Installing fiberglass rolled insulation

Blanket-type insulation comes in two forms: rolls and batts, either of which is a good choice for insulating interior open-stud walls. Both rolls and batts—a rectangle of insulation, sold flat in packages—typically come in 8-foot lengths, a standard ceiling height.

Insulation is sized to fit between studs, usually spaced 16 or 24 inches apart; be sure to measure the space between the studs before buying.

Insulation batts and rolls are available either with face coverings or without. Brown Kraft paper is a common facing. Fire-retardant foil sometimes is used to cover batts that will be left exposed in unfinished spaces, such as a garage or basement.

Insulation also comes wrapped in plastic to protect you from the itchy fibers, which is a good choice for first-timers. Insulation facing is intended to serve as a vapor barrier that helps to keep interior moisture from migrating into the wall cavities, where it can lead to mold growth and other problems. Typically, the facing is installed on the "warm in winter" side of the wall. Therefore, in most climates, the facing goes on the interior side of the wall frame, so it contacts the backside of the drywall.

Always wear tight-fitting breathing protection and safety goggles when working with fiberglass insulation, as it can irritate eyes and airways. For extra comfort, wear long sleeves, pants, and gloves, which will keep the scratchy fibers off your skin where they can cause a rash. To calculate how much rolled or batted insulation to buy, measure floor to ceiling and multiply by the number of between-the-studs spaces you need to fill.

That's your total lineage. Measure the distance between the studs; that will determine the width of the insulation you buy. To calculate the number of rolls or batts you need, divide the total lineage by the length of the batt usually 8 feet or roll different lengths are available you'll be working with. With the hammer and screwdriver, clean out the wall cavities between the studs. Remove nails, unused wires, and screws. With the shop vacuum, thoroughly clean out the walls, removing spider webs, dust, and debris.

Unroll the fiberglass insulation or the batts on a clean floor and let them expand. Go ahead and use that measuring tape to get an accurate idea of how much material would be required. Standard stud width does not range more than around inches.

When it comes to cutting, proceed with the cutting process after placing the insulation material on a wood board. You can extend the measuring tape along with the roll or mark your measurements on it.

Now, slowly cut through the roll with the sharp blade in a straight line. For a tight fit, add half an inch extra to your measurement. Remember, the moisture-resistant side should be facing you while the fluffy material faces the wall.

There are two ways of doing so:. You can easily come across insulation supporting wires that come in different stud sizes. These wires can be pushed between the studs and hold the insulation roll in its place. Another common way of making your roll insulation stay in place is through staples. Simply grab a staple gun and fasten staples around the roll. Unlike installing insulation on walls, attics generally require two layers of insulation on the floor for optimal results.

Think of it as two lines intersecting each other on a cross. Otherwise, mold would eventually make its way to the second layer and ruin it. For example, look for spots where plumbing work might be needed. Check if all the pipelines around the place are in good condition. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Construction Design.

Table of Contents Expand. Table of Contents. The Purpose of Insulation Facing. Install Kraft-Faced Insulation. R-Value and Kraft-Faced. By Juan Rodriguez. Juan Rodriguez is a former writer with The Balance who covered large-scale construction. He is an engineer with experience managing and overseeing large civil works construction. Learn about our editorial policies.

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