How to Insulate at the Ceiling Joist & Wall Top Plate

Properly insulating an attic is the key to maintaining the energy efficiency of your home. However, installing attic insulation is more strategic than simply laying it on the floor. The insulation must cover all areas that allow air into the home. One of these areas is the top wall plate, which is at the side of the attic where the tops of the home’s walls meet the ceiling joists. These plates require insulation, because they often extend all the way to the bottom of the home.

Long sleeves and pants
Work gloves
Dust mask
Face shield or safety glasses
Faced batt insulation
Utility knife

Instructions

- 1
  Protect your skin and eyes before entering the attic space, since fiberglass insulation is extremely irritating. Cover all exposed skin with long sleeves and pants. In addition, don safety glasses, work gloves and a dust mask or a face shield.
- 2
  Enter the attic space and walk all the way to one side of the home near the eaves. Examine the area between two wooden ceiling beams, which are called joists. Locate a rectangular section that is at the edge of the attic between the two beams. This is the top wall plate.
- 3
  Turn a piece of batt insulation so that the plastic or paper side faces down. Place it over the rectangle and use a utility knife to cut it so that it fits tightly in the space. Tuck the insulation in between the joists and butt it up against the existing insulation so that it fits snugly. Do not extend the insulation beyond the rectangular area. The insulation requires no attachment method, but is held in place by the joists.
- 4
  Install additional insulation on each top wall plate located in between each set of ceiling joists.

How to Drill a Hole in the Ceiling to Release Water

How to Insulate Furnace Ducts Under a Mobile Home

General Home Repair