Here’s how I usually break it down: first, I clear out the area and check for any weird wiring or leaks (that step always takes longer than I think). Then, I measure and cut the insulation, which is kinda tedious. After that, it’s just install and seal up gaps. Usually takes me a weekend for an attic, but walls are trickier. Anyone have a faster way or some hacks to speed things up?
first, I clear out the area and check for any weird wiring or leaks (that step always takes longer than I think)
Funny how that always ends up being the slowest part. In my experience, prepping the space is where people lose the most time—especially in older homes where you never know what’s behind the drywall. One thing that’s helped me: after clearing the area, I use painter’s tape to quickly mark out studs and any obstructions before measuring. Cuts down on double-checking later.
For walls, have you tried those pre-cut insulation batts? They’re not perfect for every situation, but if your framing is standard, they can shave off a chunk of time since you’re not cutting as much. I also keep a can of spray foam handy for those weird little gaps that always pop up.
Curious—do you typically go with batt insulation, or have you tried blown-in? Some folks swear by blown-in for speed, but I’ve found it can get messy if you don’t have the right setup...
I’ll be honest, I’ve never been totally convinced that blown-in is worth the hassle unless you’re doing an attic or a big open wall cavity. The last time I tried it in a retrofit, I spent more time setting up tarps and chasing stray bits of insulation than actually filling the walls. Maybe that’s just me, but batt feels more predictable—even if you’re crawling around cutting pieces to fit weird stud spacing.
You mentioned using spray foam for gaps, which I’m all about. But have you run into issues with expanding foam pushing drywall out or making a mess? Sometimes I wonder if I’m overdoing it just to avoid drafts. Also, curious if you ever use rigid foam boards in awkward spots—like rim joists or behind electrical panels. They’re not as fast as batts, but sometimes they’re the only thing that fits.
Is there a trick you’ve found for keeping insulation work from turning into a full-day project when you hit those inevitable surprises behind the walls? Every time I think it’ll be straightforward, something weird pops up...
