Last Updated on July 5, 2024 by Spray Foam Insulation Plus
Introduction
If you’ve got an unfinished attic and are ready to make changes, adding insulation is an easy and quick way to increase your home’s comfort. Installing the material yourself can save money on labor costs and provide a sense of satisfaction after completing a project. However, if you have limited access to the space above your ceiling joists or if they’re already covered with existing insulation, consider using one of these methods instead: Edina Spray Foam Insulation
If you have limited attic access, consider using one of the following products:
If you have limited attic access and can’t reach the walls easily, consider using one of the following products:
- Foam board insulation, which is available in 1/2″ thick sheets that are 4′ x 8′. This product can be cut to fit most standard wall cavities.
- Closed cell spray foam insulation, which comes pre-mixed in cans or quick-mix containers. It expands to fill small gaps around framing members and then sets up quickly (in about 15 minutes). It also provides some soundproofing properties for attics where noise from above floors may bother occupants below.
- Open cell spray foam insulation kits are typically used on low-slope roofs or ceilings because they provide little thermal resistance compared with other types of insulations such as fiberglass batt insulation or rigid foam boards; however they still offer some soundproofing benefits if installed on top of underlying layers like batt insulation or wood sheathing beneath rafters/joists within an attic space
Lay out and tape down plastic sheeting or painter’s tarp. Edina Spray Foam Insulation
Lay out and tape down plastic sheeting or painter’s tarp.
- Tape the plastic sheeting to the floor of your attic using painter’s tape for a clean, professional look. You can also use a tarp if you don’t have access to plastic sheeting.
Use a hammer or pry bar to remove existing insulation batts.
- Remove existing insulation batts, if you have any. This can be done using a hammer or pry bar, but be sure to wear protective eyewear to avoid injury from flying debris.
- Use a fine-toothed saw to cut the bottom of your ceiling joists. You may need to use an electric drill or handheld power saw for this step; consult an expert if you’re unsure how to do it safely. Make sure there are no gaps between the joists and that they are even with the top of their cavity before proceeding further with blowing in insulation in the attic!
Wearing protective goggles, use a fine-toothed saw to cut the bottom of your ceiling joists.
- Wear protective goggles.
- Use a fine-toothed saw to cut the bottom of the ceiling joists. Be careful not to cut into the joist; it’s better to leave a little bit of wood than get all up in there with your tool, which would probably mess up the integrity of your structure and cause more problems down the road.
If needed, reach out to your local insulation contractor. Spray Foam Insulation Plus will take all the safety precautions to make sure your Edina Spray Foam Insulation is installed correctly and safely.
Make sure there are no gaps between the joists and that they are even with the top of the joist cavity.
- Remove any insulation that is in the way.
- Make sure the joists are even with the top of the joist cavity.
- Make sure there are no gaps between the joists and that they are even with the top of the joist cavity
Place a safety plug in any unused outlets or light fixtures in the attic.
Safety first!
In order to ensure your safety, it is important that you plug in a light fixture and an outlet. This will help you see where you’re going and make sure the outlets are working. Make sure the outlet is properly grounded and not overloaded with too many appliances plugged into it.
Leave at least 1 inch of space between the top of your existing insulation and the floor of the attic. Edina Spray
- Leave at least 1 inch of space between the top of your existing insulation and the floor of the attic.
- This is important because you need to leave room for the new insulation to be blown in and for it to expand.
Use a framing nailer to attach furring strips to the underside of your ceiling joists, running parallel with them.
Attach furring strips to the underside of your ceiling joists, running parallel with them. If you don’t have enough space between the top of your existing insulation and the floor of the attic, you’ll have to cut out the existing insulation and add more to make room for a second layer.
Fit each strip against each joist, so it is flush with the inner side of each joist on both ends. The furring strips should run perpendicular to your ceiling joists and will act as braces for your new drywall ceiling.
- Use a framing nailer to attach furring strips. Depending on the thickness of your joists, you can use either 2-inch or 3-inch nails. If you’re using 2-inch nails, drive them at least every 24 inches and make sure they are flush with the inner sides of each joist on both ends.
- Use drywall screws to affix drywall sheets, spacing them out every 10 inches or so along each joist.
Using drywall screws, affix drywall sheets to your new furring strips, covering them completely for a seamless dropping ceiling look. Space screws about every 10 inches along each strip.
- Using drywall screws, affix drywall sheets to your new furring strips, covering them completely for a seamless dropping ceiling look. Space screws about every 10 inches along each strip.
- Do not use nails or staples, as they will tear the sheet and make it harder to clean up the mess when you are done blowing insulation into the attic space above. With these screws in place, it will be easier for you to work on your project without worrying about tearing through your insulation.
Conclusion
Installing blown-in insulation is a great DIY project. However, it does require some work and the right supplies. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to adding more warmth and comfort to your home. If you think that you would benefit from having an insulation contractor to help with our attic insulation, contact your trusted Edina Spray Foam Insulation contractor, Spray Foam Insulation Plus. We are the local trusted insulation contractor that can help you insulate your home correctly. We want to help you make sure your home is warm for this season. It is important to have Edina Spray Foam Insulation installed correctly. Contact us today!
