Installing fibreglass batt insulation

Fibreglass batt insulation is the most used thermal insulation material in home construction. It's sold in rolls or in batts designed to fit in 16- or 24-in. spaces. As a general rule, the space between wall studs is 16 in., while the space between ceiling joists is 24 in.

For walls, install fibreglass batts from inside the house, against the sheathing - which is covered on the outside with an air barrier and an exterior siding. In the attic, insulatation is laid flat between the ceiling joists.
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Installation
1. Plan what your need to purchase
2. Measure the length required
3. Cut the batts
4. Insert the batts
5. Cover the entire surface
6. Insulate the attic

Installation

For walls, install fibreglass batts from inside the house, against the sheathing - which is covered on the outside with an air barrier and an exterior siding. In the attic, insulatation is laid flat between the ceiling joists.

1. Plan what your need to purchase

Before going to your local home renovation centre, calculate the area you need to insulate (height of the wall multiplied by width, less area of doors and windows). Check the spacing between the joists (16 in., generally).

1.1 

Fibreglass batts are made of fine particles that can irritate the skin and the respiratory tract. For your safety, wear a mask over your nose and mouth, safety glasses, gloves and clothing that covers the entire body.

2. Measure the length required

Open the pack and unroll if the wool is not in pre-cut batts. Measure the length required to cover a row and don't forget that you'll need cuts to provide for blocking and for doors and windows.

2.1 

Fibreglass wool batts are slightly wider than the spaces between studs and are held in place by friction.

3. Cut the batts

To cut insulatation, apply pressure along the cut line with something rigid (a piece of wood, for example) and cut with a utility knife. Compress the insulating wool as much as possible to ease cutting. You should not have to cut batts lengthwise, except at the junction of two walls where spaces between the studs may be narrower.
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