How to Lay Blanket Insulation in Your Attic Part 3

This article is the final part of the 3-part series that discusses how-to install blanket insulation in your attic. We previously learned what blanket insulation is, safety tips for how to work with the insulation, how to install blanket insulation and using a vapor barrier or shield. This final article will now discuss recessed lighting and fixtures. (To return to Part 2, click here.)

With all of the steps completed in the prior two articles in the series you can learn how to make the necessary accommodations for the fixtures and lighting that you have covered up during the installation that took place in the prior articles. This is the last thing that you need to focus on in this process of installing blanket insulation in your attic. It is important in order to allow access at a later date, for example, should you engage in any renovation or remodeling work in your attic.

Step 1: Marking the Fixtures

As you install the blanket insulation, you should take notice of all of the light fixture junction boxes, outlets and other fixtures that need to be exposed for future access. You can use a sharpie pen or a utility knife to indicate the location of these cutouts so that you can make the appropriate cuts after you have completed the insulation of the attic.

It is probably best to make the cutsouts prior to the installation of a vapor barrier, if required, since the markings will be more visible when the vapor barrier is off then if the vapor barrier is in place. Also, to make your life easier, make a template of the fixture to use later to cut away the insulation.  

Step 2: Cut the Markings

With the marking made in the insulation, use a utility knife to cut away the fiberglass insulation that is covering the fixture. You want to make sure that the blades of the utility knife that you are using remain sharp and that you completely cut the pieces of insulation that may be obstructing the fixture. Keep extra blades around since you will frequently need to change them while using the utility knife. 

Step 3 Tuck Loose Insulation in Place

With the obstructing fiberglass insulation removed, tuck the loose pieces in to clean the area and make it appear more professional. You can also install the vapor barrier at this point, accounting for the location of the cutouts in case additional cuts need to be made to expose them through the vapor barrier. A sharp utility will do the trick here as well.

Step 4: Additional Tip

In some instances, you may want to overlap the seams of the fiberglass insulation. This will help reduce any breaks or gaps that may provide a way for heat or energy to escape.