PEARLAND Blog

The Difference Between DIY, Contractor, and Insulation Expert Projects

Understanding the Difference Between Insulation Projects

Thanks to the vast resources of the internet, there is an abundance of informative videos, helpful blogs, and educational research that can help homeowners find simple, easy-to-do solutions for common household issues. As such, some may wonder why more people don’t simply take a trip to their local hardware store and change out their insulation on their own.

Although it may be true that there are a number of home improvement projects that could be considered Do-It-Yourself (DIY), in many cases, it's safer and actually more cost-effective to hire an industry professional. To make sure a project is done accurately and safely, it's a good idea to consult a local expert. On top of that, many homeowners don't realize that they may also be saving money in the long run by reducing the risk of costly mistakes, wasted material, and continued discomfort.

Luckily, you don't necessarily need to give up on your DIY dreams just yet - simply consulting with an insulation professional can provide you with the opportunity to learn more about the current condition of your home. This gives you an idea of where you'll need to hire an experienced individual and areas where you can make simple fixes on your own. The first step in understanding the difference between jobs is to know why you need to take the time to schedule an evaluation in the first place.

Safety

If handled poorly, there are many dangerous factors that could put an inexperienced individual at risk when attempting even intermediate home improvement projects. For some tasks, the largest threat is potentially falling off of your ladder or using power tools. However, installing certain insulation materials could be just as dangerous as working with saws and hammers - especially if you’re unfamiliar with what you’re handling.

Certain types of materials can be considered unsafe or risky to work with if you don't have the experience or training necessary to handle them properly. For example, large-scale spray foam jobs need the proper equipment, protective gear, and training to handle both the chemicals that need to be mixed together plus the tools required to install the foam. Mishandled products or incorrect chemical levels could become hazardous, and learning to use the equipment and balance the proper mixture takes experience. On the other hand, canned spray foam is more common than renting an entire rig and can often be found in your local hardware store for minor touch-ups. For the safety of you and your household, the more complicated jobs should be left to the professionals.

Accuracy

When it comes to replacing insulation, it’s about more than just removing the old material and adding in a new pack. This isn’t the same project as simply switching out your air filters. If the material isn’t properly installed or there isn’t sufficient coverage, your insulation won’t be able to effectively reduce the rate at which heat can move through the building, known as heat transfer.

The correct steps need to be taken when anticipating a quality result, regardless of whether you're installing new insulation or looking to replace deteriorated and damaged material. As insulation is replaced, the area needs to be properly cleaned and prepared. One of the most common mistakes made by homeowners during a DIY installation is failing to check for moisture or hidden damages. Once they install the replacement insulation, these problems are tucked out of sight and left to fester. Trapped moisture can be an especially hazardous enemy to a house, as it can damage the structure and increase humidity which encourages mold growth, termites, and other pests.

Savings

Homeowners most often set out to complete a DIY project in an effort to save money by avoiding the use of a middleman or overpriced products. Unfortunately, this isn't always the best decision for insulation and air sealing. A common problem homeowners don't typically consider is the lack of time and expertise that are required to complete a quality job. This leads to them eventually hiring the assistance they initially neglected, which can increase the cost and potential waste if the professionals need to reverse any mistakes made.

Although having a DIY initiative is perfect for smaller projects and touch-ups, it can be difficult to make sure everything is considered and taken care of on your own. If you don't have the right information, tools, or expertise, it may lead to mistakes being made or even the purchase of incorrect materials. When you hire outside help, the chances of these risks are reduced while also ensuring a quality job is completed in a timely and cost-effective manner.

The Levels of Insulation Projects

1. DIY - Homeowner Level

DIY renovations are projects that allow you to take your current skills and experience to complete a job. As mentioned earlier, the easily accessible research that's available thanks to internet resources has greatly expanded the capabilities of homeowners. This has broadened DIY horizons, expanding the potential for "in-house" jobs so to speak. With this research at their disposal, many homeowners are able to easily manage many simple insulation and air sealing updates.

For example, caulking around your window sills and door jambs to close off gaps, cracks, and holes can greatly improve the indoor air quality of your home. Sealing these air leaks helps to reduce the infiltration of outdoor air pollutants. Additionally, if you have a basic understanding of how to calculate your necessary R-value, you can even replace materials like fiberglass or mineral wool batts. As mentioned earlier, though, it's important to make sure the space is adequately cleaned and inspected before installation in order to prevent trapped moisture or hidden damages.

1. Home Improvement - Contractor Level

If you’re planning out a project that consists of something like new construction or replacing drywall around the house, a home improvement contractor can be extremely useful for many renovation projects. Private contractors can be a safe starting point when you’re looking to complete basic insulation jobs.

However, it's important to remember that not all contractors have an understanding of the various benefits of different materials and may not be familiar with local code requirements or climate zone recommendations. While a private contractor will be able to help you prepare the area and install some material like fiberglass batts or touch-up blown-in cellulose needs, it's still important to have the current insulation and air sealing evaluated. This ensures you're meeting the needs of your environment.

1. Evaluation & Installation - Insulation Expert Level

Insulation industry experts are considered to be the pros for a very good reason. These technicians often take specialized training courses to make sure they’re providing the best advice while also learning how to install material without wasting time, product, and money. Insulation professionals have an understanding of your area’s building codes, national recommendations, and climate zone requirements that may be overlooked by inexperienced homeowners.

Factors like the importance of ventilation and airflow, overlooked openings that contribute to air leaks, and vapor or moisture barriers are a few of the specialties these experts excel. When it comes to performing a cost-effective and timely service that's still installing efficient and long-lasting material, calling in the local insulation contractors is often your best option to ensure the comfort and safety of you and your household.

Learn More About Your Home’s Insulation Needs

Our insulation experts at Koala Insulation of Pearland understand the need for a quality job that doesn’t exceed your budget. We provide our neighbors with free evaluations so they can make informed decisions based on the current condition of the insulation and air sealing in their homes. If you’re interested in learning more about how our insulation experts can help improve your comfort, safety, and savings, contact Koala Insulation of Pearland today and schedule your free evaluation.