How to insulate a wall

Insulated walls are great for the environment and will save you money on your heating bills. If you've got a bare brick wall you want to insulate, here's how to do it yourself ... .

Level of difficulty

Level 2: Intermediate

What you need

• Safety goggles
• Gloves
• Putty
• Putty knife
• Sandpaper
• Damp cloth
• Tape measure
• Fibreglass / Mineral wool insulation
• Utility knife
• Stapler
• Staples
• Hammer
• Nails
• Vapour barrier
   

The steps to follow

1. Before you install the insulation, look for are any cracks on the wall. If you find any cracks, fill them up with putty.
2. Smooth the wall with fine grade sandpaper and clean the wall surface with a damp cloth.
3. Next, measure the area of the wall.

Note:
Fibreglass and mineral wool insulation are the most popular type of wall insulation because they are the easiest to install and provide excellent insulation. Put on your safety goggles and gloves before you insulate your walls as these materials can be irritating on your skin and harmful if inhaled. Some insulates, like sheep's wool is totally harmless however so it all depends on what material you use.

4. Stuff the insulation into the wall so they fit snugly.
5. Use a utility knife to trim any excess insulation.
6. Secure it either with staples or nails.
7. Continue installing the insulation until you're done.
8. Unroll and cut the vapour barrier to the size of the insulation blanket.
9. Fit the vapour barrier to the wall you've just insulated.
10. Position and staple (or nail) the vapour barrier on the wall.
11. Make sure that you've covered the entire insulated wall with vapour barrier.

Note:
Vapour barrier will prevent moisture from entering through the wall. It is highly advised that you install a vapour barrier after insulating your walls.

12. Once you're done insulating your wall, you can install a drywall.