Don't DIY (Don't Do Insulation Yourself)

In today’s culture of DIY everything, it appears no task is too big or too complicated. There are endless how to videos and guides online that will walk you step by step through any project you may want to tackle.  And in the defense of the world-wide web, many of the projects can in fact be done by you and your family on a Sunday afternoon. We just don’t think installing insulation is one of the projects you can complete effectively without some expertise. 

Regardless of what type of insulation you use for your home, proper installation is key to effectively controlling the temperature of your home (higher R-value) as well as ensuring the best efficiency (lower energy bills).  An R-value is the measure of an insulation’s ability to resist heat flow, which means the higher the R-value the better.  That is not the only factor to consider, because the R-value of insulation quickly diminishes when there are holes and gaps from installation. Just a 5% error in application can reduce your R-value by more than double.  And with more error, the negative effect is exponentially worse.

So, when evaluating the cost vs. value relationship of installing insulation on your own, you might want to consider hiring a pro who can ensure proper installation.  With that being said, there are some insulating materials that can be installed in your free time.  Thick floor length curtains can accentuate any room and provide extra protection from the outside temperature by preventing heat movement through windows.

I am not telling you stop being the best DIY family on the block, but I am simply advising you to pick your battles.  Go repaint your living room, or redo your bathroom, but maybe let a professional fix your HVAC system and install new insulation.

Here is a home where we recently improved the comfort and energy efficiency. If you would like more information on insulation for your home, check us out or give us a call! We would love the opportunity to earn your business.