Properly insulating your attic is one of the most effective methods of improving your home’s energy efficiency and overall comfort. A suitable insulation installation can lower your energy bills, make it easier for your HVAC to keep up with demands, and even lower your carbon footprint.
Unfortunately, there are many wrong paths to take when installing insulation. Many people attempt a DIY installation in hopes of saving themselves more money, only to find that their work isn’t as effective as it could be.
You deserve a finished product that’s better than just “good enough.” With that in mind, here are some potential pitfalls you might experience when installing insulation and why hiring a professional is vital for achieving quality results.
The Basics of Attic Insulation
What exactly is attic insulation? It’s generally made from materials like fiberglass, spray foam, and cellulose. The material forms a barrier to keep heat or cold from transferring between your home’s exterior or interior. This makes it significantly easier for your HVAC system to keep your space cool.
But even more than that, having adequate insulation can keep your home’s temperature more stable so you end up spending less on energy expenses.
Why Is Proper Insulation Installation So Vital?
Even the best insulation materials on the market won’t live up to their potential if installed incorrectly. If you’re experiencing higher-than-normal energy bills despite having enough insulation, there’s a chance that poor installation practices are to blame.
Common Mistakes People Make With Insulation Installation
There are many potential struggles you could run into when installing your own insulation. Here are some of the most notable ones to help you avoid these common issues.
Not Having Enough Coverage
Easily the most common mistake is how often homeowners fail to purchase enough insulation to ensure even coverage. A similar issue occurs when they distribute the insulation unevenly, leading to cold spots and heat loss in areas that don’t have ample insulation.
This problem is significantly worse than it might sound. Even if you have just one area where you’re losing heat, your entire home’s temperature can be affected.
Using the Wrong Type of Insulation
Many people also forget that each type of insulation has specific applications and benefits. If you buy and install the wrong type, you’ll run into inefficiencies in your heat retention.
Fiberglass is a good example. It’s perfect for attics since it has standard joist spacing. In contrast, spray foam is better for irregular spaces because it is easier to install and more accurate than fiberglass.
Compressing Your Insulation
Accidentally compressing your insulation lowers its effectiveness. The compression makes it harder for the insulation to trap air. Many homeowners won’t know this and will still try to squeeze insulation into tight spaces. Professional installers know how to fit insulation in any space without this ever becoming a problem.
Ignoring Safety Precautions
Another common (and dangerous) issue with installing insulation yourself is how often homeowners bypass the crucial safety precautions. Insulation installation frequently involves hazardous materials, like fiberglass, which can harm your skin and respiratory system. Professionals have the training and gear to handle and install insulation safely.
Overlooking Ventilation
Ventilation is just as important as insulation for your home, especially in areas like your attic. You want enough ventilation to prevent moisture buildup so your insulation isn’t damaged.
Inadequate ventilation means mold growth and potentially even structural damage. Potential problems like this are why it’s vital to your attic’s health that you work with a professional. They can help balance insulation with ventilation so there’s just the right amount of airflow without rendering your insulation useless.
Forgetting to Seal Air Leaks
The installation process is often when a homeowner discovers they have air leaks in their attic. These usually occur around pipes or ducts.
While ventilation is still important, it should be thoughtful. It should never be a random leak that causes warm air to escape and undermines the insulation’s effectiveness. Professionals will always check for and seal any leaks before installing.
What the Professionals Have on the DIY Approach
What else do the pros have that’s hard to match when you try to install your insulation yourself? Here are a few reasons why calling on them can be so beneficial.
Years of Experience
If you’re going the DIY route, you probably haven’t done many insulation installations. And even if you have done a few, your experience and expertise don’t come close to what industry professionals can bring. Beyond proper installation, they understand areas like energy efficiency and building codes that can make the installation smoother.
Advanced Tools and Techniques
Even after a full day of DIY video watching, you probably won’t have the state-of-the-art equipment necessary to get the most effective installation. Precision is a major part of installing insulation effectively, and certain pieces of professional equipment, like thermal imaging cameras, offer the only way to achieve that level of quality.
A Cost-Effective Installation Process
It’s logical to assume that spending more money to have your insulation installed would make it more expensive. On the contrary, though, improper installation will likely cost you more in the long run due to energy inefficiencies or damage. Professional installation gets the job done right, saving you time, money, and resources over time.
A Comprehensive Attic Assessment
Even if you can effectively put the insulation in on your own, that’s likely where your own abilities end. In contrast, when a professional comes to install your insulation, they’ll perform an overarching attic assessment to check for any air leaks, existing issues with insulation, or water damage.
These concerns are fantastic to learn about. Not only are they helpful for installing insulation effectively, but they’ll also enable you to address any other issues in your attic that might impact your home in the future.
Have an Attic Project for Us?
Insulating your attic is a major investment in your home’s comfort. To make the most of it, you need to hire professionals who can help you maximize its benefits.
The next time you consider tackling insulation installation or any other attic project by your lonesome, remember that Attic Projects is here for you. Contact our team today to learn more about our professional insulation installation services.
Updated: August 13, 2024
