Certainly any investment in insulation will likely begin to both accrue energy savings and improve home comfort almost immediately – a warming thought in chilly months. The question for many people is whether it makes sense to tackle the project yourself or consider hiring a professional.
Depending on a number of factors, home insulation can be a do-it-yourself project.
- The type of insulation. In many cases, cellulose insulation, which is a completely green product, is the best fit for the job. However, cellulose does require professional installation.
- The location of your insulation. Some homeowners are more comfortable installing an insulating blanket around their water heater, for example, than installing attic insulation or blown-in wall insulation.
- Your time. Obviously your time has value, and because insulation can take a while, you may have difficulty scheduling a block of time around other commitments.
- Your tolerance for pain. Even materials that are easier for do-it-yourselfers to handle, like fiberglass batts, can be painful and hazardous to work with. Tiny fibers shards are irritating to the skin, and harmful to the lungs and eyes. Whenever you tackle an insulation project yourself, make sure you use the proper safety equipment and protocols.
- Your DIY skills. Even people who are otherwise handy around the home often decide to have a professional handle any insulation projects, due to some of the factors mentioned above. And if you don’t have a lot of DIY experience, insulation can be a time- and labor-intensive way to learn.
If you do your own insulation project, research and select the most effective type of insulation for your needs. Because there are a number of possible products for any given project, some are more suitable than others. Also, make sure insulation is the best solution for the problem you’re trying to solve, without introducing other issues. For example, a professional installer might see air sealing problems or water leaks that compromise the effectiveness of your insulation project, and should be addressed first.
Proper installation of your insulation material makes a big difference in its effectiveness. Whether you do it yourself or hire an insulation contractor, make sure the insulation is not compressed more than it should be, and that air voids and gaps are not present.
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