Do it Your Self Insulation – Tips

Insulating Your Home Using Do-It-Yourself  Insulation Kits

Spray  insulation is a type of insulation that seals the home from air and moisture intrusion, protecting it from potentially dangerous molds and dust. This insulation also doesn’t sag, and even adds strength to the building structure. In addition, spray foam insulation reduces the wear and maintenance of HVAC equipment, thus saving on costly utility bills.

What a Spray Foam Insulation Is

Basically, spray  insulation is polyurethane foam that is used to insulate walls and ceilings in the home. It is applied by pumping or spraying, and one disadvantage of this type of insulation is that it usually has to be installed by professionals, making it rather costly.

However, since it’s in spray form and not some large, bulky solid medium, an advantage of this insulation is that it can get into tiny nooks and crannies, providing better insulation. And it’s also a good adherent, which means that as it sticks to a floor, it insulates it from underneath. This helps in keeping out hot air on warm days, as no cold air can escape outside. The same is true during the cold months, as heat is kept inside the house, warming it up in the winter.

You can also save on extermination bills by using it, as it can fill up every little crack and crevice throughout the house, making it difficult for insects and vermin to get inside.

Do It Yourself

Several years ago, applying spray insulation usually required hiring a professional using some machinery. It’s different today, as it has become a simplified process, thanks to advances in modern technology and foam chemistry, which resulted in the development of handi-foam kits and self-contained kits. These kits can be practically used by anyone, as no special training is needed, and can even be operated without power. Spraying polyurethane foam can now be as easy as point and spray, with the only thing required for the user is to follow the instructions in the manual.

Guidelines in Using Insulation Kits

1. Always remember to wear eye protection and a dust mask, along with gloves and overalls when using insulation kits.

2. Cover floors, carpets, and furniture to protect them from over-spray.

3. Provide adequate ventilation by opening windows or using a fan to circulate air into the room if necessary.

4. Since it’s the same as spraying paint, it’s recommended to start with a thin layer of foam first then build up as needed. It’s also important to note that the foam expands before hardening, and control of the spray flow depends on how much the trigger is pressed.

5. Always shake the tanks before spraying, and make sure that it’s warmed up at to least 86 Fahrenheit.