How to Install Thermal Insulation in Buildings

If you're building or remodeling a building and you're in any environment that isn't the Sunbelt, it's important to insulate the walls during the construction or remodeling. It's a much more difficult project later than it is while the walls are open. Thermal insulation, which in a house often means fiberglass insulation, is set between the studs before the wall is closed. The insulation is made to fit between standard studs, which are set 16 inches apart.

Tape measure
Level
Utility knife
Thermal fiberglass insulation (in rolls)
Power stapler

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the first exterior wall from bottom to top, next to the exposed studs.
- 2
  Cut a piece of thermal fiberglass insulation to that length. Make the cut by rolling out a strip of the insulation on the floor, laying the tape measure next to it opened to the correct setting, laying a level over the insulation width-wise at the measurement and cutting the insulation alongside the level with a utility knife.
- 3
  Push the cut strip of insulation between the first two studs, filling the space from top to bottom and side to side. Hang it so the side of the insulation that's covered with paper or foil faces out into the room.
- 4
  Secure the insulation in place by shooting staples up and down the length of the piece into the sides of the studs on either side. Use about one staple per foot.
- 5
  Cut the insulation back around any electrical sockets or other obstructions in the wall.
- 6
  Repeat the process for the space between each set of studs on each exterior wall. Drywall will go over the insulation.

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