NASHVILLE Blog

Top DIY Insulation Mistakes

There are several benefits of insulation, ranging from regulating the temperature in your home and saving energy to soundproofing the home. You can enjoy the benefits of insulation if it's properly installed. However, it can become ineffective and result in more damage if it isn't well installed.

Choosing insulation for your home and installing it in Nashville can be challenging, especially if you're not a professional; you wouldn't like the outcome of an incorrect installation. Installing insulation requires some amount of professionalism, knowledge, and accuracy. When it comes to DIY insulation jobs, here are some of the possible mistakes that could occur:

Air Gaps from Improper Installation

Many DIY jobs make the mistake of installing insulations incorrectly, which can cause air gaps; this is a common mistake because installing insulation requires precision to make it effective, but not everyone can meet that requirement. Air gaps and holes can make the insulation less effective, and you'll still need to get an insulation expert to correct it.

Blocked Air Flow

Having free airflow helps reduce humidity and preserve the lifespan of the roof, which is why vents and soffits are meant to be clear. However, when the airflow is obstructed, it can cause the humidity level in the attic to rise, and consequently, molds and other problems start to develop. A professional can ensure the proper free of airflow from the vent to the soffit.

Removing Old Insulation When Unnecessary

Insulations exposed to severe conditions like fire, water, mold, and pests would need to be replaced. However, it's vital to know that old insulation has a higher possibility of containing asbestos which most people wouldn't want to battle.

Additionally, the process of pulling out old insulation can be dirty and difficult than it may seem. Hence if your old insulation is still safe to use, you can install a new one on top. This way, you save time and money. If you're not sure of the condition of your insulation, you could get a professional to help you check it out.

Not Focusing Enough on Air Sealing

Having air leaks from incorrect installations can be likened to pouring water into a basket. You lose the content, plus you'd have to work even harder to keep up with the desired content level. That's insulation without air seals work. Air sealing are meant to prevent air from escaping to the outdoor atmosphere so your HVAC system wouldn't have to overwork itself to change the room temperature.  It's vital that your insulation is correctly installed as well as looking out for air leaks.

Not Exercising Precaution Enough

Each insulation type has its own risk; hence without proper precaution, there can be damages. For instance, fiberglass insulations can cause respiratory problems, skin and eye irritation because of their small glass composition. Bring exposed to isocyanate from spray foam can cause respiratory problems too.

Overstuffing

Insulation like Batt and Blown-in can become less effective when it's overstuffed or compressed. Generally, the fluffy texture of the batt and blown-in insulation result from the air pockets; these air pockets help slow down the temperature change. Hence the insulation air pockets become squeezed when compressed, which makes it function less effectively.

Endnote

There you have it! Above are some common DIY insulation errors. Executing your insulation project using do-it-yourself techniques can be stressful and time-consuming. Moreover, your little knowledge or expertise may hinder you from getting the job done perfectly. Therefore, hiring an experienced insulation expert is always the ideal thing to do.

Call us today at Koala Insulation to get a quote for your next home insulation project. We guarantee outstanding and unparalleled services. We serve home owners throughout Brentwood, Franklin, East Nashville, Madison, Old Hickory, Bellevue, Nolensville, and other Nashville areas.