DIY Blown-In Insulation
Blown-in insulation is installed in attics to help insulate houses. It is an alternative to fiberglass insulation rolls, and it is best suited for attics in which it can be blown into the walls and floors. One of the main advantages of blown-in insulation is its simple installation process. As its name implies, you install this type of insulation with a blower; it comes in a block that you place in a tube and blow in through a hose.
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Plastic sheeting
- Masking tape
- Dust mask
- Gloves
- Safety goggles
- Blower
- Insulation
Instructions
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Measure the size of the room to determine the total square footage. Run a tape measure across the length of the first side of the room. Multiply that number by the height of the side to get the total square footage. Repeat the process for the other sides of the room and add the sides together to get the total square footage. Multiply the length of the floor by its width to find its total square footage
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2
Determine how thick the insulation will be in the walls and between the joists. Decide on the R-value of the insulation, which measures the thermal resistance of the insulation and is based on the insulation's thickness. Insulation 3.2 inches thick has an R-11 value, whereas insulation 5.6 inches thick has an R-19 value. One bag of cellulose insulation covers 40 square feet at an R-19 value.
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3
Cover up any vents or openings where you do not want the insulation to go with plastic sheeting. Secure it with masking tape.
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Place the first bag of insulation into the blower. Turn on the blower and begin spraying the insulation into the opening between the studs in the wall, starting at the back corner of the room. Move up and down the first wall and fill it until it is even with the edge of the stud.
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Move on to the next wall cavity and continue down the first side. Add another bag of insulation when necessary. Continue around the entire room, blowing in the insulation until it is flush with the width of the stud. Inspect each wall to make sure the insulation is level.
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Blow the insulation into the floor joists in the same manner. Fill it up until it is level with the top of the joist, beginning at the back of the room and working toward the front. Once you have finished, allow the insulation an hour to settle and make sure no more insulation needs to be added anywhere. Remove the plastic from the openings around vents.
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Tips & Warnings
Refer to the bags of cellulose for a detailed chart on how much the bag will cover at your desired square footage.
To protect your eyes, lungs and skin, always wear gloves, a dust mask and safety goggles when working with insulation.
