How to Insulate a Bonus Room
You've decided to build a bonus room onto your house. When you are in the construction stages of building your bonus room, you must think about insulating it properly. Insulation types and R-values vary, depending on your climate, your geographical location and whether you are insulating a wall, ceiling or floor. It is wise to insulate your addition correctly the first time, so that your energy bills will be as low as possible. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Eye protection
- Ear protection
- Gloves
- Respirator
- Work overalls
- Measuring tape
- Insulation bundles
- Heavy-duty cutting shears
- Insulation metal ties
Instructions
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1
Measure the length and width of each wall, ceiling or floor space. Insulation is sold in bundles that are made up of individual batts. Each bundle, or batt, is rated according to square footage and R-value. Check with your local contractor or inspector for R-value code requirements for your specific installation.
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Put on all protective gear. Insulation can be toxic to the skin or lungs. Bundles of insulation can be quite heavy, so have a helper give you a hand bring them into the room prior to installation.
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3
Place each batt of insulation inside your wall cavity, between each set of studs. One good thing about house insulation is that batting is precut to length for 92 5/8 studs, which is the most common stud length used for residential construction.
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Place the "faced" side of the insulation toward the living space. The faced side of insulation is often used as a vapor barrier for exterior wall installation. Make any cuts needed with the heavy-duty shears.
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Metal insulation ties are stretched across each set of studs, about every 3 feet. These metal ties will bow and will be forced to dig into each stud. This holds the ties and insulation in place.
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Repeat the above process, going from the ceiling to the wall and then to the floor. Floor insulation will usually be installed from the ceiling of the floor below your bonus room. The floor area should already be exposed during construction.
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Tips & Warnings
R-values will vary from floor to wall to ceiling. Check with your local contractor or inspector for exact code requirements.
