Contractor’s Guide: 5 Essential Tips for Insulation Installation
Construction projects are all about structuring a plan to complete jobs on time and within the client’s desired budget.
Insulation projects are no different. Whether installing insulation for a 2-bedroom house or a massive shopping mall, these projects must be meticulously planned.
Several factors can affect the success of an insulation installation, so planning is essential. Follow these five tips below to make your next insulation installation a resounding success:
-
Safety First
Safety is a crucial consideration for all construction projects for all contractors, regardless of whether you are an expert in the game or just learning the ropes.
While it might not seem obvious that an insulation job requires safety gear, it is always better to err on the side of safety.
You and your installation team should wear long-sleeved shirts and pants or coveralls, dust masks, gloves, and eye protection.
If you are working in a crawlspace, such as an attic, use kneepads and a hard hat for added protection.
-
Technical Considerations
Insulation must be handled with care.
When opening a new batch, do so carefully – it expands fast. Instead of trying to compress it to fit into a space, cut the insulation instead. Insulation can be cut and prepped against a smooth, flat surface away from electrical wiring.
There are a range of insulation options that can be installed in modern construction builds or retrofitted into homes to make them more energy efficient. It is crucial to consider the technical aspects of each type before choosing which to use for your specific project.
-
Cutting Panels
Cutting insulation rolls might seem like a straightforward task at first, but it does require specific tools and techniques to achieve accurate cuts.
The first tip is to avoid overhandling. Find a reliable transportation solution for Kingspan insulated panels and store the materials in a safe and dry place on-site.
Lay the insulation roll flat on a clean and dry surface. Use a measuring tape to determine the length of cut required, mark the cut line, and use a sharp utility knife, long-bladed scissors, or shears to cut through the insulation in a single stroke.
If possible, work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes, dust, or particles.
-
Materials Handling
To prevent irritation or hazards, handle all insulation materials with extreme care.
Keep insulation materials away from electrical wiring and outlets or plug points to prevent fires and other hazards. To avoid accidental spills and damage, leave the insulation in its original packaging until it is ready for use.
After filling a space with batt insulation, fluff it to ensure it reaches its full expansion.
-
Access Tips
Include a clearly defined access plan for your project.
Visit the site prior to installation to assess what equipment is needed, such as scaffolding, man lifts, or ladders to access work areas.
Be sure to add these costs into your quote to avoid underestimated costs or loss of productivity.
To End
When your project is complete, take a step back to assess the overall look of the finished job. If an insulation system does not look good, it probably will not work well either.
Lastly, check for gaps or insulation that is not securely fitted, because that can lead to performance issues down the road.
Visit the rest of the site for more interesting and useful articles.
