It doesn’t seem that difficult. Roll out some batts, make a few measurements, adhere the insulation to the joists. The truth is, however, adding home insulation to your attic or walls is a difficult task. And it should only be handled by a professional. Here’s a comparison of DIY projects versus professional installation jobs.
DIY installation
Without the necessary expertise to select and properly install home insulation, you could run up against problems like:
- Moldy insulation.
- A rotting structure.
- Installing insulation around exhaust vents, ductwork and other obstructions.
- Balancing ventilation and insulation.
- Choosing the right insulation R-value.
- Assessing the amount of existing insulation and calculating how much new insulation to install.
- Installing insulation in walls without noticeably damaging the home.
Professional installation
Professional insulation installers know how to evaluate your home’s existing insulation and choose the right R-value and the proper type of insulation to ensure your home performs. During installation, your installer can tackle challenges like:
- Damaged insulation, such as damp or wet insulation.
- Properly removing mold.
- Installing insulation in an existing home without damaging walls, ceilings, etc.
- Knowing the signs of a rotting structure.
- Accessing hard-to-reach spaces.
- Creating a symbiosis between ventilation and insulation in the attic.
- Air sealing the areas behind insulation, such as recessed lights, plumbing vents, kneewalls and so forth.
- Creating proper barriers around vents, lighting, etc. before installing insulation.
Can you afford to put your home’s insulation at risk with a DIY diagnosis and home insulation installation? There’s more to the installation process than meets the eye. It involves choosing the right materials, assessing the quality of existing insulation, selecting the right R-value and the best types of insulation to use, as well as installing the materials correctly.
