DIY underfloor insulation is very doable in the right home, but not every subfloor is a DIY friendly workplace. There are (at least) three sets of circumstances when you should stop installing underfloor insulation and seek assistance.
- When the CONDITIONS become unsafe
- When YOU become unsafe
- If you suspect your product is FAULTY
(1) When the CONDITIONS become unsafe
Stop and get help if the space is too tight, the ground is wet or unsafe, there is exposed wiring, you suspect asbestos, there are active pests, or there is insufficient access to install your insulation neatly and securely.
(2)When YOU become unsafe
STOP if / when you are getting tired. Tired people make mistakes. Stop and rest. Do not work alone. Professional crews are made up of 3 people, 2 under the floor and 1 feeding in insulation. The ‘feeder’ was also there to provide support if there was ever an issue.
An experienced crew of 3 can install underfloor insulation in most homes in one day. But they have built up muscle strength over a long period of time. The average person does not have that muscle strength in “underfloor insulation installing” muscles. Whilst you might have good overall muscle strength, you will be surprised to learn that underfloor insulation may use muscles that you don’t normally use! {shock}
It’s not a time to be a hero or push beyond your limits. Installing underfloor insulation for a few hours a day is more than enough if you are not experienced.
{Added bonus: If you stop part way through installing, you can feel the difference between the floorboards that have been insulated and those that have not when you are inside – and you can show off the amazing change to your friends}.
(3)When the PRODUCT may not be right
STOP if you suspect the product you have has some kind of manufacturing fault. Occasionally, manufacturers make mistakes. Over 2 decades, we can count those instances on a single hand.
BUT those clients installed the product and were unhappy with the results. That created amazing angst that no one needed. Our products carry a product warranty and will be replaced if it is faulty. However, the installation is not covered by the product warranty and you will need to uninstall it in order for it to be replaced. It is much better if you don’t install it if you think it is faulty.
If in doubt, CHECK with us first. Take photos or videos and send them to us for verification.
