Spray Foam: Should You Choose DIY or Professional Installation?
Spray foam has been all the rage as of late in home insulation, and that’s for good reason. Its lightweight, impenetrability, ease of application in the most inconvenient locations, and second-to-none thermal insulation properties make it hard to choose something else. At the same time, its convenience begs a question: Should you install the spray foam yourself or hire a professional? Both options come with their pros and cons, and in this article, we will examine them in detail to help you make an informed decision.
Do-It-Yourself Spray Foam Installation
Installing spray foam yourself is exciting to consider. After all, you can’t just have a professional come out every time you need something done or repaired.
The pros:
- The savings
You will be able to potentially save quite a bit on professional labor costs. In most cases, the open and closed cell spray foam kit will be the only expense, making this an attractive option for those on a budget.
- Flexibility
A do-it-yourself insullation spray foam kit offers the flexibility to work at a time and pace convenient for you. You can plan the work according to your schedule and not depend on the availability of the professionals. This is particularly advantageous if you have irregular working hours or many other commitments.
- Acquiring new skills
Handling the installation yourself allows you to learn new construction skills that can come in handy for future home improvement projects in the future.
- Greater control
When you handle the spray foam insulation R value job yourself, you have control over every step of the process. This is crucial if you are meticulous and want all the R value of spray foam insulation to be managed your way.
The cons:
- Time and effort
Installing polyurethane spray foam yourself demands considerable time and physical effort and if you lack experience doing such work, it can drag on for quite a while, full of unexpected delays. Assuming you have no prior knowledge of the process, you will end up having to spend lots of extra time studying the instructions, searching for information, and getting a handle on the intricacies of installation. This task can be particularly grueling if the spray foam insulation kits cover 1000 sq ft or more, such as a garage or entire house. Considering these factors, installing foam yourself can take several weeks or even months, potentially disrupting your plans and schedule.
- Potential poor insulation job
A lack of knowledge and skills can lead to errors at every stage of the process. For instance, improper surface preparation can result in poor adhesion of the foam. Flawed cutting and installation of foam can create cracks and gaps, reducing the insulation’s effectiveness. Thus, your efforts and investment may not yield the expected results. Consequently, you might need to redo the work later. Inept utilization of a spray foam insulation machine can also affect the material’s durability.
- Tool Investments
High-quality installation of spray foam insulation (closed cell or open cell) necessitates certain tools and materials that you may not have on hand. These include specialized knives for cutting foam, adhesives, anchors, and other tools that are not typically available in the ordinary household. Purchasing all the necessary tools can significantly increase the overall project cost, potentially making a DIY installation less economical than expected.
- Safety
Foam installation work can be hazardous, particularly if performed at heights, such as when insulating the roof or upper floors of a building. A lack of experience and skills can lead to accidents and injuries. You may risk falling, getting cut, injuring yourself with the tools, and getting the insulation on your skin if proper precaution isn’t taken.
Installation of polystyrene foam by professionals
The standard practice is for insulation to be performed by trained professionals. Here are some additional considerations.
Additional upside of professional installation
Professionals possess extensive experience and skills to perform high-quality foam installation. This allows them to avoid common mistakes. For instance, they know the exact preparatory work required before installation, the correct methods for cutting the foam, and the best techniques for securing it to ensure maximum insulation efficiency. Their expertise ensures a high-quality job that delivers long-term results, meaning the insulation will serve you for many years, maintaining your home’s warmth and saving you on heating costs. For that reason, the cost long-term may indeed end up paying off in this case.
The speed of their work is also crucial if the project needs to be finished quickly, for instance, before the onset of the cold season. There is an opportunity cost to performing insulation installation yourself, as it can be utilized for other important tasks or projects. Quick installation also minimizes the period of discomfort associated with construction work in your home.
Potential Downside If You Encounter an Unprofessional Company
First of all, in addition to the higher upfront spray foam insulation cost, if you call out professionals to do it for you, you will have to adhere to their schedule. Some companies may require you to wait around for a long time or be delayed by being understaffed. There are also unscrupulous contractors out there who may try to cut corners. Always be sure to check company reviews, as choosing the wrong contractor could end up costing you extra down the line.
The Verdict
So what’s the best way to go?
The choice between installing closed cell spray foam with high r value yourself or hiring a professional depends on a variety of factors, including your budget, experience, time, and preferences. Here are a few recommendations to help you make the right decision.
- Assess your capabilities: If you have experience with construction work and feel confident in these projects, do it yourself foam installation might be your best option. However, if you have never done such work and are not prepared to invest the time and effort, it’s better to hire professionals to handle your spray foam high r value envelope.
- Compare the cost: check out the spray foam insulation cost and tools you need and compare it with the prices for professional services. This comparison will help you determine how significant the savings are and whether it’s worth the effort.
- Consider the timing: If the work needs to be completed quickly, such as before the heating season starts, hiring professionals might be a more practical solution.The same applies if you don’t want the discomfort of a continuous construction project
Ecothermix enjoys a well-deserved reputation as an honest spray foam insulation company that goes the extra mile for homeowners and utilizes cutting-edge green spray foam technology that while providing the utmost protection and insulation value to your home. If you decide to have one of our experts come by, they will provide you detailed information on which areas of your home to insulate, where there may be potential problems, and they will use their spray foam insulation cost calculator to determine what the ballpark cost of the project will be.
Get in touch with Ecothermix to order your spray foam insulation or set an appointment today.
.[/fusion_text]
