Installing insulation is a critical part of homeownership. High-quality insulation that is installed properly is an excellent long-term investment for your home. It keeps your home protected from the elements, allergens, and debris, and it makes it easier to control the temperature in your home.
You may be wondering how long it takes to install insulation. Like most things in homeownership, it depends.
The Insulation Installation Process
Installing new insulation can be done relatively quickly but involves several steps when done the right way. First, the space must be inspected and scoped by a professional to determine the best type of insulation, how much to order, and the preparation required.
Next, the space must be prepared for the new insulation. This can include extraction of the old insulation and cleaning. If new insulation is attached to a surface that is not prepared properly, it can lead to problems down the road.
After the space is prepared, the insulation can be installed and secured. As a final step, a professional installer will quality check the space to ensure that everything is properly secured and there are no missing pieces or gaps.
Factors that Impact the Time to Install Insulation
The time to install insulation varies widely. Some small-scale jobs can be completed in a matter of a few hours, and others may take two days or more. There are a number of factors that impact how long a particular installation will take.
Insulation Extraction
Modern types of insulation can last decades. However, older homes did not benefit from modern advances in insulation technology, and as a result, insulation can wear out and even become toxic.
In some cases, your contractor will need to perform an insulation extraction to get rid of the old and make room for the new. Depending on the size of your home and the condition of the old insulation, this process can take as much as a day or two.
Home Square Footage
It shouldn’t be a surprise that the bigger your home, the longer it will take to complete an insulation installation. Small homes may be completed in a few hours or one working day, while a large home will take more labor and may take multiple days.
Type of Insulation
Not all insulation is created equal, and not all insulation is installed through the same process. For example, fiberglass insulation is cut and molded to fit the particular space it needs to fill. Spray foam insulation is sprayed through a special machine to fill the space.
Spray foam insulation installation can generally be completed more quickly, but it is not appropriate for all home types.
Accessibility of Attic
One of the most important factors in the amount of time it takes to complete an insulation installation is the accessibility of the attic. If your attic is difficult to get to, it will take more time to move materials into the space.
Accessibility also refers to the specific design of the attic. Some attics have a straightforward design that doesn’t require much custom work. Other attics have unique designs that create hard-to-reach areas, cracks, and crevices that take more attention and time.
Unforeseen Circumstances
While most insulation jobs are straightforward, there is always a risk of unforeseen circumstances once a job begins. Discovery of attic damage, mold, rodents, or other problems can delay the process.
It’s important to work with your insulation contractor from start to finish to ensure you know how much time is required. Even complicated insulation installation jobs can be completed relatively quickly in the grand scheme of things and will give you complete peace of mind that your home is protected.