Nearly every building in any climate needs insulation. The foam, synthetic
rubber, aluminum and fiber blankets used for insulation keep buildings warm
in cold weather and cool on hot days. Insulation also helps pipes that carry
steam and hot or cold water do their jobs more efficiently.
Insulation workers cement, staple, wire, tape or spray on insulation. They
work on commercial buildings and private homes, as well as in warehouses and
factories.
It requires little formal training or education. Thus, insulation work
is a common path into the construction trades. In fact, so many people leave
insulation work for other jobs in construction that it has one of the highest
turnover rates of any career.
Insulation work might involve covering steam pipes with insulation. Workers
measure, cut, fit and tape the wrapping into place. Or they may use a machine
to blow foam insulation into walls or ceiling spaces.
Sometimes the work requires climbing ladders or crawling into tight places.
Workers are generally on their feet all day, but they require coordination
more than strength. Workdays can be long, depending upon the job.
Because insulation work is often done in stages -- and must be done quickly
to keep construction schedules on track -- jobs are often hurried.
Insulation workers are good with their hands. They must be comfortable
with a range of hand and power tools. These include staplers, nail guns, and
power drivers.
When dealing with asbestos, they may wear protective equipment. "It all
depends on what the process is, [and] what they're doing. Typically, there's
protective equipment that's required in order to even go and do the work,"
says Ron Richards. He is a project manager at an insulation company.
Insulation workers often do contract work, which means they may have to
move around, depending on where the work is. "It's always a matter of you
going to where the work is," says Richards. "So, you go from job site, to
job site, to job site."
Thirty years ago, women weren't accepted into the field. Today, they are
few and far between, but their numbers are increasing. Insulation worker Susan
Hogstrom encourages women to get involved -- she loves it! According to Hogstrom,
women should expect to be welcomed into the field.
"I was very shy when I was in school, and I don't think I could have handled
it. I haven't met any shy women in the trade, but when I got in I didn't let
them know I was shy -- and I kind of grew out of it," says Hogstrom. "The
men have been very good to me!"
However, Hogstrom can see why many women steer clear of the trade. "Not
many women want to get into it -- it's hot, dirty, itchy, [and] cold." Laughing,
Hogstrom adds that she's fine with the grime. "I don't mind getting dirty!
I couldn't take a desk job."