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how do you cut a roll of insulation

by Emmanuelle DuBuque Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

How to Cut Rolled Insulation

  • 1.. Put on protective coveralls, a dust mask, goggles and gloves. If you don't have coveralls, use a long-sleeved shirt...
  • 2.. Measure the row between the studs where you need to lay your insulation. Roll out the insulation on a flat surface,...
  • 3.. Place the edge of a straightedge along the line you need to cut. Use a level to ensure the...

To cut thick batts or rolls of fiberglass insulation easily, use an extendable utility knife that has snap-off blades. Extend the blade all the way out to provide a long, sharp edge that perfect for cutting through thick insulation. Use a board to compact the insulation and provide a straight edge for cutting.Dec 5, 2012

Full Answer

What is the best tool to cut insulation?

Things You Will Need

  • Utility knife
  • Worktable
  • Felt-tip marker
  • Circular saw
  • Goggles
  • Jigsaw
  • Metal cutting or all-purpose jigsaw blade
  • Old steel circular saw blade
  • Vise
  • Grinder

How to cut insulation easy with simple tools?

The best way to cut rigid foam insulation requires very simple tools:

  • A board, 6-8 feet long (I prefer a 1×4, but a 2×4 will work)
  • Knee pads (optional but recommended)
  • A utility knife
  • A permanent marker
  • A tape measure

What is the best insulation for 2x4 and 2x6 walls?

  • Add thick insulation batts to the attic. ...
  • Seal up door and window cracks with caulk. ...
  • If you plan to install new siding on your house, add exterior wall sheathing beneath the new siding. ...
  • Add storm windows at the beginning of each cold weather season to the front of your existing windows.
  • Replace your windows . ...

More items...

What is the best way to cut batt insulation?

  • Utility Insulation Cutting Tool: Utility Insulation Cutting Tool: It is an easy-to-use Japanese insulation cutter. ...
  • Razor Sharp Japanese Steel: The blade uses Japanese high-grade stainless steel. ...
  • Long and Serrated Blade: The 8 inch long blade can cut even large-sized and pipe shaped insulation materials. ...

More items...

How to cut insulation on straight edge?

How do I lay insulation on a garage floor?

Why is rolled insulation important?

What to wear when laying insulation in attic?

What is the best tool to cut insulation with?

You can use a sharp utility knife to cut fiberglass batt insulation. You'll also want to have a scrap piece of plywood handy to help speed up the process and produce a clean, neat cut every time.

How do you cut a roll of insulation in half?

1:594:13Cut Fiberglass Insulation Fast Easy Way DIY - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust cut the paper first like that. And then grab. It. Just cut down through there it cuts reallyMoreJust cut the paper first like that. And then grab. It. Just cut down through there it cuts really good. So yeah then this works even better to cut it down this way cuz of the paper it won't tear.

Can you use scissors to cut insulation?

Select a sharp pair of heavy-duty metal shears to cut insulation. Technically, just about any pair of scissors or shears can cut through fiberglass insulation as long as the blades are sharp enough. However, heavy-duty shears made with thick, serrated, stainless steel blades work best.

How do you cut loft insulation rolls?

To cut the insulation, use a long sharp knife with a serrated edge, such as a bread knife. Sandwich the insulation between two boards and, using the top board as a guide, run the knife along the edge for a straight cut. Use a pair of large scissors for small or difficult cuts, for example around pipes.

How do you cut the width of insulation?

0:512:16How To Cut Fiberglass Insulation Batts - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSaw i cut a shape. Out. So i've got a nice square edge. And a piece that's long enough for the widthMoreSaw i cut a shape. Out. So i've got a nice square edge. And a piece that's long enough for the width of the bat i'm cutting. And all i have to do is lay this on my mark square it up to the edge.

Can you split insulation in half?

To split the insulation, Install from the top, making sure the top is tight down to the wire. From the bottom, split the batt in half and tuck the back section behind the wire. Make sure it comes into contact with the bottom plate and let the front section lie in front of the wire.

How do you cut fiberglass at home?

0:081:18Fiberline How To #1: Cutting fibreglass - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe dips will do the work or else the fiberglass may free an ordinary hacksaw can be used as well asMoreThe dips will do the work or else the fiberglass may free an ordinary hacksaw can be used as well as a handsaw. Deeper clean and coat the fiberglass.

How do you cut fiberglass rigid insulation?

0:001:26Cutting Rigid Insulation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you need to cut rigid insulation you can use a utility knife. You can rummage around and find aMoreIf you need to cut rigid insulation you can use a utility knife. You can rummage around and find a kitchen knife. You can even use the old handsaw.

How do you cut Rockwool rolls?

0:221:56Working with Mineral Wool - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCut along the lines going only as deep as the outlet. Then saw across the bottom leaving insulationMoreCut along the lines going only as deep as the outlet. Then saw across the bottom leaving insulation to fit behind the box slip the bat around the outlet for a nice tight.

Can you cut loft insulation with a saw?

Once the insulation roll is in position, measure the width of roll you need to fit between the joists; this tends to be either 400mm or 600mm. Then, cut the roll to size using a panel saw or large bladed kitchen knife.

How do you cut loft insulation UK?

1:542:59Knauf Insulation - How to Install Loft Roll - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf the roll is too long it can be cut to size using a retractable knife.MoreIf the roll is too long it can be cut to size using a retractable knife.

Should loft insulation go to the edges?

Insulation should be continued right to the edge of the ceilings but it shouldn't block the eaves' ventilation. Ventilation is vital to ensure the necessary air movement to prevent condensation from water vapour, as this can lead to decay of the structural timbers.

How to cut insulation on straight edge?

Cut through the insulation along your straightedge, using a sharp utility knife. Slice several times along the same line until you cut through the kraft-paper backing. Pull the insulation apart at the seam you created. Cut any stray fibers that are still connected.

How do I lay insulation on a garage floor?

Measure the row between the studs where you need to lay your insulation. Roll out the insulation on a flat surface, such as a garage floor. Measure the insulation to the proper length.

Why is rolled insulation important?

By Shala Munroe. Insulation is essential to keeping your home's heating and cooling costs down. If you're renovating and adding new insulation or trying to weatherproof your attic or garage, rolled insulation is an inexpensive and effective option.

What to wear when laying insulation in attic?

These can stick in your bare feet later. Even if you're laying insulation in a hot attic, wearing protective clothing, face mask and goggles is imperative to keep loose fiberglass particles from irritating your skin, eyes or lungs. Writer Bio.

How to cut insulation?

Walk to the side where you intend on beginning the cut. Place your knee down on the part of the board right over the edge of the insulation. Then, bend forward so you’re able to reach the opposite edge. Place your free hand on the part of the board over that edge of the insulation to compress it.

What kind of shears do you use to cut fiberglass insulation?

Select a sharp pair of heavy-duty metal shears to cut insulation. Technically, just about any pair of scissors or shears can cut through fiberglass insulation as long as the blades are sharp enough. However, heavy-duty shears made with thick, serrated, stainless steel blades work best.

How to keep fiberglass insulation from sticking to skin?

If some of your skin is exposed, put some baby powder on it. The powder prevents the glass shards in the insulation from sticking to your skin. If you come into contact with the insulation, your skin may become irritated. Rinse off the fiberglass in cold water, followed by warm water.

Can you use a utility knife to dull fiberglass insulation?

Any good utility knife will work, but fiberglass insulation dulls blades very quickly. For this reason, you’re better off using something disposable. Try getting an extendable snap-off utility knife. When the blade stops working, you can snap off the dulled length with pliers.

Can you cut insulation with paper?

Unroll just enough to complete the cut you wish to make. Most insulation has a paper backing on one side. Cutting through the paper last is usually easier, plus the backing keeps the insulation clean while you’re unrolling it. However, you can cut the insulation perfectly fine when the paper side is faceup.

Can you use fiberglass insulation to pad walls?

Fiberglass insulation is one of the most popular ways to keep a home warm. Since it’s inexpensive, easy to find, and very dense, you can’t go wrong when using it to pad walls. However, it’s very spongy, so you may be a little confused on how to cut it.

Introduction

Working with fiberglass insulation is never a fun job. But we've got some tips and tricks to help minimize discomfort and the mess associated with cutting it.

Use a straight edge

PRO TIP: Using a piece of scrap plywood cut in the shape of an L makes a really good jig to cut straight, square and clean.

Make the cut

Using an extendable utility knife, draw the blade toward you along the straight edge.

How Much Roll Insulation Will Be Needed?

Before buying insulation rolls, you’ll need to first find out how much of it will be needed. All you have to do is measure the length and width of the surface you want insulated and multiply both values to get the measurement in square ft. Note down the calculation and show it to the supplier where you’re getting the rolls from.

The Importance of Installing Rolls the Right Way

Here’s the thing: the core purpose of insulation is to block airflow as much as possible and keep the internal area protected from the harms of external temperature. Take the example of a cold breeze making its way into your house from a small opening.

Safety Precautions

Now that you’ve got the material, let us proceed towards some precautions. Safety comes first, especially when it comes to installing insulation rolls. Fiberglass, specifically, can be harmful as the fibers it contains may cause respiratory issues along with skin irritation.

Installing Insulation Rolls

If you’ve decided to go for rolls, you’ll have to first measure the area between the studs in the wall you want to be insulated. Go ahead and use that measuring tape to get an accurate idea of how much material would be required. After you’ve noted that, take out the insulation roll and make cuts according to the size you measured.

Why Choose Roll Insulation?

Roll insulation brings a plethora of benefits. Firstly, it’s simple to install and takes no more than a couple of hours at most to get the job done. You don’t have to pay for professional installation. Also, rolls are easier to manage and measure, unlike loose-fill insulation.

Conclusion

Just a couple of tools, some insulation rolls, and a few hours are all that you need to have a successful installation procedure. Remember to keep our tips in mind and keep an eye out for repairs before putting those rolls up. We hope our guide helps you have an enjoyable and trouble-free installation process!

Gossamer

I want to insulate my loft which has narrow joist widths, the gap is between 280-330mm, less than the typical 400mm pre-cut roll.

Gossamer

Ideally I should cut it as close to the width I need though? It should unroll and lay nice and easy filling the gap.

endecotp

If yours isn't, yes just find whatever method of cutting works for you.

Gerrydelasel

Thanks for starting this thread -some of the advice hadn't even occurred to me before. I insulated my living room floor today along the same lines!

noseall

You will wish you had left the roll at 400mm. Cutting down to fit something only a couple of cm less is bonkers. It will fit ok left at 400mm.

noseall

We use cavity batts for ceilings (when going in from below). These stay up without the need for netting etc.

Gossamer

You will wish you had left the roll at 400mm. Cutting down to fit something only a couple of cm less is bonkers. It will fit ok left at 400mm.

How to cut insulation on straight edge?

Cut through the insulation along your straightedge, using a sharp utility knife. Slice several times along the same line until you cut through the kraft-paper backing. Pull the insulation apart at the seam you created. Cut any stray fibers that are still connected.

How do I lay insulation on a garage floor?

Measure the row between the studs where you need to lay your insulation. Roll out the insulation on a flat surface, such as a garage floor. Measure the insulation to the proper length.

Why is rolled insulation important?

By Shala Munroe. Insulation is essential to keeping your home's heating and cooling costs down. If you're renovating and adding new insulation or trying to weatherproof your attic or garage, rolled insulation is an inexpensive and effective option.

What to wear when laying insulation in attic?

These can stick in your bare feet later. Even if you're laying insulation in a hot attic, wearing protective clothing, face mask and goggles is imperative to keep loose fiberglass particles from irritating your skin, eyes or lungs. Writer Bio.

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