The checklist below can be applied to any insulation application. This checklist, however, may need to be modified based on your experience, job expectations, and your needs.
- Review work orders/specifications for areas to be insulated and materials required. Lay out a schedule for areas to insulate first, coordinating with other trades that may be working in the area. Include your safety training and any special safety equipment that may be needed for the job.
- Be sure all materials (insulation, accessories, adhesives, tapes, jacketing, fittings, and tools) are on site or are scheduled to be delivered at the appropriate time. Be sure
all materials are stored in a clean, dry environment. - Check materials against what was specified (i.e., proper sizes and thicknesses). Make sure to organize all insulation according to size and thickness.
- Know job site conditions, including where other trades are working, and what the weather will be over the period of the job. Understand access to the working area because
of potentially damaging environmental conditions, insulation used on outdoor
applications nearly always requires protection (coating, jacketing, or
cladding) from mechanical abuse and UV resistance. Remember, it is also
important to protect the system from moisture intrusion during the installation
process. Good practice dictates that no more insulation be applied in a day
that can be properly sealed and protected from weather before leaving the site
at the end of the shift. - Check equipment and tools to be sure everything is in place for what needs to be done on the job site.
- Check the workforce and review the experience of job site workers.
- Always review the insulation manufacturer’s recommended installation procedures. If there are any questions, be sure to contact the manufacturer for recommendations.
- Turn off the piping system or equipment and make sure it is under ambient conditions. Check systems and equipment are clean and free from dirt or moisture.
- For most applications, it is recommended to apply the fittings first. After the fittings are installed, the application can begin on the straight runs. The straight length material is usually easier to install than fitting insulation so the straight run work will install swiftly. Protrusions to the insulation system must be properly insulated and sealed. For below-ambient systems, protrusions should be insulated a distance of four times the insulation system thickness when possible. Protrusions on above-ambient systems should be insulated a distance of
two times the insulation system thickness. For complex applications, it is recommended you contact the manufacturer for recommendations. - Inspect workmanship as the materials are being installed.
- At the end of each day, be sure all materials are put away in a clean, dry area and that the
installed portion of the job has been appropriately sealed/closed to prevent any damage. Make sure all scrap insulation material resulting from field fabrication is either put
back in appropriate boxes to maintain size identification or appropriately
disposed of the materials. - On cold applications, make sure that all seams are glued and sealed. Install vapor stops when needed.
- When the job is finished, make a final inspection.
References:
Fisher, Steve. “Insulation Installation Checklist.” Insulation Outlook, 1 Feb. 2013, insulation.org/io/articles/insulation-installation-checklist/.
