How to Put Cellulose on Fiberglass Insulation
Cellulose insulation is a type of blow-in insulation that is installed mainly between the studs and joists in attics. This insulation is made out of recycled newspaper clippings and is environmentally friendly. It can help cut down on energy bills by keeping your attic cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. While it is often installed into empty wall cavities, it is also commonly installed right over fiberglass insulation in the walls. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Measure the depth of the fiberglass insulation already in the walls with a ruler. Write down the measurement and refer to an R-value chart for the proper R-value already in your attic. Six inches of insulation is equal to a value of R-19, while 3 1/2 inches is equal to a value of R-11. Refer to your local building code for how high an R-value is necessary in your attic.
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Run a tape measure along the length and width of each wall in the room. Write down each measurement. Multiply the length by the width of each side and add all of the sides together for the total square footage of the room. If your attic is 1,000 square feet and your attic needs 3.5 more inches of insulation to satisfy code, then you would need enough bags for R-11 cellulose to cover 1,000 square feet.
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Position the insulation blower at the back of the attic and point the hose toward the top wall beginning in either corner. Put the bag of cellulose into the back of the blower and turn the blower on. Spray out the insulation and fill the cavities over the fiberglass insulation.
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Spray from side to side and down each cavity until it is filled to the desired depth. Add more bags of insulation when necessary. Move from side to side and toward the front of the attic until all of the cavities have been filled. Refill the blower when needed.
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Stick a ruler into the insulation to measure the depth. Verify that it is the proper depth measurement and add more insulation if necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
Always wear gloves, safety goggles and a dust mask when working with cellulose insulation. Long sleeves and long pants are also recommended to help protect your skin from irritation.
