For the most part, studs will be built at uniform spacing, and batting is manufactured to fill those gaps. It should be the perfect width. Still, it’s a good idea to count up the number of spaces you have and take a measurement to make sure you don’t come home with the wrong size.
The R-value of the batt measures the thermal resistance, so the higher the R-value, the more effectively the batt insulates. [3] X Expert Source Kevin SchlosserHome Improvement Specialist Expert Interview. 19 February 2021. Typically, for interior walls, R-13 batts are used for 2 x 4 studs and R-19 batts are used for 2 x 6 studs. Note there are two R-value scales; US customary and metric. The US scale is approximately 5. 68 times the metric scale, so R-13 in the US is equivalent to R-2. 3 elsewhere. You’ll also need to choose between faced batts, which have a paper “face” on one side that will cover the insulation to the outside, and un-faced batts, which are just the fiberglass.
Cotton. Recycled denim is regularly turned into a kind of insulation that’s quite effective, and without the microfiber air problems that some people complain about with fiberglass. Mineral and sheep wool, cementitious, and cellulose-based insulation’s are also common alternatives to fiberglass. You need to only use materials that have a thermal resistance rating. Insulating with things like egg crates and other recycled materials is a dangerous practice that can result in a fire.
A staple gun Utility knife Protective gear (gloves, mask, long sleeves and pants)[5] X Research source
When you get your insulation home, keep it wrapped up until you’re ready to use it. Cutting fiberglass insulation sends lots of little fiberglass particulate up into the air, which can cause allergic reactions and breathing problems. It’s also extremely itchy, and can cause rashes in some people with sensitive skin. Never touch fiberglass batting with your bare hands and always wear breathing equipment when handling it. If you come into contact with fiberglass insulation, don’t scrub your hands or face with water, which can cause micro-abrasions. Dust yourself off outside and wash your clothes immediately.
If you’re looking for sound-dampening, it’s a good idea to apply a thin line of caulk between the top plates, at the bottom plate, and around the floor of each batt. This will create a more secure seal that will keep sound from coming through.
To install, you’ll simply pull the film tight over the batting, stapling to the studs every foot or so, with the staple gun. Trim the excess with the utility knife.
For the most part, roofs and other major renovation jobs require a lot of spray foam to insulate, meaning that it would probably be more cost effective to hire professional insulators with a spray rig, high-pressure applicators, and safety gear. Use spray cans of insulation for small jobs, like gaps between windows and doors, around dryer vents, fan outlets, and other plumbing. Spray cans are good for fixing small leaks, but not cost effective for insulating a wall.
You’ll also need protective equipment. This means you’ll need eye protection and a respirator. [7] X Research source A full work suit would be ideal, but long sleeves and pants will also do in a pinch.
In wall-insulation, small holes are usually made in the drywall, into which the sprayer nozzle is inserted to fill the cavity with the spray inside the wall. For this method, open-cell is most often used, especially for ceilings and interior walls. It’s sound-proof and used in the same locations as fiberglass. Closed-cell is usually used on external walls.
It’s a good idea to cover nearby furniture or finished flooring with plastic tarp to avoid getting any of the insulation on it. It’s difficult to get out. It’s best to apply spray insulation when the temperature is between 60 and 80 degrees F.
Insulation needs to be kept in a layer no deeper than an inch. Over-applying foam insulation can stress the walls and can also clump up and fall off the surface. If you miss, or get insulation somewhere you don’t want it, don’t panic. Stop and allow the insulation to dry and scrape it off the surface with a putty knife later. Trying to smear it now will make it worse. If you need to add multiple layers, because you’re spraying an external wall or want extra sound-proofing, wait until the first layer has dried before going back over it as you did before. This will build up the R-Value of the insulation accordingly, and should stick perfectly well.
