Easy Weekend Projects

Installation Tips

  • Lay temporary flooring across the joists to provide footing, and use a temporary work light.
  • Install the insulation at the outer edge of the attic space and work toward the center so you’ll have more headroom where cutting and fitting can be done. Don’t get "insulated into a corner" where it will be hard to walk back to the attic entry.
  • If the joist cavities are completely filled, lay the new insulation in long runs perpendicular to the direction of the joists, and use leftover pieces for small spaces.
  • If the cavity is not completely filled, use the appropriate thickness of insulation to fill it to the top, then add an additional layer of insulation perpendicular to the joists.
  • The insulation should extend far enough to cover the tops of the exterior walls, but should not block the flow of air from the eave vents. To make sure the eave vents aren't blocked, install Owens Corning Raft-R-Mate® attic vents or baffles to provide unrestricted air flow from the soffit.
  • Insulation should be kept three inches away from recessed lighting fixtures unless the fixture is marked "I.C." (Insulated Ceiling). If insulation is placed over an unrated fixture, it may cause the fixture to overheat and start a fire.
  • Insulation should always be installed at least three inches away from any metal chimneys, gas water heater flues or other heat-producing devices.
  • Stuff small gaps around masonry chimneys or other areas with pieces of unfaced insulation, which will not burn.