How to Install Insulation in a New Addition

Wall and attic insulation are an effective way to keep unwanted heat or cold out of a room. Insulation is also designed to keep air from escaping the room. Most all wall and attic insulation is made up of fiberglass fibers with a paper backing. The installation process of wall and attic insulation is very similar. Properly insulating a new addition or a new room can drastically save money on heating and air conditioning expenses.

Things You'll Need

• Step ladder
• Measuring tape
• Insulation
• Utility knife
• Staple gun
• Safety glasses
• Gloves

Instructions

1. Move to the wall studs where you plan to install the insulation. Measure the distance from the floor to the ceiling between the two wall studs.

2. Lay out a roll of insulation and roll out a strip of insulation long enough to meet the measurement. Measure from the end of the insulation until you have reached the designated measurement.

3. Lay a straight edge across the measurement and cut the insulation all the way across by using the straight edge as a guide. You should now have a length of insulation that is the same as the measurement from the wall to the ceiling.

4. Move a step ladder near the wall studs. Use the step ladder as needed to press the measured piece of insulation between the two wall studs from the ceiling to the floor board. Make sure that the paper back of the insulation is facing out toward you and that the insulation fibers are facing the wall behind the insulation.

5. Staple the piece of insulation to the wall behind the insulation from top to bottom. Install the staples in a straight row every 2 to 3 feet from the top of the insulation to the bottom of the insulation.

6. Move to the next two wall studs and repeat the same process as outlined above. Continue adding measured strips of insulation between every two wall studs until all of the wall studs have been insulated.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to cut off any excess insulation that hangs over the top or the bottom of the wall.

• If there is no back wall to staple the insulation, cut the piece of insulation a foot longer on each end than the measurement. This will give you enough insulation to staple it to the top ceiling boards and the bottom floor boards.

• Mark the location of any wires that are running between the studs and do not staple near those markings.

• Wear safety glasses or goggles when installing insulation to prevent any of the fiberglass from getting into your eyes.

• Wear long sleeve shirts and gloves to prevent the fiber glass from the insulation from getting into your skin pores.

• Wear a respirator if you have asthma or any type of breathing problems.

References

• JM Homeowner: Your Room-by-Room Guide for Installing Insulation
• California Energy Commission: Procedures for Proper Installation of Insulation

Resources

• Oak Ridge Natural Laboratory: Insulation Fact Sheet
• House Energy: Some Insulation Tips and Recommendations