Spray foam insulation is becoming an increasingly popular choice for homeowners across the country. It is highly effective, lasts a long time, is durable in most climates, and is usually stress-free to install. But because installing spray foam insulation seems so simple, many homeowners may be tempted to install it themselves without realizing that there are a number of risks associated with improperly installing spray insulation.
1. Installation Safety Risks
Homeowners unfamiliar with spray foam insulation may be unaware of how complicated it is to actually apply. The application process involves mixing and heating multiple compounds to elicit a chemical reaction that enables the foam to be spread.
Such chemicals have to be mixed in the right order, in the right proportions, and at the right temperature, and making a mistake with these (often toxic) chemicals can result in burns, illnesses, or otherwise dangerous situations.
In addition, installing insulation in a place such as an attic often involves moving beams around and carefully placing equipment. One wrong move could risk a perilous fall for both the homeowner and the equipment.
2. Post-Installation Health and Safety Risks
Insulation technology has advanced over the years and is now much safer and more environmentally friendly. However, insulation still contains chemicals and compounds that need to be handled with care.
Poorly installed spray insulation can result in chemical off-gassing, which means the insulation is releasing gas into your home that can cause a number of negative health side effects, including:
- Eye irritation
- Nose irritation
- Skin irritation
- Sickness in pets
- Respiratory issues
In addition to off-gassing, improperly installed spray insulation will not do its job of preventing mold or other unwanted particles from entering the home, which can significantly impact air quality. When a home has poor air quality, the chances of both short-term and long term illness go up dramatically.
Thankfully, though, each of these risks becomes nearly nonexistent when you trust in a professional to handle the installation.
3. Poorly Functioning Insulation
The whole point of insulation is to properly seal your home and prevent leakage. While spray foam insulation may seem foolproof, it still requires an expert’s eye to determine its proper installation method. An attempt at a DIY installation can result in significant gaps that will cause leakage and drafts, and when insulation is not airtight, these problems tend to get worse over time.
The last thing a homeowner wants is to invest in insulation, only to find that it is not working properly and not making much of a difference in their home. Homeowners are far better off investing in professionally installed insulation than attempting it themselves, only to be left with insulation that does not work properly or potentially puts them in danger.
4. Costly to Fix
Spray foam insulation costs are often what drive homeowners to attempt a DIY project in the first place, but it’s vital to understand that the initial professional installation cost is nothing compared to the cost of fixing a botched DIY job.
If a DIY installation goes poorly, homeowners may find themselves paying for insulation extraction, decontamination, and the cost of reinstallation. If there was a mistake made with the chemical processing, those costs could be even higher.
Improper handling of spray foam chemicals can result in serious damage to a home’s infrastructure, as well, which can easily cost thousands of dollars to repair. If chemicals have leaked into the home post-installation, chemical abatement throughout the house may be necessary, too.
Keep the Spray Foam Insulation Cost Low by Hiring a Professional
While it can be tempting to cut costs by opting for DIY in-home projects, insulation installation shouldn’t be one of them. Don’t gamble with your insulation investment; hiring a professional is critical to ensure that spray foam insulation is installed properly and safely.