How to Use Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulation is environmentally friendly. It is made out of recycled newspaper clippings. This type of insulation is loose and comes in bags that are put into a blower and blown through a hose. It installs into attics between the joists in the floor and most often between the studs in the wall. Installing this insulation is a two-person job and requires proper protection to help keep you from breathing in the cellulose. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Inspect the walls and joists in the attic and locate any vents or other areas where insulation can not go. Cover those areas with plastic and tape down the plastic with duct tape.
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2
Measure the length and height of each wall in the room with a tape measure and multiply the two figures to get the total square footage. Add up the square footage of all four sides to get the total square footage of the room. Figure the square footage of the floor. Measure the length and width of the floor and multiply the two figures together.
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3
Determine the desired R-value based on how well you want to insulate your attic. Check local building codes for insulation values. Homes in colder climates need higher R-values than homes in warmer climates. Read the cellulose packaging for the number of bags you need based on R-value and the square footage or your attic.
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Place the blower at the back corner of the room and insert an insulation bag into the hole in the back of the blower. Push it down carefully into the opening. Position the hose about 6 inches away from the top of the wall. Turn on the blower to release the insulation through the hose. Spray the cellulose out of the hose into the top corner of the room directly between the studs, moving from side to side. Move side to side down the stud while your helper refills the blower when necessary until you reach the bottom of the wall.
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Blow the cellulose into the walls between each of the studs in the rest of the room. Go to the back corner once again and blow insulation into the floor between the joists, making it flush with the studs. Work from the back of the room to the front filling all the holes between the joists.
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Inspect the attic. Check that all insulation is flush with the studs.
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Tips & Warnings
Always wear safety goggles, gloves and a dust mask when installing cellulose to help protect your eyes and skin from the insulation. Long sleeve pants and shirts are also recommended.
