Poor project planning
It’s important to remember that you can’t just throw insulation in a hole and expect it to stay there. The material has to be cut, beaten, folded, or otherwise manipulated into place before being stuck with glue or nailed into place. If the DIYer doesn’t take the time to plan out where their insulation is going and how they’re going to get it in there, then more times than not the project will not be very efficient. Estimating the materials to be used during your project is also part of the planning. The area to be insulated must be properly measured – no using estimates! While most product packaging will have the general information, professionals always build in a contingency plan.
Choosing the wrong insulation material
There are two major types of insulation: fiberglass batts and blown-in cellulose. Batts are typically made from fiberglass, so it may come as no surprise that they’re often the wrong choice for DIYers who have allergies or sensitivities to this material. Batts also don’t do a good job insulating around obstructions like pipes and wiring, which means you’ll just be throwing your money away by using them in these areas. Blown-in cellulose is superior in almost every way compared to batts. It does an excellent job filling cavities around obstacles that could otherwise compromise the effectiveness of fiberglass batt insulation, and it’s very easy to use.
Spending too much time removing old insulation
Whether you’re removing old insulation to replace it with better material or because your house doesn’t have enough of it, don’t spend too much time getting rid of the old stuff. This is
especially true if you’re installing cellulose. It’s almost always a good idea to leave at least two inches of space between the top of any exposed beams and the roof. Removing all the existing insulation will make this impossible, which means you’ll end up wasting money by having to add more cellulose (or other) insulation later.
Poorly installed Vapor Barriers
The vapor barrier is an essential part of your home’s energy-efficient cooling system. It prevents moisture from reaching the walls, which could cause damage and even result in greater costs for repairs or replacements.
If you don’t have one installed properly – then there are some serious consequences! The wrong type can trap moistures leading them into being more expensive when repairing our building materials might be necessary due not only does their deteriorating but also affects how well we stay warm during winter months too.
There are many things to take into account when installing Vapor Barriers. This job is too intricate for beginners, and you could end up doing more damage than any good if it’s not done properly or with the wrong technique at all! Even worse? You may have no idea how your installation looks from every angle – which would make redoing everything again from scratch pretty unbearable (not that this has stopped people before).
Neglecting Air Sealants
It is simple for amateurs to leave holes in their attic insulation and other places. But sealing air gaps will make sure that your installed insulation remains effective and efficient, even when it comes down to repairing a few small gaps around windows!
So it’s pretty clear this step is worth doing well, right?
Misaligned Batts
Installing batts of insulation is a critical step in ensuring that your home has the best possible energy efficiency. Unfortunately, it’s often overlooked by DIY enthusiasts who install their panels incorrectly or without taking into account how the heat will travel through these new layers during winter months when heating needs are highest! The result? You might end up with less than expected from even what was supposed to be an optimal R-value rating for certain types.
Misunderstanding the R-Value
This is a pretty tough topic, especially for those of you who have never paid too much attention to the R-value. The truth? You might think that it’s an indication of just how effective a certain insulation type will be – even though it’s none other than a measure of resistance against heat transfer!
The higher its R-value, the longer you’ll be able to enjoy a cozy home without the worry of having it damaged or needing more than one layer thick to keep things warm!
Overstuffing the insulation
This is an issue that many DIY enthusiasts (and some pros) fall prey to. Using too much or too little of your insulation types. You may think that getting rid of every last strand is necessary, but overdoing it won’t help you save money in any way – unless you want to spend more on replacing the material later! On the other hand, if you think that you won’t need much of it at all – then you might end up with your efforts being wasted and a home that’s too cold to live in during certain months.
There are many different types of insulation, and not all of them work for every type of home. If you’re looking to get started with DIY insulation in your own home, make sure that you do your research before jumping into it. It’s important to know the difference between each type so you can choose the right one for your needs. We’ve covered some common mistakes homeowners make when installing their insulation but hiring a professional is still the best way to go. Our team at Attic Pro in San Antonio would gladly help you with all your insulation needs. Call us today at (210)750-6966!
