How to Insulate Stucco Houses

Complete an energy calculation report for your home. Contact an energy professional and provide a set of building plans for him to make the energy calculations for the home. This process requires a certified individual to create this report. Most new home construction and building authorities across the United States require this report to determine the resistance (R) factor of the insulation needed for the home.

Purchase the recommended insulation based upon the energy report. Depending upon the region in which you live, the energy report may require R-13, R-19, R-21 or greater installed in the exterior walls and R-30 or greater in the attic.

Begin installation only after the entire envelope of the house is sealed from the weather and all wiring, plumbing, windows, doors and vents are in place. Insulation is the last thing to go inside the walls before sheetrock or interior paneling is placed on the interior walls.

Put on goggles, gloves and a dust mask. Seal long sleeves at the wrist by using cuffs or taping around the ends of your sleeves with duct tape. The more you protect your body from the loose microscopic glass fibers, the less itching and irritation you will experience at the end of the day.

Insert batts between studs by lining them up with the length of the space. Don't compress the insulation or squish it as you install it, as it loses its insulating factors when you do this. Gently place it around wiring and plumbing. Cut pieces when necessary using a utility knife or construction scissors to make insulation fit around odd plumbing or wiring configurations. Ensure that insulation fills all cavities.

Face the paper side toward the living space as the exterior of the house already has a vapor barrier or moisture wrap. Staple the tab facing to the studs, if desired. The paper, adhered to the insulation with a tar substance, provides additional moisture protection for the home's interior.

Insulate between interior walls with insulation that doesn't have backing. Besides adding additional energy savings to the home, insulation between interior walls helps to reduce sounds that travel from room to room. Apply this insulation in the same manner. The width of the insulation keeps it in place between the studs as insulation is very light. This insulation does not require stapling.

Install the recommended R-value in the attic or alternatively use blown-in insulation in the attic. Applying blown-in insulation requires the use of rented equipment or professional installation.

Ensure the entire "envelope" of the house has insulation. Install underneath the floor in homes with elevated floors and in the attic in the same manner as used with the walls.