Before You Begin

The insulation can be itchy so dress accordingly. Wear a long-sleeve shirt, heavy slacks and shoes and a hat or scarf. Knee pads will protect your shins and wear a respirator to protect your lungs.

Make a rough measurement of the space and use it to determine how many bags of insulation are needed. The insulation bag specifies how much square footage it will cover. Rent an insualtion blower if you have a large attic.

• Step 1 : Gather materials and tools

  Find a piece of plywood about 3-feet square to use as a kneeling pad to work on. It should be wide enough to span the distance of the floor joists in the attic. Then bring bags of insulation to the attic with a utility knife or scissors and a spreading tool. Plan to begin spreading the insulation from the outside walls of the house first, and then working your way to the attic stairs or access panel.

• Step 2 : Pour and spread

  

  Slide the plywood pad into position and use it to kneel on while you pour the insulation from the bag into the cavities between the floor joists in the attic. Spread the insulation around so it is loose, not packed down and about 6 inches deep.

• Step 3 : Coax it into tight spots

  

  Use a broom or small garden rake or any long object to coax the insulation into difficult-to-reach areas of the attic. Keep it away from any recessed light fixtures where it might catch fire or roof eaves where it will obstruct the flow of ventilation to the attic.