How to install attic blown in insulation

As a follow-up from my previous article, I’ve put together a short guide that’s meant to deal with all the commonly encountered problems when trying to install attic blown in insulation. I’ve outlined every step to make it easier to follow.

  1. First thing’s first, so you should start by removing any objects from the attic that might interfere with the actual insulating material. After you’re done with this, you’re ready to move onto the next step in our attic blown in insulation installment guide.
  2. Stapling vent chutes is the second step you should make in order to ensure proper ventilation. Ventilation is very important in small places as well as in bigger and spacier places. It would a be good idea to also read on attic stair insulation because they’re one of the most overlooked areas in an attic when insulating.
  3. Remember when I told you in the previous article how to mentally perform a simple calculus before starting the actual attic blown in insulation process ? If you don’t go back and re-read the previous article but if you do, here’s what you’ve got to do. Place one or more attic rulers in each quadrant of the attic space. This will help you know when you have achieved the correct depth of insulation. After you’re done with this, you’re ready to move on to the next step.
  4. Start loading the blowing machine hopper with insulation and make sure to keep it almost full at any time so the insulation flow is smooth and even at any given time.
  5. Hold the hose parallel to the floor with the insulation falling 10 – 12 feet away. Begin at the far wall and work toward the center. Always blow in the direction of the joists. Be careful to step only on floor joists, or else you might accidentally put your foot through the finished ceiling below.Fill three or four joist cavities by moving the hose to the right and left. Where possible, back away from the work to avoid packing the insulation. Be sure to get insulation to the top of the walls and low places. Don’t cover eave vents.Avoid using your hand as a baffle to direct the insulation as it exits the hose. Do this only when necessary to avoid packing.Keep the hose close to the floor where insulation must go under obstructions like cross bracing and wiring. Insulation must be blown on both sides of these kinds of obstructions. If an obstruction has caused a low spot to occur, fill in the area.
  6. Check the thickness of the insulation and make sure it ensures you the R-value you’re looking for. If not, move on to next step – else you’re done, congratulations.
  7. If you still feel you haven’t achieved the desired R-value or haven’t properly covered the cavities, drops or scuttles from your first insulating attempt you can do so now by using batts. ( refer to this guide on how to install additional attic batt insulation )

I hope you’ve enjoyed this short and simple guide.

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