Installing insulation can be a very straightforward task, but what happens when it's not done correctly? If the insulation is not properly installed or secured to the elements of the structure, serious problems can arise, such as fire, moisture, structural issues and humidity. In this article, we'll discuss some of the most common issues and provide some tips on how to avoid them when installing insulation.
Sealing
every hole, crack, crevice and gap is an important step that many DIY enthusiasts overlook. Air leaks from the basement or attic can make the installed insulation much less effective.Even a small gap or crack allows a significant amount of air to enter the attic, wasting energy and causing heating appliances to work harder than necessary. If insulation with a vapor barrier is installed on the wrong side, moisture will be trapped inside the wall cavities and cause condensation to accumulate. To save money by not hiring a professional insulation installation company, some people try to install insulation on their own. Unless you're thinking of starting your own insulation installation business, this type of equipment will likely only be used once. Rather than following a trial and error approach, a professional insulation installer will be able to quickly verify that the insulation has been properly installed.
Uncontrolled air between conditioned and unconditioned spaces can undo all the hard work involved in installing insulation. When inexperienced homeowners try to install insulation on their own, they often make the mistake of overlooking these small gaps and holes or completely ignoring them. The proper installation of more complex types of insulation, such as spray foam insulation, requires specialized equipment. In addition, ventilation grilles and water heaters must not have insulation, as heat can cause the insulation to ignite. If you try to insulate your home yourself, you run the risk of choosing an insulating material that does not suit your home conditions. Without professional advice from a trusted insulation company, you risk wasting your efforts trying to install an unsuitable type of insulation for your home.
While professional insulation installers can make it seem like a piece of cake, properly installing insulation is quite a challenge, especially if you have little or no experience doing so. Unless you're willing to invest a considerable amount of time and energy into properly insulating your home, it's probably best to hire a professional insulation contractor. Certain types of insulation pose health risks during and after the installation process if the appropriate protocol is not followed. For example, it is very dangerous to install insulation near furnace water heaters.
