How to Install Cellulose Insulation in an Attic—Alone
Blowing a thick bed of insulation into an attic is really a two-person job, but you can do it by yourself if you have to
The key to working solo is being able to turn the machine on and off remotely. Corey's solution is to use extension cords, hung up where he is working, that can be in plugged in or unplugged at will.
Step by step (literally):
- Cut the bag n half
- Break up one half slowly into the blower. It takes about a minute per half bag.
- Climb the ladder and plug in the blower
- When the insulation is flowing, pan back and forth to fill all the spots and spaces. You get about three minutes of blow time and then it's back down the ladder to load another batch.
- Up the ladder
- Plug in
- Pan back and forth
- Unplug
- Down the ladder.
- Pour
- Up the ladder
- Plug
- Pan
- Unplug
- Repeat ...
For tight spots, tape a section of 2 inch PVC pipe to the end to extend your reach.
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2012 IECC: SECTION R402 BUILDING THERMAL ENVELOPE
2012 IRC: SECTION R806 ROOF VENTILATION | SECTION R906 ROOF INSULATION
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—Corey Binford is not a professional insulation contractor, he is just a guy who insulated the heck out of his old house, and who does a good job of explaining how to install insulation.