eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Use Blow-In Insulation

Contributor
By Michael Kozlowski
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Blown-In insulation is an excellent material to insulate walls in existing structures. Blown-In insulation can also be used in attics. Proper insulation can reduce energy costs and improve the interior climate of your home. Insulation also help to lessen the noise coming from outside.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Hole saw Tape measure Blow machine Plugs
  1. Step 1

    Determine if you can easily remove and reinstall the exterior finish of your home. Generally, strips of vinyl siding can be removed and replaced easily. Aluminum siding is more difficult to work with.

  2. Step 2

    Measure from a corner of the home to mark the areas you will need to drill to access the wall cavities. Remember that the studs should be located on 16 inch centers. You will need to drill a hole for the nozzle of the blow machine, at each cavity.

  3. Step 3

    Blow in the insulation. The pressure required to fill the cavity will be dependent on the machine you are using. Make sure you are familiar with the blow machine and its settings.

  4. Step 4

    Repeat these steps around the entire home. Remember that you will need to drill a hole to access each floor level and that cavities that are split by window openings will require a hole above and below the window.

  5. Step 5

    Use plugs to seal the holes that have been drilled, once insulating is complete. With vinyl siding, you can simply reinstall the siding over the plugs. Aluminum siding will require that you paint the plugs to match the siding.

  6. Step 6

    When insulating attic spaces, simply blow the insulation to the required depth to meet local building codes. Work from the corners of the attic, back to the access area.

Tips & Warnings
  • Blow machines are expensive and not readily available to the general public. It is best to hire a contractor for blown-in insulation work. If you have brick or stucco as an exterior finish. Wall insulation will need to be put in from the interior. This will require significant repair afterward.
Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Home & Garden Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Home and Garden
eHow_eHow Home and Garden