Insulation Installers

Career summary

Installers staple, wire, tape, or spray insulation to floors, ceilings, and exterior walls. They also cover pipes and other equipment. Insulation in buildings reduces energy use by keeping heat in during the winter and out in the summer. Insulation is also used to conserve heat in tanks, boilers, and hot water pipes.

Insulation installers begin their work by reading blueprints. They select the best type of insulation for the job. Installers fasten insulation with glue, staples, tape, or wire bands.

Installers often use a blower machine to insulate existing buildings. To cover a wall or other flat surface, installers may spray foam insulation onto a wire mesh and install drywall to cover it. In attics or walls of uninsulated buildings, installers blow in loose-fill insulation.

Installers staple insulation to exterior walls and ceilings in new construction and cover it with drywall or another finish. The same process is used with major renovations. Installers often must first remove the old insulation. If the old insulation is made of asbestos, regulations require that it be removed before a building is remodeled or torn down. Installers follow safety procedures to remove the asbestos.

Insulation installers use a variety of tools to do their work, such as:

• Knives
• Scissors
• Staple guns
• Power saws
• Compressors

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Building Maintenance Workers
• Construction Helpers
• Drywall Installers
• Floor and Carpet Layers
• Heating and Cooling System Mechanics
• Roofers
• Wallpaper Hangers
• Weatherization Installers and Technicians

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to insulation installers.

• Read blueprints and select the best type of insulation for the job.
• Prepare surfaces for insulation.
• Measure and cut sections of insulation to the proper length.
• Stretch material and slip over pipe.
• Fasten insulation with glue, staples, tape, or wire bands.
• May wrap a cover over the insulation and secure it in place.
• May install sheet metal around insulated pipes.
• Load blower machine with foam, fiberglass, cellulose, or rock wool insulation. Regulate flow of materials.
• Spray foam insulation onto wire mesh. Spray loose-fill insulation in attics or walls.
• Staple fiberglass or rock wool batts to walls and ceilings in new construction.
• Cover, seal, or finish insulated surfaces with plastic, canvas, sealants, tape, or mastic.
• May remove old insulation.
• Use common hand tools, such as knives, scissors, saws, and staple guns. Use power saws, welding machines, and compressors.

Common work activities

Insulation installers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Handle and move objects
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Get information needed to do the job
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Teach others
• Evaluate information against standards
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Develop and build teams
• Think creatively
• Communicate with people outside the organization

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, insulation installers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of job-required social contact.
• Communicate mostly by telephone and face-to-face discussions.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of others during installation.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others.
• On occasion must deal with unpleasant or angry individuals who may be upset about an aspect of installation.
• Often work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Are regularly exposed to contaminants, such as tiny particles from insulation materials.
• Often wear protective suits, masks, and respirators.
• Often work indoors, but may on occasion work outdoors. Indoor locations may not have heating or air conditioning, or may have spaces exposed to the elements.
• Are often exposed to loud and distracting sounds and noise levels.
• Are on occasion exposed to high places. There is only a low likelihood of slight injury from falls.
• Sometimes must get into awkward positions to reach cramped work places
• Sometimes are exposed to hazardous situations, equipment, and conditions.
• Often travel to and from work sites in a truck or van.
• May work in very bright or dim lighting conditions.
• May work physically near other installers.

Work performance

• Must be sure that all details of the job are done so that their work meets building codes.
• Must be careful and exact in their work to avoid safety hazards.
• Repeat the same physical activities.
• Regularly make decisions that greatly impact coworkers and their employers.
• Often act without consulting another person first.
• Set some, but not all, of their daily tasks and goals without consulting a supervisor first.
• Work in a competitive atmosphere where weekly and monthly deadlines must be met.

Hours/travel

• Usually work a regular 40-hour week.

Physical demands

Insulation installers frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Climb ladders, scaffolds, or poles.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl.

It is important for insulation installers to be able to:

• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for insulation installers to be able to:

• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Move arms and legs quickly.

Skills and abilities

Insulation installers need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Apprenticeship Programs
• Building Construction Technology
• Construction Trades

Training

To work as an insulation installer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete an apprenticeship or short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Mechanical insulation installers learn their skills through apprenticeship training programs. Union and non-union apprenticeship programs are available. Admission to apprenticeship programs is competitive. To apply for an apprenticeship, you must:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• be at least 18 years old; and
• be in good physical condition.

Apprenticeship programs usually consist of three years of on-the-job training. You are paid for the time you spend on the job. In addition, each year you receive at least 144 hours of classroom training.

To learn about specific apprenticeship opportunities in your area, consult the US Department of Labor State Apprenticeship Information  website.

You can prepare for an apprenticeship by taking courses at a professional-technical or two-year school. Courses in general math and drafting prepare students to enter apprenticeship programs. However, these courses are not required to qualify for an apprenticeship.

On-the-job training

Floor, ceiling, and wall insulation installers receive informal on-the-job training from an experienced worker. This kind of training can last up to one month.

Washington apprenticeships

In Washington, some employers require formal apprenticeship training.

Entry requirements for an apprenticeship program vary from region to region. Apprentices usually must:

• be at least 18 years of age;
• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a valid state driver's license;
• be a Washington State resident with a birth certificate; and
• pass a physical exam.

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#Checked apprenticeship info 5/9/07 lh & 4/7/08, 5/3/10, 4/9/12 & 3/19/14, 5/2/16, 4/12/18 cj.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Blueprint Reading
• Carpentry
• Construction
• Industrial Arts
• Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

For entry jobs, employers prefer high school graduates who are in good physical shape. A driver's license is often required.

Applicants who seek apprenticeship positions must have a high school diploma or equivalent. They must also be at least 18 years old.

Costs to workers

Most workers must buy their own hand tools, work clothing, footwear and safety gear. Some workers may join a union and pay monthly dues.

Licensing/certification

Workers engaged in asbestos removal projects must complete a training program and be certified by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

For more information, visit the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries ' website.

#2/3/20

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall 
• Insulation Workers, Mechanical 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Because of the short-term nature of construction jobs, installers may have time off between jobs. This can reduce their earnings. Installers can also lose work during economic slowdowns, when jobs are not available.

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. In general, installers who belong to a union tend to earn higher wages. Installers in large cities also usually earn more. In addition, installers who do commercial and industrial work earn more than those who do residential work.

Insulation installers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Most insulation installers work in urban areas. In less populated areas, other construction workers may do insulation work.

Major employers:

• Insulation contractors

National outlook

Demand will be about average for insulation workers. New construction leads to part of this growth. New home construction will lead to more demand for floor and ceiling insulators. However, this is a small portion of the occupation. The most growth will be for mechanical insulators as there is a need to make existing buildings more energy efficient.

Competition may be strong for floor and ceiling insulators as other types of construction workers will compete for their jobs. The best job prospects will be for experienced mechanic insulators.

Despite the small size of this occupation, many jobs will be available. This occupation has a high rate of turnover because it does not require much training.

Other resources

Insulation Contractors Association of America 
703.739.0356

International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers 
9602 ML King Jr. Highway
Lanham, MD 20706
301.731.9101

North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) 
815 16th ST, NW, Suite 600
Washington, D.C. 20006

Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council 
906 Columbia Street SW, Suite 107
Olympia, WA 98501
360.357.6778

References

Career cluster

• Architecture and Construction

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupations

• Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall (47-2131.00) 
• Insulation Workers, Mechanical (47-2132.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Blower Insulator (863.664-010) 
• Cork Insulator, Refrigeration Plant (863.381-010) 
• Insulation Worker (863.364-014) 
• Insulation-power-unit Tender (863.685-010) 
• Insulation-worker Apprentice (863.364-010) 
• Pipe Coverer and Insulator (863.381-014) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising
• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled