ST. LOUIS Blog

Top 6 Mistakes of DIY Insulation

July 20, 2021

Insulation has many benefits. It regulates your home’s temperature, saves energy, and soundproofs - as long as it's installed correctly.  Not installing insulation correctly can range make it ineffective or even lead to damage. 

Choosing and installing insulation is no small feat, and we have seen what can happen when projects go south.  Koala Insulation of St. Louis is the best insulation contractor in town, and we are experienced in new installations, retrofits of older homes, and correcting DIY jobs.  The insulation trade requires knowledge, expertise, and precision.   Here are the top mistakes we see when DIY jobs go wrong:

Blocking Air Flow

Soffits and vents enable airflow that is meant to reduce humidity levels and lengthen the life of the roof.  Clogging them raise humidity levels in the attic, resulting in mold and other issues.  Koala Insulation of St. Louis ensures proper airflow with the proper installation of baffles - pre-shaped channels designed to allow air to move freely from the soffit to the roof vent.

Neglecting to Air Seal

Insulating without air sealing is like having a cooler with the lid off.  The purpose of air sealing is to stop air leaks between the conditioned living space and the unconditioned space.  Failure to air seal properly will cause your HVAC to work overtime. Koala Insulation of St. Louis air seals in all the right places – doors, windows, around electrical wires and boxes, around lights and vents, etc.

Wasting Time and Money Pulling Out Old Insulation

Old insulation must go if it has been exposed to pests, mold, fire, or water.  Old insulation also has a risk of containing asbestos, which can be very dangerous to disturb. Removing insulation is a dirty job that is harder than it looks.  If the old insulation is in a safe condition, you can save time and money by blowing new insulation right on top!  If it must go, Koala Insulation of St. Louis is the expert in insulation identification and removal and will ensure the job is done efficiently and safely.  If you have insulation in place and are unsure of the type or condition, call an expert.

Overstuffing

Batt and Blown-in insulation should be fluffy. The air pockets that make it look fluffy are what slows temperature change. If you overstuff, pack in, or compress insulation, those air pockets are squeezed shut, making the insulation less effective.

Stopping Short

Most DIY jobs do not have the precision required to make insulation most effective.  Leaving gaps and holes will reduce the product’s energy efficiency and will likely require correction from an insulation contractor.  Koala Insulation of St. Louis prides themselves in doing the highest quality job every time.

Not Taking Proper Precautions

Different types of insulation pose different types of risks.  Not using proper personal protective equipment (PPE) can be harmful to your health. 

Cellulose insulation is very dusty during the installation process and should not be inhaled. 

Fiberglass insulation contains small particles of glass that can cause irritations to the skin and eyes. The particles can also be inhaled, causing respiratory issues. 

Spray Foam insulation is heavily regulated by OSHA, and for good reason.  Exposure to isocyanates can lead to wheezing and coughing or even sensitization. Once skin or lungs are sensitized, it’s possible for symptoms of asthma to be triggered long into the future.  Additionally, improper installation of spray foam can be a fire hazard.

Koala Insulation of St. Louis is fully trained, licensed, and certified in all types of insulation installation, testing, and removal. 

When in doubt, call an expert and stay safe!

Contact Koala Insulation of St. Louis today, the best insulation contractor in town!