3 Common Mistakes of Inexperienced Insulation Installers (and How to Avoid Them)

Installing wall or ceiling insulation requires practice and craftsmanship. Insulation materials have to be carefully selected to suit the space and cut to the exact dimensions of the cavity to be most effective. When installed correctly, insulation reduces average home heating and cooling costs by 30%, so it’s always best practice to use the services of a trusted professional like the team at Insulation Essentials. There is also a range of hazards to consider during installation and many easy errors that can dramatically reduce the performance of the insulation investment. To avoid costly or dangerous mistakes during insulation installation, ensure your installer is keeping these three challenges (and their solutions) in mind.

1. Not considering safety hazards

Not following safety practices and surveying the area for issues before installing ceiling insulation can be an expensive and dangerous mistake. An inexperienced installer might not consider the safety concerns of the space before beginning to install new insulation such as dust, mould, roof access, wet tiled roofs, or cramped areas. Before installing any insulation batts, ensure that the area is well lit, has appropriate airflow (so as not to overheat) and that the power to the house is switched off at the mains box.

Consider the install route and ensure that access to the area is unobstructed to avoid any unnecessary tripping risks. It’s also important to take note of the placement of electrical wiring and downlights, particularly when using reflective foil which could act as a conductor causing a potential fire hazard. Before installing or retrofitting insulation, ensure that your installer is following all OH&S tips for installing insulation

2. Poor air sealing before insulation install

An inexperienced or DIY insulation installer might not realise how important it is to ensure there are no gaps or cracks before installing insulation. Detecting and plugging draughts with caulk or weatherstripping is best (and easiest) to do before placing glasswool batts. Small crevices due to poor sealing will encourage air leakage, which makes the insulation less effective and causes your air conditioner to work harder, costing you money. In cooler months, poor sealing draws the hot air into the ceiling or attic and outside of the house, while simultaneously allowing the cooler outdoor air access to the home. Roof spaces are prone to poor air sealing due to vent pipes, electrical cables and lighting, so it’s important to correct any gaps before installing ceiling insulation.

If you notice that the indoor temperature tends to fluctuate or that there are draughts throughout your home, this may be an indicator of poor air sealing. Insulation that appears dirty may show areas of the home that air is passing through and reveal any missed spots in the air sealing process. An insulation expert will help you to determine if your insulation has been compromised and if it needs replacement.

3. Misaligned or overlapping batts

Poorly aligned batts will leave gaps that greatly reduce the effectiveness of the insulation. Aligning batts correctly can be particularly difficult around corners and smaller spaces or if the batt sizing or R-Value is incorrect, a common mistake when buying insulation. In poorly performed installs, it can be quite common to see gaps around the perimeter where the batt has not filled the entire cavity leaving uninsulated space. Misaligned batts can also be caused by overlapping batts or incorrectly sized batts that bow out and leave space under the ceiling insulation, causing heat transference. 

Before purchasing or installing insulation, check the joist spacing to determine a suitable batt width. Poor placement will dramatically reduce the thermal qualities and performance of your insulation investment, so it’s important to ensure your wall and ceiling insulation is installed by professionals like the team at Insulation Essentials.

Do you need to install ceiling insulation?

Insulation Essentials is Melbourne’s trusted supplier of high-quality insulation solutions for wall and ceiling insulation. With fast delivery and turnaround times, our insulation products and installation services come at a competitive price and follow all Australian standards and BCA requirements. We stock superior products from trusted brands such as Bradford in a wide range of sizes and R-values to suit your home.

To learn more about our insulation products and services, please give us a call on 03 8339 7111 or fill out our online contact form today.