How to Replace Wall Insulation

Wall insulation today is usually fiberglass strips that fill the spaces between the studs inside the wall, though it can also be blown into existing walls in loose form. Either way, if you're ripping open a wall for remodeling, you may find that older insulation has deteriorated and settled. This is the time to replace it. Begin after ripping off the plaster or drywall of the wall to expose the old insulation.

Cloth gloves
Dust mask
Plastic bags
Vacuum cleaner
Tape measure
Square
Razor knife
Fiberglass insulation with paper backing
Electric stapler

Instructions

- 1
  Put on gloves and a dust mask. Pull out the old insulation by hand, stuffing it into plastic bags. Vacuum the area of any residual dust and loose insulation.
- 2
  Measure the height of the wall along one of the studs. Roll out fiberglass insulation on the floor. Lay out the tape measure alongside the insulation to the length that you took from the wall.
- 3
  Lay a square across the piece of insulation. Cut across the width of the insulation by running a razor knife next to the square.
- 4
  Press the insulation into the space between the first two studs, filling the space completely from top to bottom. The paper-covered side should face out into the room.
- 5
  Attach the piece of insulation to the studs, shooting staples through the sides of the paper backing and into the studs. Put staples about every foot up and down the length of the studs.
- 6
  Cut out the insulation around electrical boxes and other obstructions with the razor knife. Repeat the process for each space between each pair of studs. When you install new drywall, affix it to the stud edges over the insulation.

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