How to Install Batten Insulation When the Studs Are Wider Than 16 Inches

Correctly installing batt insulation in a stud wall increases the energy efficiency of a house. A correctly insulated stud wall contains no gaps between the insulation on the wall studs. Precut batt insulation comes in a standard width of 15 inches, which is the interior width of studs set on 16-inch centers. A problem arises when you encounter stud cavities that are not set on 16-inch centers. Luckily, batt insulation comes in a larger width designed for non-bearing walls with studs set on 24-inch centers.

23-inch batt insulation
Insulation knife
Staple gun

Instructions

- 1
  Unroll a piece of 23-inch batt insulation.
- 2
  Hold the insulation at the top with the paper faced side facing toward you. Align the top of the batt with the top plate of the stud wall. Push one side of the insulation into the stud cavity while leaving the other side sitting outside the wall.
- 3
  Place the blade of an insulation knife on the outside edge of the stud sitting behind the side of the batt protruding from the wall. Use a sawing motion as you move the knife along the insulation.
- 4
  Push along the cut side of the batt to separate 1 1/2-inches of insulation from the paper facing. Push the insulation into the stud cavity.
- 5
  Set the loose sides of the paper facing against the exterior face of the stud. Secure the paper to both studs by shooting 1 staple every eight to 10 inches with a staple gun.
- 6
  Repeat the process with each oversized stud cavity. Overlap the paper facing of each stud to seal the wall.

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