How to Install Insulation

Insulation is vital in any home. This helps in the energy efficiency of the place to keep it cool during the hot summer months and to keep it warm during the winter season.

Insulation is installed at the walls, beneath the floors and on ceilings. This comes in different types such as the rolls, blow-in and batts among others. Their effectiveness depends on the R-value or the thickness you choose. Specifically, the R-value is the measure of the ability of the insulation material to resist sound and heat flow. The higher the value, the more effective is the insulation.

Ceiling insulation is best for sound control between the floors in the home. It ensures that sounds such as footsteps and noise do not go through the other rooms. And another important benefit is it cuts your home’s electricity bill.

For new homes, the wall and ceiling insulation are normally installed at the same time. Insulation is first set up before drywall is applied while it is installed up on the ceiling.

Assuming you’ll be installing insulation on the ceiling, prepare your materials beforehand and make sure to wear a helmet as well as long sleeved shirts, long pants and gloves to avoid irritation of your skin.

The first step in the installation is to seal all penetration in the joists, studs and rafters. Check that all openings and cracks where moisture and heat loss can escape are stuffed with scraps of insulation. Caulk areas where the wiring runs through the ceiling joists and around the topmost part of the wall. Then press the insulation between the joists such that they fit snugly between the joists. Just don’t compress the material too much as this will lower its R-value.

If rolls or batts are used, friction is used to hold the material in place but if you’re using the polyethylene vapor retarder, you need to staple them across the unfaced batts. Each batt should be stapled at least every eight inches or depending on the specifications of the manufacturer. Check that there are no gaps as well when you install the batts. Position your insulation material with the paper or foil side down and then cut using a utility knife.

In areas around the vents, chimneys and downlights, provide a clearance of 25 mm. For halogen downlights, allow a clearance of about 200 mm. Also, avoid covering the light transformers.

For safety purposes, wirings should be kept clear of insulation. If possible, they should be placed above the insulation. Foils should not be in contact with any electrical fittings. Only IC rated lighting fixtures can be covered with insulation. For other fixtures, they need to be enclosed in a box before being covered with the material.

Ventilation should also be maintained especially in the eaves and soffit vents. Keep in mind that there should be a one-inch space or gap between the insulation and the roof sheathing for free air to flow.