Handyman Guide > Blanket and Rigid Insulation

Blanket Insulation. Various kinds of insulating material are to be had in this form. While the initial expense of such materials as asbestos and spun glass is greater than that of cotton, wood fiber, and other cellulose compositions, the former materials offer the advantage of being fireproof while the latter are usually only fire-resistant.


Whatever the insulating material, it comes in rolls, with waterproof paper glued to one or both sides, and in standard widths. In order to be effective it must be wide enough to completely cover the space between the studs or rafters, To install, place strips of insulation against the sheathing and nail the edges of the paper tightly to the sides of rafters or studs.

If this cannot be done, the insulation can be held in place by means of strips of wood nailed along the rafters, or with wires run between the rafters. Cut the insulation to the desired length with shears.

If spun glass is used, the mouth and nose should be covered with a damp cloth and the hands and arms protected from coming in contact with the fibers. This is most important as the fibers are usually very irritating to the skin and to the nasal passages.

When only one side of the blanket insulation is covered by waterproof paper, be sure to place the paper on the roomside and the insulating material directly against the sheathing. This will prevent most of the moisture in the air of the room from reaching and damaging the insulating material. The small amount which penetrates the paper and reaches the insulation will pass through it to the roof and do no damage.

Do not apply insulation until you are certain that the area to be covered is free from leaks.

Rigid Insulation. Another way to insulate the attic roof is to use rigid insulation boards, which are made so that they can be nailed to the rafters and studding without much cutting. These boards can also be used as partitions to provide one or more rooms. To do this, put up some additional 2 x 4 studding at the point where the attic roof and floor are at least four feet apart. Cover this studding with insulation board to form walls. Insulate the roof with sheets of the insulation nailed to the rafters. Put in any additional studding required so that the insulating board is properly supported, particularly where the board sections are joined.

Most rigid insulation boards in the home are of cellulose. These are usually made by crushing the fibers of southern pine or sugar cane and molding them into flat sheets. Gypsum boards, which are often used as wallboards or to cover a ceiling, are not true insulation, possessing no heat insulating qualities.

Cellulose boards have good insulating qualities and are lightweight and easy to handle. They come in sizes from 4 x 4 to 4 x 12 feet. Another method of providing a vapor barrier is to give a plaster wall two coats of aluminum paint. Then put wall paint or wallpaper over it.

Aluminum foil is sometimes used on insulation. It serves to reflect summer heat and keep the house cool.

Continue to Unfinished Attic and Exterior Walls








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