Trim to Length
- Tuck the insulation into the cavity, snug against the top 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 accurate 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.
Does insulation direction matter?
The answer is that it doesn't matter.
Which side of insulation goes down?
It should always face the warm-in-winter side. Thus, in cold climates, it should face the interior; in hot humid climates, it should face the exterior. If a vapor barrier is installed on the wrong side, it can trap moisture inside wall cavities causing condensation to accumulate.
Which way do you put insulation in interior walls?
The best way to insulate your interior walls without removing drywall involves filling the interior walls with blow-in insulation. While blow-in insulation is typically used in attics, basements, and other crawl spaces, it works perfectly behind established walls to create a solid barrier for thermal insulation.
Do you put insulation in front or behind electrical wires?
0:041:48How to Install Insulation Around Electrical Wiring : Electrical RepairsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt put it over the top and drape. It down when you come into account with the wiring that's run onMoreIt put it over the top and drape. It down when you come into account with the wiring that's run on the outside.
What happens if you put insulation in backwards?
So if it is installed upside down, the paper moisture barrier can actually keep moisture in-between the paper and the sub-flooring. This can lead to mold issues, as well as structural deterioration. Also, the paper is flammable so not properly installing it can create a fire hazard.
Does the foil side of insulation go in or out?
The reflective side of the board should be oriented to the exterior and the non- reflective white side should be oriented to the interior. EXCEPTION: If vinyl siding is to be installed over AP™ Foil- Faced sheathing, install foam boards with the white nonreflective side toward the vinyl siding.
Can you over insulate a house?
It is possible to over-insulate your house so much that it can't breathe. The whole point of home insulation is to tightly seal your home's interior. But if it becomes too tightly sealed with too many layers of insulation, moisture can get trapped inside those layers. That's when mold starts to grow.
Is insulation supposed to be in interior walls?
We all know we need to insulate exterior walls and attics. But while insulating interior walls aren't necessary in most cases, they can help with soundproofing, energy efficiency and heat transfer between rooms, and moisture control. Be sure to check local building codes to be sure!
Does insulation need to be stapled?
Stapling the insulation batts is not necessary to secure them in most cases. However, it is the easiest way to keep them in place, as most products are already equipped with tabs or strips for stapling into the framing joists.
Is it safe to put insulation over wires?
It is perfectly safe for household insulation to touch wires provided the wires or cables are electrically insulated. There also are techniques to make insulation fit better around wires. However, under no circumstances should thermal insulation make contact with live uninsulated wires and cables.
Can you put insulation around electrical outlets?
0:571:54How to Install Insulation around Electrical Outlets and Light SwitchesYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake a marker make them up line where the top and the bottom of the electrical. Box are. Put theMoreTake a marker make them up line where the top and the bottom of the electrical. Box are. Put the insulation on the ground compress it and put this line exactly on the edge of the insulation.
How do you install insulation around wires?
1:346:31Wall Insulation - How to Insulate around Electrical Wires & OutletsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSee where your wires. Reach over split the insulation in half. And tuck this piece of insulation.MoreSee where your wires. Reach over split the insulation in half. And tuck this piece of insulation. Behind the wire. Just tuck it down. Make sure it comes into contact with the bottom plate.
Which way is insulation supposed to face?
The first layer should have the facing against the drywall to act as a vapor barrier. (The general rule for insulation is that the facing always goes toward the conditioned space.) The second layer of insulation should be unfaced so that moisture doesn't collect between the layers.
What is the warm side of insulation?
Seems simple. Before the advent of exterior insulation or double stud-walls, if a building code required a class I or II vapor retarder on the “warm side of the insulation”, that would obviously mean covering the interior studs with poly prior to drywall or using an airtight drywall approach.
Why is insulation foil faced?
Foil is a low emissivity material This means that adding a foil facing to insulation can significantly improve the U-value of the construction. This enables a thinner insulation to be used to achieve the same U-value.
Which way does attic insulation go?
The best way to face attic insulation is always towards the heated part of the home since the paper facing consists of asphalt adhesive that serves as the vapor barrier. Installing it backward traps the moisture inside, causing it to rot and mold.
What is the R value of fiberglass insulation?
If it’s pink, white, or yellow, it’s likely fiberglass, which has an R-value equal to 2.5 times its thickness. If the insulation is gray or off-white, then it’s probably rock wool, in which case the R-value is 2.8 times the thickness.
What is the advantage of insulation above joists?
One key advantage in new construction is that builders have the opportunity to counteract a phenomenon known as thermal bridging, in which floor joists become a source of heat loss, causing a drop of up to 50 percent in insulation R-value. For best results, insulation must run above joists, not just between them.
What is blanket insulation made of?
Most common of all is blanket-style insulation, made from either fiberglass or rock wool. The material comes in rolls or square batts (with or without a foil or paper backer). For the convenience of contractors and do-it-yourselfers alike, blanket insulation comes presized to fit between most studs, rafters, and joists.
What is the role of insulation?
Insulation is the strong, silent type. Although it operates behind the scenes for the most part, it plays a vital role: keeping us comfortable indoors. Unlike fuel or electricity, insulation doesn’t cost anything from month to month, but it works to maintain a warm temperature in winter, a cool temperature in summer.
Why is insulation important?
Insulation is the strong, silent type. Although it operates behind the scenes for the most part, it plays a vital role: keeping us comfortable indoors.
Can you compress insulation?
Never compress insulation; doing so dramatically undermines it. Therefore, be wary if installing a denser material—say, rigid foam—over a lighter one, such as a fiberglass batt. Insulation products are clearly marked. Pay attention to that labeling so that you can be sure to spend no more than is strictly necessary.
Is spray foam insulation good for mold?
Closed- or open-cell spray foam insulation is resistant to mold, unlike other insulation types, and closed-cell foam in particular boasts an outstandingly high R-value. In contrast, open-cell foam insulates less well but offers superior breathability. Either type is expensive, in part because foam must be installed by pros.
What is insulation in a home?
Perhaps the easiest area to overlook for insulation in the home is ductwork. Insulation products such as fiberglass duct board, duct wrap and duct liner are used to increase indoor comfort by delivering heated and cooled air from room-to-room at design temperatures, controlling condensation and abating sound such as cross talk heard between two rooms or HVAC equipment noise.
Why are batts not compressed?
Because high-performance batts achieve the same R-value as standard insulation – and are not as thick – they need not be compressed to fit the angles and spaces typically found in cathedral ceilings. 3. Side walls (to the exterior) –. +.
What is fiberglass duct liner?
Fiberglass duct liner is a thermal and acoustical insulation applied to the inside of sheet metal ducts. These insulation products have coated or mat-faced airstream surfaces designed to resist damage during installation, in service, and during cleaning.
What is the best insulation for a roof truss?
A combination of batts and loose-fill insulation is another alternative. This method is particularly effective in homes with roof trusses or hard-to-reach “nooks and crannies” – places that are prime for energy loss.
What is the R value of cathedral ceiling insulation?
High-performance batts designed for cathedral ceilings have R-values of either 30 or 38. The R-30 high-performance batts are 8 1/4 ” to 8 1/2 ” thick as opposed to standard R-30 fiberglass batts of 9 1/2 ” to 10″ (Thickness may vary by manufacturer.) R-38 high-performance batts are 10″ to 10 1/4 ” thick as opposed to standard R-38 fiberglass insulation batts of 12″. Because high-performance batts achieve the same R-value as standard insulation – and are not as thick – they need not be compressed to fit the angles and spaces typically found in cathedral ceilings.
How thick is duct board?
Fiberglass duct board is 1″, 1-1/2″ or 2″ thick rigid boards of insulation manufactured from resin-bonded inorganic glass fibers. This bonding keeps the fibers in place throughout the life of the installation.
When insulating floors over unheated basements or crawl spaces, should faced products be used?
When insulating floors over unheated basements or crawl spaces, faced products should be used and vapor retarders should face heated areas and be in contact with the subfloor.
What to consider when building a house with radon?
If radon is an issue where you live, you’ll also need to consider radon and radon-resistant construction techniques as you research foundation insulation options. In addition, if you live in an area with termites, you’ll have to consider how termite protection will affect the choice and placement of insulation in your home and plan for a means of inspection.
When insulating floors above unconditioned garages, first seal all possible sources of air leakage.?
When insulating floors above unconditioned garages, first seal all possible sources of air leakage. This strategy has the added benefit of minimizing the danger of contaminants (from car exhaust, paint, solvents, gardening supplies, etc.) in the garage migrating into the conditioned space. Also install an air barrier to prevent cold air in the garage from "short circuiting" the insulation underneath the subfloor.
What is foam sheathing?
Foam sheathing: Provides a continuous layer of insulation, which reduces thermal bridging through wood studs, saving energy and improving comfort. Is easier to cut and install than heavier sheathing products. Protects against condensation on the inside wall by keeping the interior of the wall warmer.
Why do you need fire rated insulation in basement walls?
Here are a few things to consider when installing interior basement wall insulation: Many insulation types require a fire-rated covering because they release toxic gases when ignited.
What to do if ducts are in a new house?
If you’re building a new house, place ducts in the conditioned space to avoid the energy losses associated with most duct systems.
How to add insulation to exterior walls?
In an existing home, consider using blow-in insulation, which, when installed with the dense pack technique, will provide a higher R-value. It can be added to exterior walls without much disturbance to finished areas of your home. If you’re remodeling and your wall cavities will be open, look into two-part spray foam or wet spray cellulose insulation. If your wall cavities are not going to be open, you could consider injectable spray foam insulation. If you’ll be doing the work yourself, blanket (batt and roll) insulation, while not capable of providing an air seal as and two-part spray foam will, may be an affordable option.
What is loose fill insulation?
Loose-fill or batt insulation is typically installed in an attic. Loose-fill insulation is usually less expensive to install than batt insulation, and provides better coverage when installed properly. See more on different types of insulation.
Why is paper vapor barrier used in insulation?
That’s because the paper contains a layer of asphalt adhesive which prevents water vapor from passing through it. If the insulation is installed with the paper vapor barrier facing away from the heated part of the home, moisture from humid inside air can condense and become trapped in the insulation during cold winter months.
Why should aluminum facings be facing toward the inside of the house?
Hi, Carol, The aluminum facing should always face toward the inside of the home (whether in a wall or ceiling) to prevent water vapor from passing through it. There’s just one exception to that rule, and it’s if the insulation is installed over another piece of insulation.
Is foam pipe insulation better than fiberglass?
It’s better to use foam pipe insulation than standard fiberglass insulation on water pipes. It’s easier to install and has higher insulating qualities for the thickness. Make sure you get the right size for your pipes. Reply.
Can condensation be caused by insulation?
Depending on the climate where you live, it may or may not cause a condensation problem. Colder climates, like you have in Pennsylvania, will have more chance of condensation problems than a warm climate. Assuming the insulation isn’t too much trouble to get to, I would turn it over so the paper facing is toward the ceiling, or peel the facing off all together. If it is a lot of trouble to change it, feel under it during the winter and see if it feels damp. If it does you definitely need to fix it to prevent rot or mold.
Can you put fiberglass insulation over blown in insulation?
You can lay rolls or batts of fiberglass insulation over existing blown in insulation, but you need to use unfaced insulation to prevent moisture from being trapped between the layers. Since you’ve already purchased and installed faced insulation, your best bet is to peel the paper facing off the insulation you installed.
How Much Should I Add?
The higher the R-Value, the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type.
How do I know if I need more insulation in my attic?
No matter what kind of insulation you currently have in your attic, one quick way to determine if you need more is to look across the span of your attic. If your insulation is just level with or below your floor joists (i.e., you can easily see your joists), you should add more.
Is there insulation in the middle of the attic?
It is important that the insulation be evenly distributed with no low spots; sometimes there is enough insulation in the middle of the attic and very little along the eaves. To see how to add insulation out to the eaves, see Installing Rafter Vents. If your attic insulation covers your joists and is distributed evenly, you probably have enough.
Can you put fiberglass over loose fill?
You can add loose fill on top of fiberglass batts or blankets, and vice-versa. If you use fiberglass over loose fill, make sure the fiberglass batt has no paper or foil backing; it needs to be "unfaced.".