Insulation 2 - Preparation

Intro - Prep - Wall Preparation - Cellulose - Repair

What You Will Need

Time. Time depends on the type of job being done. Allow yourself 3 to 4 person hours per 100 square feet when installing fiberglass batts and a vapor barrier in the attic. Allow yourself 4 to 6 person hours per 100 square feet when installing furring, insulation, and vapor barrier in your basement.

Tools. Most of the tools required for the installation of insulation are found in the home toolbox. Others can be rented reasonably from your local home center.

Dust mask
Goggles
Gloves
Hammer
Pencil and paper
Hole saw
Trouble light
Drill
Extension cord
Spackling knife
String
Circular saw
Steel tape measure
Ramset (rental)
Circular saw
Level
Utility knife
Caulking gun
Staple gun and heavy-duty staples (An alternative tool would be an compressor with a stapling attachment.)
Blowing machine (rental, if you choose air to blow in your insulation)

Materials. As with any home project the materials you will need depend on the type of insulation used and the extent of work being done. Your list will include many of the following:

2 x 4 boards
Tar paper
16 penny nails
Sheet metal flashing
Flexi-vent material
Drain pipe
Duct tape
Gravel
Fiberglass insulation
Tape
Vapor barrier (6 mi. visquine)
Plastic
Cellulose
Caulk
Spackling
Waterproofing sealant
Long, straight board
Closable vents
Rigid foam panels (regular or closed Drain files cell)
Pipes
2" x 2" furring strips
Sump pump
Adhesive
Soffit ventilation plugs
Shim material
Sheet metal, louvered and screened vent
Continuous ridge vent
2" extruded foam panels
Wind turbine
Construction adhesive (for exterior use and foam panels)

Permits and Codes

Codes for insulation requirements will vary in different parts of the country. A permit may be required in some areas if the work being done exceeds $100 in cost Check with your local building inspector. Codes also will indicate required R-factors.

Design

Choose the most effective insulation for a particular situation. I offer widely accepted suggestions but the climate, existing insulation, and design of your home will affect your decision.

Most Common Mistakes

Perhaps the most fundamental and often overlooked mistake do-it-yourselfers make when insulating is neglecting to find out the most efficient R-value for their area and insulating accordingly. Other common mistakes are listed below.

Not providing for good air circulation between the roof and the insulation.
Installing fiberglass batting with the paper side (vapor barrier) facing toward the outside instead of toward the heated area.
Omitting a vapor barrier, which prevents accumulation of moisture between the batting and the underside of the roof or wall.
Puncturing the vapor barrier unnecessarily, or neglecting to puncture the vapor barrier of the top batt when installing two layers.
Distorting, compressing, or squeezing the fiberglass batt insulation out of shape.
Using paper-faced batting against a heat source like a chimney, a heating duct, etc.
Neglecting to get into all of the small spaces and corners with the insulation.
Covering eaves vents with insulation, thereby cutting off ventilation.
Making unnecessary trips up and down the attic stairs during installation. Assemble all tools and equipment in your work area prior to beginning the job.
Not using closed-cell (waterproof), rigid foam insulation panels on below grade installations