How to Cover Exposed Fiberglass Insulation in Kitchen

Hanging Drywall

• 1

  Measure the area for your drywall panels with a measuring tape. This is the area vertically and horizontally where your kitchen insulation is exposed. Therefore, if your insulation is exposed from floor to ceiling, measure from floor to ceiling and then horizontally the length of the exposure from side to side. Write down your measurements.

• 2

  Cut the drywall to fit the area you measured with a utility knife. Score the back side of the panel with your knife. Bend the board to snap it at the cut line. Trim through the paper with your utility knife.

• 3

  Hang the drywall with screws and a cordless screwdriver. Lift the panel up and fit it into the area. Attach drywall screws into the wall studs surrounding the exposed area at a rate of one screw for every 12 inches.

• 4

  Tape the seams with self-adhesive joint tape. Press the tape onto the panel firmly. Purchase a tape wide enough to cover the drywall seams completely.

• 5

  Apply joint compound over the tape and your screw dimples. Use only a very thin coat. Let this dry for four to six hours.

• 6

  Sand and finish the surface of the drywall. Use a fine-grit sanding block and sand the joint compound smooth. Prime and paint the patched area.

Hanging Wall Panels

• 7

  Condition your panels for 24 (above grade paneling) to 48 (below grade paneling) hours prior to cutting and installing them. Stand them up separately around your kitchen and allow the room's air to circulate around them for the allotted time frame. This gets the panels used to the room's environment, and allows them to expand or contract as needed prior to cutting them.

• 8

  Measure out the exposed area for the wall panel with a measuring tape.

• 9

  Trace out the measurements on the back of the panel and cut the panel to fit the exposed space with a circular saw.

• 10

  Nail up the paneling with a hammer and nails. Hold the panel into place and nail it into the wall studs surrounding the exposed area. Place a nail every 8 to 12 inches into the wall studs to secure the paneling properly.