What You'll Do

  • Measure and cut insulation for covering surfaces, using tape measures, handsaws, knives, and scissors.
  • Fit insulation around obstructions, and shape insulating materials and protective coverings as required.
  • Determine the amounts and types of insulation needed, and methods of installation, based on factors such as location, surface shape, and equipment use.
  • Install sheet metal around insulated pipes with screws to protect the insulation from weather conditions or physical damage.
  • Apply, remove, and repair insulation on industrial equipment, pipes, ductwork, or other mechanical systems such as heat exchangers, tanks, and vessels, to help control noise and maintain temperatures.
  • Select appropriate insulation, such as fiberglass, Styrofoam, or cork, based on the heat retaining or excluding characteristics of the material.
  • Read blueprints and specifications to determine job requirements.
  • Cover, seal, or finish insulated surfaces or access holes with plastic covers, canvas strips, sealants, tape, cement, or asphalt mastic.
  • Prepare surfaces for insulation application by brushing or spreading on adhesives, cement, or asphalt, or by attaching metal pins to surfaces.

Essential Skills

Active Listening 3.0/5
Critical Thinking 3.0/5
Monitoring 3.0/5
Coordination 3.0/5
Time Management 3.0/5
Speaking 2.88/5
Judgment and Decision Making 2.88/5
Reading Comprehension 2.75/5
Active Learning 2.75/5
Operations Monitoring 2.75/5
Quality Control Analysis 2.75/5
Social Perceptiveness 2.62/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.

Common styles

Attention to Detail, Integrity, Cooperation, Dependability, Self-Control

Want a personal read on fit. Take the free assessment and see your exact compatibility with this career and many related roles.

Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Trunk Strength 3.38/5
Problem Sensitivity 3.25/5
Extent Flexibility 3.25/5
Oral Comprehension 3.12/5
Oral Expression 3.12/5
Information Ordering 3.12/5
Selective Attention 3.12/5
Arm-Hand Steadiness 3.12/5

Technologies & Tools

CMSN FieldPAK Comput-Ability Mechanical Insulation Key Estimator IBM Maximo Asset Management North American Insulation Manufacturers Association NAIMA 3E Plus Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.4/5)
  • Integrity (High importance: 4.36/5)
  • Cooperation (High importance: 4.34/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.3/5)
  • Self-Control (High importance: 4.29/5)

Want to see how YOUR work style matches this career?

Take Free 15-Min Assessment →

How to Become One

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful but is usually not required. Training is often provided on the job.

Similar Careers to Explore

Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

AC Insulation Installer (Air Conditioning Insulation Installer) Blanket Maker Boiler Coverer Commercial Insulator Duct Insulator Firestopper Installer Firestopper Technician (Firestopper Tech) Heat and Frost Insulator Industrial Insulator Industrial Pipe Insulator Insulation Installer Insulation Machine Operator Insulation Mechanic Insulation Power Unit Tender Insulation Technician (Insulation Tech) Insulation Worker Insulator Insulator Journeyman Marine Insulator Mechanic Insulator Mechanical Insulator Pipe Coverer Pipe Coverer and Insulator Pipe Insulator Refrigeration Insulator Sheet Metal Insulator