SW CHICAGO Blog

Levels of Insulation Projects: Chicago Experts VS Contractors VS DIY

Why Are There Different Levels of Insulation Jobs?

With the amount of information readily available today it may cause some homeowners to wonder why they can’t just Google how to fix up their own insulation instead of paying for a contractor or expert to do it for them. While there are several home improvement projects that can be done DIY, it’s safer and more cost-effective to consult an industry professional for certain tasks. You may want to look into a local expert for a few factors such as safety and accuracy, as well as the possibility that you may save money when working with a contractor or experienced team.

Safety

There are many dangerous factors that come with certain home improvement initiatives. Most homeowners may think the worst danger is the prospect of falling off a ladder or having to work with power tools. However, installing insulation can be just as potentially harmful as working with saws and hammers.

Some insulation materials can be hazardous to work with if you're not experienced or trained to handle them. For example, spray foam insulation consists of two chemicals that when mixed together bubble up and create the foam insulation that protects your walls. These chemicals need to be properly mixed by an industry expert; mishandled products could become hazardous and correctly mixing and applying the material takes experience. For the safety of you and your household, these kinds of jobs should be left to professionals.

Accuracy

When it comes to installing insulation, it’s important to consider all of the aspects that go into the work. If the material isn’t properly installed or there isn’t adequate coverage, the insulation won’t be able to effectively reduce heat transfer. This is the rate at which heat enters and exits a building; the material throughout your home slows down this movement in order to trap desired warmth during the winter and block unwanted heat in the summer.

Whether you're putting insulation in for the first time or you’re replacing deteriorated or damaged material, the right steps need to be taken for a quality installation. When replacing insulation, you have to take into consideration how to clean and prepare the area. Many homeowners attempting to install insulation for the first time neglect to check for moisture or damages; once they apply the insulation, it hides the problem. Trapped moisture is an especially hazardous enemy to your home, as it can damage your structure and increase humidity which encourages mold growth, termites, and other pests.

Savings

Although DIY projects are often considered cheaper than hiring an outside source, this isn’t always the case in terms of updating insulation and air sealing. The most common problem homeowners run into is the lack of time and expertise to complete a quality job. This means they end up hiring the assistance they initially neglected, increasing their cost and, potentially, waste. 

While the DIY initiative is great for small projects, it may be difficult to ensure you have everything perfect by yourself. If you don’t have the right research, tools, and experience, it can lead to mistakes being made or even the purchase of wrong materials. Hiring outside help reduces these risks while also ensuring a quality job is done in a timely and cost-effective manner.

The Levels of Insulation Projects

Level 1: DIY Jobs

DIY jobs are great for small improvements in your home such as fixing a hole in your wall or updating your appliances. Most homeowners can manage simple insulation and air sealing updates. For example, caulking around your windows and sealing your doors to close off gaps, cracks, and holes can greatly improve your indoor air quality and reduce the infiltration of outdoor air pollutants. Additionally, once you understand how to effectively calculate your necessary R-value, you can even replace material like fiberglass or mineral wool batts. As mentioned earlier, though, it’s crucial to ensure the space is adequately cleaned and inspected before installation to prevent trapped moisture or hidden damages.

Level 2: Home Improvement Contractor

Hiring a home improvement contractor can be extremely useful for most renovation projects. Whether you're working on adding construction or insulating a new space, a private contractor can be a safe place to start for some basic insulation consultations. However, it’s important to remember that not all contractors are aware of code requirements and climate zone recommendations. While a private contractor can help you install the material correctly, it’s still important to have a professional evaluation to ensure you’re meeting the needs of your home.

Level 3: Insulation Experts

Industry experts are considered insulation pros for a very good reason. They take specific training courses to ensure that they can give the best advice as well as install insulation without wasting time, product, and money. Insulation professionals are familiar with factors that are commonly overlooked by inexperienced homeowners, like the importance of ventilation and airflow, overlooked air leaks, and vapor or moisture barrier needs. When it comes to performing a cost-effective and timely service that's still efficient and long-lasting, calling in your local insulation contractors is often your best option to ensure the comfort and safety of you and your household.

Be Confident in Your Decisions with Professional Advice

There are significant differences in typical insulation projects that call for various levels of understanding. While a homeowner may be able to calculate the R-value of the current material in their home and perform basic removal and installations, a home improvement contractor is often more likely able to notice hidden damages and prepare the area for an adequate fitting. Even still, consulting an insulation professional will give you a more accurate evaluation and guarantee a proper installation with less waste, cost, and time consumed. They’re also trained to help you choose insulation that fits the needs of your home, instead of simply removing old insulation and reinstalling similar material that could be inefficient in protecting your structure from heat loss, moisture, and irregular temperatures.

Koala Insulation of Southwest Chicago offers free evaluations to provide you with the current condition of your home's insulation, areas for improvement, and potential changes that could improve your environment. With the help of our experienced technicians, you'll have a better idea of what kind of projects you should be prioritizing, including where professional help will be necessary. To learn more about the impact of insulation and air sealing on home improvement projects, contact Koala Insulation of Southwest Chicago for your free evaluation.