This is good news for financially-savvy homeowners, who like the low prices and the savings on energy. It’s important to insulate floors above basements, crawl spaces, and other unconditioned areas.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'hometips_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_7',691,'0','0'])); You can insulate between the floor joists using faced or unfaced fiberglass. If there's an air-conditioning line running vertically down a stud bay, peel the insulation batt down the middle, splitting it into two thinner batts. Or, top the existing insulation with a thick layer of loose-fill fiberglass, which you can spread by hand or with a mechanical blower. Fiberglass insulation, composed of finely spun glass fibers, is today’s most popular type of residential insulation. Therefore, be careful not to compress the insulation too much—compression will reduce its insulating value. As a result, your house feels more comfortable, and you’ll reduce your energy consumption.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'hometips_com-leader-3','ezslot_9',663,'0','0'])); Unfaced insulation adds an additional layer to attic insulation. Fit the insulation into the framing … Step 4: Calculate How Much You Need. Cut the insulation to fit and gently press it up between the floor joists. Staple the polyethylene to the wall framing with a hammer tacker and ¼-inch-long staples. Loose Fill and Blown Insulation: Because it is forced through a tube and blown into space, loose fill is best suited for unfinished attics and hard-to-reach areas. Only every month or two. We install fiberglass and other types of insulation in homes and commercial buildings, for both retrofit and new construction projects. Then, slip the rear half of the insulation behind the wire or pipe and lay the other half in front of it, sandwiching the object. Fiberglass Rolls: Blanket-type insulation comes in two forms: rolls and batts, either of which is a good choice for insulating interior open stud walls. It’s wise to check with the building department in your town for the code-approved stapling method. Fiberglass Insulation. Includes cutting and fastening insulation, and insulating around obstacles.eval(ez_write_tag([[320,100],'hometips_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',661,'0','0'])); Fiberglass insulation is energy efficient, affordable, easy to install, and readily available in a wide variety of sizes, types, and R-values. For more, please see Home Insulation Buying Guide. Webbing or chicken wire can secure insulation beneath floors or between rafters. The insulation is quite easy to install. 5. How to Install Owens Corning Fiberglass Batt Insulation in the Ceiling. If there is already insulation between the joists, increase the R-value by installing unfaced roll insulation right on top. 2. Readily available and easy to install, fiberglass can provide effective insulation in walls and ceilings if installed correctly. Professional installers will employ proper PPE when handling fiberglass insulation, including gloves, skin covers, and mouth and nose coverings. Just be careful with this super-sharp, long blade! Fill all voids. However, the formaldehyde-free fiberglass insulation used today makes the product non-toxic and much safer. Joe Truini is a home improvement expert who writes about a variety of topics related to carpentry and plumbing. Finally, be careful not to stuff the insulation too deeply into the area along the eaves of the house. When you encounter an electrical box, pull apart the thickness of the batt and stuff the rear-half thickness of the insulation behind the box. There are many different ways to install insulation. Homes insulated with fiberglass or rock wool batt insulation can meet the RESNET Grade 1 installation requirements by fitting and filling all cavities, and carefully insulating all around obstacles such as electrical boxes, recessed lighting, wires and cables, piping, exhaust fans and duct connectors. Whenever you handle the insulation, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, tight-fitting eye goggles, gloves, and a dust mask, or better yet, a dual-cartridge respirator. 3. amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {"type":"search","value":"fiberglass insulation"}; Following is a brief description of fiberglass insulation. The standard R-value for insulating attics is between R-30 and R-40. Installing Fiberglass Insulation 1 Measure the total area of the walls to be insulated. Loose-fill insulation, sometimes called blown-in insulation, consists of fluffy bits of fiberglass that are easily spread by hand or blown into place by a mechanical blower. Fiberglass Insulation TypesInsulating WallsInsulating Around ObstaclesHow to Insulate Under FloorsInsulating Attic Floors. The two most common forms are blankets, also referred to as batts, and loose fill. But if you cut corners on hand labor, you’ll pay the price when it comes to performance. An insulated basement cuts heating costs during the winter months. The R-value refers to how effective the insulation is compared to the climate in your area. HomeTips.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Use a staple gun and ¼-inch staples to fasten the tabs to the edges of the studs, spacing the staples about 12 inches apart. Start applying the foam along the top of each window, then fill the spaces along the sides and bottom. Just buy un-faced batts, install … However, most professional contractors use a better technique: Start by filling the void behind the box with either expanding foam sealant or a thick block of rigid polystyrene foam.eval(ez_write_tag([[320,100],'hometips_com-leader-2','ezslot_8',687,'0','0'])); Fill cracks where fiberglass insulation won’t go with expanding foam sealant. However, you must complete an important step before installing any insulation: Use fireproof caulk to seal up cracks, holes, and openings around all penetrations, such as pipes, ducts, and cables. The insulation isn’t toxic and isn’t nearly as itchy as fiberglass insulation, but it does make dust, so I recommend a dust mask, gloves, and long sleeves are nice for avoiding the mild itch. Press the batt into place, but don't compress it too tightly. Fiberglass can release tiny fibers, which can be harmful if breathed into the lungs and which may irritate the skin. Maintain a clearance space of at least three inches around all sides of the fixture.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'hometips_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_11',664,'0','0'])); Hold back insulation from non IC-rated recessed lights in the ceiling beneath the attic floor. Step 2: Choose Your Insulation Type. This Old House host Kevin O'Connor shows how to fill gaps and make a space more cozy and energy efficient. Cover the unfaced fiberglass wall insulation with a 3-mil polyethylene vapor barrier. It can be custom-cut to fit existing spaces. Cut the batt a bit longer than necessary to ensure a tight friction fit between the studs. Faced fiberglass insulation should have the R-Value printed on the faced surface. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our experts–straight to your inbox. It can attach to a variety of different surfaces including rough interior cavities and other surfaces. 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