Insualtion101: Installation Basics

Heating and cooling your home accounts for up to 70% of the energy your home consumes. That's a lot! By installing proper insulation that prevents air leakage, you can save money and our nation's limited resources. And that's good for our environment as well as for your wallet. Check out these insulation basics from Construct101 for your perfect insulation home improvement project.

Batt and Roll

One of the most common forms of home insulation, the batt or roll insulation is also the easiest to install and the cheapest form of insulation. Batt insulation is rolled out between studs in walls or joists in floors and ceilings. This insulation is attached to the sides of the joists and stud with a hand held staple gun. Pieces of batt that do not fit between studs must be hand trimmed. A simple utility knife will easily cut the insulation as needed. Use this insulation in new construction and remodeling where wall coverings and flooring has not yet been installed.

Blow-in or Loose Fill

This insulation is blown into tough to reach spaces like an attic or in wall cavities. It is essentially shredded batt fiberglass strands that are shot through a tube from a power source. This type of insulation installation is best left up to the professionals fro insulation as the equipment needed for this project can be very expensive. Some tool rental companies offer these devices for the adventurous DIY homeowner.

Spray Foam

Measured, Mixed and professionally sprayed foam insulation is one of the best insulations there is to use. It seals all air leaks instantly and permanently. Unfortunately, it is very messy and is typically done when wall coverings, flooring and ceilings are open and exposed. This insulation installation is best installed in new construction or remodeling projects by the professional. Canned spray foam is best used for small projects like around windows and doors, electrical and plumbing penetrations and wall plates. This can easily be done by any homeowner.

Rigid Foam

This type of insulation is made from Styrofoam and is pressed into sheets or panels. It can easily be installed on interior walls and flooring by nearly anyone. It is glued or screwed to existing walls. This insulation can also be used on exterior walls, making it the perfect insulation installation to use when interior wall coverings can't be removed. Siding, stucco, brick or other exterior wall coverings can then be attached to the rigid foam. Rigid foam is attached using screws or glue. Learn more about rigid foam insulation here from Construct101.