prevents home inspectors from finding flaws that buyers use to negotiate a lower price.
Don’t get a quote over the phone. There are too many variables between homes. We provide free on-site inspections and accurate quotes tailored to your home.
| Material | Inches for R-38 |
|---|---|
| Blown Cellulose | 10.5″ |
| Blown Fiberglass | 15.0″ |
Not everything marketed as a solution actually works. Here’s what building science tells us.
Despite aggressive marketing, radiant barriers are not recommended by building scientists for conventional attics in Arizona.
Powered attic fans can actually pull conditioned air from your living space into the attic, increasing your energy costs.
Proper insulation depth (R-38 minimum), thorough air sealing, and ensuring all duct connections are sealed tight. This science-based approach delivers real, measurable results.
We’ve been doing attic insulation the right way for over 28 years. Here’s what sets us apart.
We pay crews hourly so they focus on quality, not speed. They take the time to prep your home, protect your belongings, and do the job right.
Owner Mike Uniacke was featured on Dateline NBC as an insulation expert and consumer advocate. We wrote the article on insulation fraud for Home Energy Magazine.
We come to your home, inspect your attic, and give you an honest assessment — free of charge. No pressure, no phone quotes, just facts.
Closet access? We cover your clothes with plastic and install insulation dams so nothing falls into your living space.
Get a free inspection and honest quote from Arizona’s most trusted insulation experts.
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