How to Insulate Walls with Blanket Insulation Part 1

This is the first part of a two-part series on how to insulate walls with blanket insulation. (To move ahead to Part 2, click here.) In this first article, we will focus on supplies needed for the insulation, which includes the blanket insulation and the tips for working with the insulation. The second article will discuss cutting, measuring, and installing the insulation. These parts will help you complete the installation of blanket insulation in your home.

Blanket insulation is commonly used for insulation projects. As a do-it-yourselfer, installing blanket insulation is not a difficult job but one that requires some precautions to protect yourself during the installation process. This article is making the assumption that the home in which you are insulating has bare stud walls that have already been built and are awaiting the installation of the blanket insulation.

Acquire the Materials for the Blanket Insulation Installation

The type of climate that you live in in the area of the country that you are in will determine which blanket insulation to choose that can help reduce the amount of heat and energy transfer. You should have your local energy company come to your home and perform an energy audit to help identify where heat loss will occur.

You're looking for insulation that has a higher r-value relative to the climate that you live in; the higher the r-value, the better able you will be at controlling heat loss, which will translate into savings on your energy bills. After you determine the amount of energy loss that you may experience, you can purchase the amount of insulation with the corresponding r-value that the energy audit determined for you.

On the basis of the energy audit purchase the insulation that you need to begin your task.

Preparing to Work with Blanket Insulation

For a do-it-yourselfer, Blanket Advantage is easier to work with than other types of insulation such as batting. When working with fiberglass insulation you are exposed to fibers that can get into your lungs. There is a demonstrative link between mesothelioma (a form of lung cancer from asbestos exposure) and airborne fiberglass fibers. It is best to work with a breathing apparatus or mask when installing the blanket insulation to reduce the number of fibers you come into contact with.

Your exposure to the fibers will probably be low; however, it is always best to take the necessary precautions to minimize direct intake. In addition to a breathing apparatus, you will also want to wear eye protection and gloves.