Do you feel a chilly draft blowing its way through your home, or do you notice a sudden spike in your heating bills each fall? If so, it might be time to consider improving your insulation, especially if your home is older and doesn’t have newer, thicker, more effective insulation. Once the decision is made to tackle better insulating your house, inevitably, the next question is should you purchase a DIY spray foam insulation kit or should you hire professional insulation installers? Let’s look at the pros and cons of DIY and hiring a professional, so you can make an informed decision.
Just how important is insulation in your home? Insulation is a workhorse for your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. When installed correctly, it creates an impenetrable barrier that locks in your home’s warmth during winter and keeps it cool during summer. It’s like a blanket that wraps around your home, ensuring the optimal indoor climate while keeping energy costs at bay. Considering the job insulation has to do, it’s important it’s installed right. Otherwise, you’re not going to benefit as much as you could from your home insulation in terms of your personal comfort and money savings.
Taking the DIY Approach to Insulation Installation
The popularity of DIY home improvement shows has convinced many homeowners to consider the DIY spray foam insulation kit. Not only does this give you the satisfaction of conquering a home improvement project yourself, but it can also save you some money. DIY insulation kits are generally cheaper than hiring professional installers. Plus, you can work at your own pace, fitting the project into your schedule as you see fit.
Pros of a DIY Spray Foam Insulation Kit:
- Personal satisfaction of tackling a home project
- Saves money over hiring professional installers
- Take on insulation installation one area at a time on you schedule
However, installing insulation isn’t as simple as it may appear. You need a certain level of skill and knowledge to get it right. If the insulation isn’t properly applied, it could lead to poor energy efficiency, costing you more in heating and cooling bills in the long run. There’s also the question of safety – insulation materials can be hazardous if not handled correctly. It’s crucial to wear appropriate protective equipment, such as a mask and gloves, and to work in well-ventilated areas.
Cons of a DIY Spray Foam Insulation Kit:
- Not as easy to apply as shown on TV, especially in larger areas
- Improper installation could lead to more drafts and less efficiency
- Insulation material needs to be handled properly for personal safety
Hiring Professional Insulation Installers
On the other hand, hiring professional insulation installers has numerous advantages. Our pros are trained to install insulation quickly, efficiently, and, most importantly, safely. Our insulation technicians have the training and certification to deliver an A+ job every single time. Members of our teams have certification as master craftsmen and from industry organizations, including High Performance Insulation Professionals and OSHA. From the roof to the crawl spaces to the garage, our experienced insulation pros will carry out diligent, efficient work.
A+ Insulation’s installers understand the best types and amounts of insulation for different parts of a home. This level of expertise minimizes the risk of mistakes or oversights that could hamper the effectiveness and cost savings of your insulation.
Moreover, professionals have access to high-quality spray foam insulation materials and tools that might not be included in a DIY kit, and would be too expensive to purchase as a homeowner, especially since home insulation can and should be a one-time project. And while professional insulation services come at a cost, you’re essentially investing in the optimal energy efficiency of your home. When done properly, insulation can lower your utility bills by up to 30%.
Pros of Hiring a Professional Insulation Installer
- No learning curve on the pro’s part, so insulation is installed quicker
- Comfortable with accessing all areas of your home from roof to basement
- No guessing which type and how much insulation to install where (a professional can explain why another type of home insulation might be better for a certain area)
- No buying insulation installation equipment you’ll likely use once
- Professional insulation installation can increase money saved on energy bills
Download a handy guide on what to look for when hiring an insulation contractor.
Weighing Your Options
When deciding between a DIY project and hiring a professional, consider your comfort level with home improvement tasks, your budget and the complexity of the job.
For smaller projects or those with straightforward insulation needs, a DIY kit might be sufficient. It’s an affordable option that provides you with the flexibility to manage your budget and time invested. But remember, DIY insulation requires careful handling, and the job can be more complicated than it initially seems.
On the other hand, if your project is complex – perhaps you have an older home with many nooks and crannies, or you’re dealing with areas that require special attention like attics or basements – hiring a professional installer is probably your best bet. While this option requires a larger investment, the result is high-quality, professionally installed insulation that ensures maximum energy efficiency—and you haven’t lifted a finger, crawled in an attic or wasted a weekend.
Ultimately, the choice between a DIY insulation project and hiring professional insulation installers comes down to your individual needs, skills and circumstances. Whether you choose to install the spray foam yourself or enlist the expertise of a seasoned professional, the key is to ensure your home is insulated correctly. This way, you can keep those expensive, annoying drafts out, maintain a comfortable home environment and save money on your energy bills in the long run.
If you’re unsure about your comfort level with installing insulation, give A+ Insulation a call and we can come to your home and give you advice specific to your home and goals, as well as a free quote!
Call A+ Insulation for all of your insulation questions and needs at (913) 281-2250.