How to Install Insulation Batting
Measure the width between your studs - most common is 16" on center; also measure the depth of the studs - most are 4" dimensional lumber, but if they're thicker you'll need deeper insulation to fill the void properly. ,Measure the size of the area...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Measure the width between your studs - most common is 16" on center; also measure the depth of the studs - most are 4" dimensional lumber
It is sold in various widths (and thicknesses) depending on the width and depth of the studs.
Always get the proper size
- never compress the insulation or you'll reduce it's effectiveness., There are two R-value scales, one US customary and one metric; US customary R-values are
5.68 times metric R-values.
The most common is fiberglass insulation, but you can also buy insulation made of minerals, paper, and insulation made of recycled blue jeans.
Any materials that could burn are treated with a fire retardant., Small pieces of glass are embedded the insulation and will itch if they contact your skin, or irritate your lungs and eyes.
You should always wear eye protection and a face mask with any type of insulation to protect your eyes and lungs from small fragments of insulation that become airborne.,, You'll have to press down on the insulation to make a cut through it., Do not compress it around outlets and other obstacles
- simply cut an opening.
If there is wiring or plumbing in the wall, the insulation goes behind it if you don't have to compress it too much; otherwise cut the insulation in half width-wise and put half behind the wiring/plumbing and half in front of it., This keeps warm moist air inside your house from migrating behind the wall.
Moisture can cause mold problems and will lower the value of your insulation if it gets wet., Cover any seams in the vapor barrier with special tape made for the purpose (called "tuck tape").
You want to have an air proof seal in front of the insulation to prevent air migration from inside your home that has moisture from causing mold formation on the cold walls., If any insulation has touched your skin, wash using COLD water only
- hot or warm water will only make your skin more irritated., -
Step 2: but if they're thicker you'll need deeper insulation to fill the void properly.
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Step 3: Measure the size of the area you want to cover - width and height.
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Step 4: Go to a home improvement/building supply with your measurements to purchase the insulation needed.
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Step 5: There are different R-values of insulation (the higher the R value
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Step 6: the better it will insulate.)
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Step 7: If you are using fiberglass insulation
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Step 8: you'll need to wear gloves
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Step 9: eye protection
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Step 10: a face mask and long sleeved clothing.
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Step 11: Paper-faced insulation should be inserted into the wall cavity with paper facing out.
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Step 12: Measure the length required to fill the cavity
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Step 13: with the insulation on the floor
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Step 14: and with the paper side facing up
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Step 15: cut though it with a utility knife.
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Step 16: Insert the insulation in the wall cavity.
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Step 17: Once you have your insulation complete
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Step 18: you'll need to cover it with a poly vapor barrier.
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Step 19: Attach the vapor barrier to the wood studs with a staple gun.
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Step 20: Once you have finished installing the insulation
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Step 21: remove all the clothing that you wore and wash it immediately.
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Step 22: You can now proceed to cover the walls with drywall or paneling.
Detailed Guide
It is sold in various widths (and thicknesses) depending on the width and depth of the studs.
Always get the proper size
- never compress the insulation or you'll reduce it's effectiveness., There are two R-value scales, one US customary and one metric; US customary R-values are
5.68 times metric R-values.
The most common is fiberglass insulation, but you can also buy insulation made of minerals, paper, and insulation made of recycled blue jeans.
Any materials that could burn are treated with a fire retardant., Small pieces of glass are embedded the insulation and will itch if they contact your skin, or irritate your lungs and eyes.
You should always wear eye protection and a face mask with any type of insulation to protect your eyes and lungs from small fragments of insulation that become airborne.,, You'll have to press down on the insulation to make a cut through it., Do not compress it around outlets and other obstacles
- simply cut an opening.
If there is wiring or plumbing in the wall, the insulation goes behind it if you don't have to compress it too much; otherwise cut the insulation in half width-wise and put half behind the wiring/plumbing and half in front of it., This keeps warm moist air inside your house from migrating behind the wall.
Moisture can cause mold problems and will lower the value of your insulation if it gets wet., Cover any seams in the vapor barrier with special tape made for the purpose (called "tuck tape").
You want to have an air proof seal in front of the insulation to prevent air migration from inside your home that has moisture from causing mold formation on the cold walls., If any insulation has touched your skin, wash using COLD water only
- hot or warm water will only make your skin more irritated.,
About the Author
Marilyn Clark
Marilyn Clark is an experienced writer with over 8 years of expertise in non profit. Passionate about sharing practical knowledge, Marilyn creates easy-to-follow guides that help readers achieve their goals.
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