How Long To Install Insulation

Q: I'd like to add insulation to a wall during a renovation. What should I go on in mind?

—Peter Wefers, N Andover, Mass.

Tom Silva replies: Filling walls with a fluffy layer of fiberglass insulation is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to make your dwelling house more energy efficient. All information technology takes is a utility pocketknife, a straightedge, and a petty patience to make sure the insulation completely fills the stud crenel, side to side and top to bottom, without being overly compressed.

Work with batts made to friction match the depth of the studs and the width of the stud bays; for typical 2x4 structure, that'southward 3½ inches deep and 15¼ inches wide with an R-value of 15. Fiberglass is easy to cut, then if your stud spacing is irregular, purchase batts that volition fill up the widest bays, and trim the balance to fit.

When you lot're ready to brainstorm, protect your pare, eyes, and lungs by wearing a long-sleeve shirt, pants, gloves, safety glasses, and dust mask. And then follow these basic installation tips to help the work go faster and make sure your insulation does its chore.

Steps on Insulation Installation

1. Cut to Width

Photograph by Ryan Benyi

• For narrow stud bays, yous accept to trim down the batt's width. To do that, lay a batt on the floor in front of the crenel, as shown, and line upwards one edge with the inside face of the stud bay.
• Then lay a directly 2x4 in line with the inside face of the neighboring stud and printing downwardly on it with one genu.
• Run a utility knife alongside the 2x4, trimming the batt with a series of shallow cuts.

2. Trim to Length

Photograph past Ryan Benyi

• Tuck the insulation into the crenel, snug against the meridian of the stud bay and edges flush with the studs. The batt should not be tightly compressed against the studs; that will reduce its R-value.
• For an authentic fit against the bottom of the cavity, let the insulation run long, then cut it against the bottom plate of the wall framing with your utility knife.

three. Bargain with Obstacles

Photo by Ryan Benyi

• For wires, halve the batt'southward thickness by pulling it apart. Then slide ane half backside the wire and lay the other half in front.
• For electrical outlet boxes, install the batt, then cut a notch in its edge, using the box as a guide.
• For plumbing supply pipes, work the full thickness of the insulation behind the piping to help prevent it from freezing.

4. Add the Vapor Barrier

Photo by Ryan Benyi

• In cold climates, a vapor retarder on the insulation's inside face prevents condensation that robs R-value and encourages mold. Batts faced with paper or foil accept the retarder congenital in. Unfaced batts should be covered with 6-mil plastic or MemBrain (shown), a breathable sheet.
• Apply a dewdrop of sealant to the top plate and to any studs where the sheets overlap, and then tack the sheet every 12 to 24 inches to the superlative plate, studs, and bottom plate.

More Articles: All Nigh Insulation; Adding Attic Insulation

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Source: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/insulation/21016668/how-to-insulate-a-wall

Posted by: jonesdond1985.blogspot.com

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