| 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
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