Table of Contents
Can you cut batt insulation?
You can use a sharp utility knife to cut fiberglass batt insulation. You’ll also want to have a scrap piece of plywood handy to help speed up the process and produce a clean, neat cut every time.
What is the best thing to use to cut insulation?
To cut thick batts or rolls of fiberglass insulation easily, use an extendable utility knife that has snap-off blades. Extend the blade all the way out to provide a long, sharp edge that perfect for cutting through thick insulation. Use a board to compact the insulation and provide a straight edge for cutting.
Can you cut insulation with scissors?
Select a sharp pair of heavy-duty metal shears to cut insulation. Technically, just about any pair of scissors or shears can cut through fiberglass insulation as long as the blades are sharp enough. However, heavy-duty shears made with thick, serrated, stainless steel blades work best.
What is the best way to cut fiberglass?
Fiberglass panels can be cut with either a table saw or hand-held circular saw. A table saw tends to be a specialty power tool owned by series craftsmen or woodworkers with a dedicated workshop. A circular saw can be used in whatever space you plan to accomplish your construction work.
Does the paper side of insulation go in or out?
Regardless of whether fiberglass insulation is installed in a wall, attic, or crawlspace; the paper facing should always face toward the inside of the home. That’s because the paper contains a layer of asphalt adhesive which prevents water vapor from passing through it.
Can insulation touch electrical wires?
It is perfectly safe for household insulation to touch wires provided the wires or cables are electrically insulated. There also are techniques to make insulation fit better around wires. However, under no circumstances should thermal insulation make contact with live uninsulated wires and cables.
What size staples do you use for insulation?
For best results, choose 10mm galvanised staples. 10mm will be sufficient to penetrate even the hardest of hardwood timbers. Allow 600 to 900 staples per PACK of insulation.
What is the difference between faced and unfaced insulation?
The Difference Between Faced And Unfaced Insulation Faced just means that kraft paper is attached to the insulation itself. The paper helps improve the sturdiness of the insulation so it doesn’t fall down as much. Unfaced insulation is just as good as faced, but it doesn’t have that paper attached to it.
Can you put new insulation over old?
According to ENERGY STAR®, you can put new insulation over old insulation, “unless it is wet. The vapor retarder on top of or between layers of insulation can trap moisture. Any existing batt or roll insulation in the attic should have the facing against the attic drywall floor or no facing at all.
Can you remove kraft paper from insulation?
Luckily, the Kraft paper facing is easy to remove. Simply pull on the facing with one hand and use the other hand to push the batt or roll away from the facing. Then, you’ll be able to proceed with the repair.
Does batt insulation need to be stapled?
No, you do not need to staple in insulation. The caveat is that you are consistant in the stud spacing.
Do you staple batt insulation?
If using faced batts, they may in friction fit or the flanges may be stapled to the wood studs. Use a Bostitch, Arrow or similar manual staple gun and 1/4″, 5/16″ or 3/8″ staples, using enough staples to hold the insulation firmly in place and avoid gaps and fishmouths.
Does insulation have to be stapled?
Absolutely. Friction fit between the studs vapor barrier to the warm side staples would compress the insulation and allow heat to transfer out. Fiberglass insulation slows heat transfer because of the controlled air spaces between the fibers.
What’s the best tool to cut fiberglass?
Unlike other construction materials like plywood, fiberglass requires several precautions for a clean and safe cut. For straight cuts, a table saw or hand-held circular saw is sufficient. However, for curved cuts, a saber saw or hand-held jigsaw will do a fine job.
Will a chainsaw cut fiberglass?
You flirting with danger use of chainsaws for cutting/chopping up fiberglass is not recommended unless you wear a complete body suit , you definitely don’t want to breathe the fibers and get them in your lungs. Eyes may become red and irritated after exposure to fiberglass.
What happens if insulation is installed backwards?
Insulation should have its paper side installed towards the inside of the home. So if it is installed upside down, the paper moisture barrier can actually keep moisture in-between the paper and the sub-flooring. This can lead to mold issues, as well as structural deterioration.
Which way does batt insulation go?
(The general rule for insulation is that the facing always goes toward the conditioned space.) The second layer of insulation should be unfaced so that moisture doesn’t collect between the layers.
What is the purpose of paper backing on insulation?
Kraft-faced insulation includes a paper vapor retarder, which helps prevent mold and mildew. Kraft-faced insulation should be installed in exterior walls, exterior basement walls, and attic ceilings by pressing the product into the wall cavity with the paper side facing outward, towards the installer.
Do you put insulation over or under wires?
It is best just to lay the insulation gently alongside the wires, and insulation between the joists of the attic. In many cases, people think that you can’t put insulation around a junction box, but you can! It has to be fiberglass insulation and it will be okay as long as the box isn’t a heat source.
Can I run Romex through insulation?
Yes, it’s OK for electrical cables to pass straight through the insulation, mainly because life would become very difficult if this wasn’t permitted.
