Hi, Thank you to everyone who offered recommendations for insulation contractors. Several people asked that I post the results, which have I done below: Option Insulation: · I used Option Insulation. I also had Mincin submit a bid - my neighbor used them and they seemed just as good. - sharon sherley · Option insulating just did our attic -- the charged me less than the quote because when they got going they found more old insulations than estimated beforehand. Good ratings on Angie's list, too. – paola · I used Option Insulation @ 412-884-6700. It was definitely worth the expense and have noticed a marked decrease in both heating and cooling costs. Option was wonderful to work with, very professional and despite having to poke holes everywhere, the house was pristine when they were finished. I have since recommended them to friends who have been equally pleased. Feel free to contact me with further questions. · I live in Morningside and had our house insulated last Nov. by Option Insulating. They did a great job-the workers were very courteous , clean and out going. Our house is a wood frame with a full brick veneer. they drilled through the mortar and blow in the cellulose and then match the mortar to close the holes. The house was warmer ( less cold spots, esp. in the stairwell) Last winter was mild however, I did save at least $300 from the past billing cycle. During the last few months we have been able to keep the house cooler and there is less noise from outside coming in! Anyway the sales rep is Robert C. Felix 412.884.6700 c412.728.6451 Bill and Dee Bolen 412-203-3117 home 412-596-6853 cell billbolen@hotmail.com · I've been having all kinds of odds-and-ends done at my Friendship home by a husband/wife team. They seem to be knowledgeable and skilled to handle any home repair (and have done a little plaster, they have done insulation, carpentry, electric, exterior doors, etc. among other things at my home). They are reasonable, reliable, and meticulous. Mincin 1800-734-7966 and412-461-0160 · Ask for Mathew Donalies. excellent! – Maria DePasquale maria.depasquale@verizon.net www.mariadepasquale.com Coldwell Banker Real Estate, Inc 800-599-3058 fax (412)-953-8174 I love referrals! · http://www.mincininsulation.com/ Though I have not had the need for them---this company comes highly recommended by Conservation Consultants http://www.ccicenter.org/ also see: http://www.wqed.org/ondemand/onq.php?cat=2&id=55 and a friend of mine has recently used them. · We selected Mincin Insulation two years ago after a search of several firms and found them knowledgeable, professional, and a good value. Good windows and insulating the roof and upper side walls of a Highland Park house makes a huge difference in energy usage, as well as helping to quiet the interior from outside noise. Dave Hance · I've used Mincin Insulation on past renovation projects. I found them to be prompt, professional and courteous. Their prices were on par with other contractors. I think they\'re based in Munhall. 412.461.0160. J.D. Gales 412 771 6675 · Excellent · We used JD Gales (412 771 6675) last year and were pleased. He was punctual, honest, reasonable and cleaned up well. I won't know if the insulation job was any good until I see my heating bill this year. · My house was built in 1924, and last fall I had insulation blown in, plus batt insulation installed under my kitchen floor. We were warm and toasty all winter with a 30% savings in our heating bill. The contractor was J D Gales Contracting, Jim Gales, 412-771-6675. We were VERY satisfied. Please use my name, he gives finder's fees to boot!! Marty Harkins US Spray Systems Inc 412.374.8600 Andy Imro We used icynene in our house at 117 Roup. We still have some cold spots (where it was impossible to insulate) but the rest of the house is significantly more comfortable. We\'d do it again in a second. http://www.edcmag.com/CDA/Archives/0bfaf305e7697010VgnVCM100000f932a8c0____ Foam insulation products are making strong inroads into the insulation business. The foam fills odd-shaped spaces and can flow around pipes and electrical wires in wall cavities providing substantial improvements to heating, ventilation, and plumbing systems. Due in part to its ease of installation, simple clean-up and effective performance, foam insulation is certainly here to stay. An example of foam insulation called Icynene© Insulation System, which has been on the market since 1986, features a material called polyicynene. Polyicynene is an organic material developed from products of the petrochemical industry similar in composition to household materials such as upholstery padding, pillows and mattresses. The foam is made up of millions of tiny cells filled with air which provide permanent control of air and moisture movement. The product is applied on the building site by trained and licensed installers and provides a custom insulation fit into any size cavity. Polyicynene is not biodegradable as it is made of a foam plastic. In some jurisdictions, however, the leftover shavings can be chopped-up and used as loose-fill in an attic. Otherwise the material is sent to a landfill. Plus, Icynene is difficult to run wires through after application. The non-corrosive foam is created in seconds after spraying, completely cures within a few minutes, does not entrap moisture or absorb water, and it’s insulating properties remain constant over time. It produces no off gasses and does not lose its physical or insulating properties over time. The product is neither acidic nor alkaline, offers no food value therefore it cannot support bacteria or fungal growth, is flame retarding and contributes no fuel in the event of fire. The Icynene system has been selected for use in the Lung Association endorsed Envirodesic Home Program as well as for demonstration Healthy Houses being built in Florida and Iowa. Foam systems provide good air leakage control, moisture control and sound control in addition to insulation, thus becoming a one step insulation, moisture/vapor barrier, and wind barrier system. The foam system can take the place of building wrap, fiberglass, polyethylene vapor barrier, tape, foam and caulking, and eliminates the labor intensive work associated with air-tightness detailing when insulating with conventional insulation products.