Tightly packed insulation can reduce the chances of leaks and dead space. The process of installing the insulation using force makes it more likely that all cracks and holes are covered, even if they are not visible.
Yes, it can. It all comes down to the R-value, or the insulation's resistance to heat. Compressing fiberglass batts enhances the R-value per square inch because the material is packed tightly together.
It's sometimes difficult to prevent during installation, especially around junction boxes, and I don't want to negatively impact the R-value.” Compressing fiberglass provides more R-value per inch, but reduces the overall R-value. That means, compressing fiberglass batts is ok if the cavity is completely filled.
It's not the fiber that provides the insulation--it's the air space around it. The fibers are only there to prevent the air from moving around. So if you pack it tight, it won't insulate as well.
Squashing your insulation reduces its effectiveness by 50%
Numerous studies on the topic have indicated that there's a huge number of Britons who don't understand why doing this is so problematic. Mineral wool type insulation (the most common loft insulation) needs to retain its full depth in order to work effectively.
Squashing Reduces Thermal Performance: Compressing insulation can decrease its ability to trap air and prevent heat from escaping. Studies have shown that squashing insulation from 270mm down to 100mm will reduce its performance by over 50% significantly affecting your home's energy efficiency.
Leaving Too Many Gaps
One of the biggest problems DIY homeowners face is leaving too many gaps in their insulation. Gaps or insulation that isn't secured correctly can leave the building structure open to air and moisture leaks. Spray foam insulation is best for reaching into small cracks and any areas left open.
After the insulation is in place you will want to add a vapor retarder, sometimes called a vapor barrier, if you need one. Not every wall does. A vapor retarder is a material used to prevent water vapor from diffusing into the wall, ceiling or floor during the cold winter.
In fact, adding too much insulation to your walls can lead to problems such as poor ventilation, mould growth, and condensation. This is because thicker insulation can block airflow and trap moisture, leading to indoor air quality issues and even structural damage.
If you live in the Southern part of the U.S., the recommended insulation level is a minimum of R-38 or about 13-14 inches of insulation. If you live in the Northern part of the U.S., the recommended insulation level is a minimum of R-49 or about 16-18 inches of insulation.
Fiberglass and rock wool batts—2x4 walls can hold R-13 or R-15 batts; 2x6 walls can have R-19 or R-21 products.
However, like other loose fill insulation, it also has a tendency to settle over time, reducing its R-value and its ability to prevent air movement.
The insulation should fit snugly in the cavity and leave no gaps. Make sure the vapor retarder on faced insulation is facing the conditioned interior space unless building codes specify otherwise. Cut the insulation to fit as necessary. Leave the pieces about 1 inch larger than the cavity to fill the space completely.
However, there may be times when insulation is compressed to fit specific needs. While fiber glass insulation can be compressed below labeled thickness and still achieve Grade I installation, manufacturers' instructions specify installation without compression to achieve labeled R-value.
You will want to bring up your attic up to R-38:
If your attic has 5-6″ of existing insulation, you'll want to install an R-19 to achieve a total of R-38.
Styrofoam is an excellent insulator, not a conductor. This material conducts heat or electricity poorly because it is composed of 98% air.
As a general guideline, it's advisable to install double layers of thermal insulation throughout your house. Nevertheless, this may not be feasible in all areas due to space limitations. Typically, it's not practical to add two layers of insulation within the walls of your home.
Never place insulation close to water heaters, oil burners or anything hot. The backing is especially flammable and will be a major fire hazard for your home.
How many degrees of difference insulation makes on its own depends on the type of home you have, what the weather is like and what kind of insulation you have. Depending on what you choose, you could see a five- to 20-degree temperature difference just based on the insulation alone.
It provides an additional layer of insulation by trapping air and helps to prevent moisture buildup by allowing for ventilation. So, it's always recommended to leave an air gap when installing insulation, whether it's in your walls, roof, or floors.
Because a vapor barrier is a low permeable barrier, it keeps moisture from passing through. This is beneficial to keep moisture away from a dry surface but will trap moisture behind it if installed on a water-damaged concrete wall, causing the wall to fail further.
Yes, covering your insulation with a vapor barrier plastic before installing drywall is crucial. It prevents moisture buildup that can lead to mold, rot, and even structural damage. A polyethylene vapor barrier also adds a layer of fire protection, making your home safer.
If you do not like the sensation of dirt or dust on your skin, you will want to wear gloves and cover exposed skin. The dust of cellulose can still be hazardous for your eyes and lungs. If you are near cellulose being installed and do not wear a mask, you will inhale dust and irritate your lungs.
Also, when laying down additional insulation, work from the perimeter toward the attic opening. Never lay insulation over recessed light fixtures or soffit vents. Keep all insulation at least 3 inches away from recessed "can" lights, unless they are rated IC (Insulated Ceiling).
Irritation to skin and respiratory system
Wall insulation solutions like Rockwool are made of ultra-fine fibres. While thermally efficient, they can cause skin and respiratory irritation.