The do-it-yourself impulse is strong in many people and in most cases that’s great because it allows them to save a few bucks hanging their own front door or replacing bathroom tiles or laying down carpet. But not every project is a good candidate for the DIY treatment. Electrical wiring for instance should never be done by anyone other than a licensed electrician and installing spray foam insulation should never be done by anyone other than a properly trained professional. Below we’ll provide a number of reasons why that is.
There’s a Right Way and a Wrong Way
Just because you can find spray foam insulation kits at the local home improvement centre doesn’t mean you should try and install the stuff yourself. There’s a right way and a wrong way to do it and if you do it the wrong way you run the risk of putting your loved ones in danger and hurting the market value of your home. Here are some reasons you should leave spray foam insulation to the pros:
- The Potential for Fire – Spray foam insulation is the most effective way to insulate your home but the vapour produced during installation is flammable. So much so that if you are installing the insulation in the basement the fumes may ignite if your oil furnace is running during the install. Because of this fire danger you need to know how to handle the chemicals involved properly as well as know all the safety precautions to take during installation to prevent combustion of the resulting gases.
- You Need the Right Gear – Those same flammable vapours can also be a health hazard. Installation must always be done using the right gear and enough time must be given after the installation is complete for the fumes to dissipate. Once they have the home will be as safe as ever but you need to know the proper safety procedures and adhere to them.
- It Needs to be Installed Properly – Did you know that spray foam needs to be installed in layers? Do you know why it needs to be installed in layers? Most DIYers are unable to answer these questions. It’s not their fault. They’re not spray foam installation specialists after all. But these things are important and if the installation is done improperly your home could have an odd smell for years.
- Potential Damage to the Value of Your Home – As is the case with any type of botched insulation job, if the spray foam insulation is not installed properly it could do significant damage to the value of your home. Fixing the botched installation job after the fact is also going to be a big expense and a major inconvenience. Your home is likely the biggest single investment you will ever make. Don’t gamble with its value or integrity. Including cavity wall insulation is a great way to save on your energy bills. You could qualify for cavity wall insulation if you are a homeowner. To find out more about free insulation grants read the Warma UK full guide on how to qualify for a free grant.
If you are contemplating spray foam insulation for your home contact your local spray foam installation specialist. They’ll answer all your questions and concerns about this leading edge home insulation option.
