DIY Insulation Repair: The Ins and Outs

You rely on your home to give you protection from the elements, and its insulation goes a long way in keeping the temperature in your residence healthy and comfortable. Then again, your home also relies on you to protect it, because it can’t repair itself. Doing your own repairs can save you money and help you take true ownership and responsibility for your home. Before you do any DIY insulation repair, though, you should know some ins and outs.

In: Radiant Barriers

Radiant barriers are great around water heaters and inside garage doors. They’re a thermal break for both cold and moisture. They make life a lot more comfortable for everyone in your home.

Out: Stuffing

Stuffing fiberglass insulation into any space will crush it. That actually makes its effectiveness go down. If you stuff fiberglass it increases the thermal conductivity by removing the insulating air.

In: Professionals

Know where to draw the line between doing it yourself or having professionals come in to do the work. Sometimes, industry specialists are what you need more than anything. So don’t be afraid to look for professional help. It may end up being better in the long run.

Out: Don’t Block Things

Don’t block gable or soffit vents when doing attic insulation. Proper airflow is essential to keeping condensation from forming. Moisture and condensation typically ruin the insulation. It also results in an environment where mold can happen.

In: Moisture Barriers

Install a moisture barrier. This can be either polyethylene or plastic. Put it over any insulated walls. Use tape to seal all the seams along the tops and bottoms. This will mean there is reduced warm air transfer to cold air, and it should prevent all condensation. Also, look into spray foam from a company like Everest Systems. This foam can help you fix small holes in the insulation.

Out: Don’t Burn Insulation

Never dispose of your insulation by burning it. That’s toxic. It will hurt the environment, and it’s not healthy for you or anyone else around. The best option is just putting any older or extra insulation into plastic bags and transporting it to your local dump or refuse disposal station.

In: Protect Yourself

Make sure you wear protective clothing, including a mask, if you work with any fiberglass insulation. You never want to breathe glass into your lungs in any form or fashion.

Whether you call them ins and outs or do’s and don’ts, you should be aware of what you should do versus what you should avoid in any DIY home repair. This is particularly true of the insulation in your home.