How to DIY Install Wall Insulation in Your Home

Installing wall insulation in timber framed construction

Tools

  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Polypropylene string
  • Staple gun and staples

    Instructions

    • Turn off power at the fuse box before commencing the installation.
    • Ensure you place a warning tag to prevent power being restored prior to completion of the install.
    • Be aware that your electrical appliances will not operate during this time.
    • Friction fit Bradford wall insulation in wall cavities.
    • For external walls, stringing is recommended when installing Bradford wall insulation to ensure the insulation cannot bridge the cavity.
    • Start at the underside of the top plate, 75mm in from the vertical stud.
    • Staple polypropylene string to the underside of the top plate as far back as the thickness of the insulation.
    • Drop the string to the top of the nogging, tensioning before stapling.
    • Run the string towards yourself and turn it to the underside of the nogging and staple.
    • Drop the string to the bottom plate, tensioning before stapling.

    Click here to download the Bradford Insulation step by step installation instructions.

    Electric cables and equipment

    • Electric cables and equipment partially or completely covered may overheat and fail.
    • Lay insulation with electrical wiring and equipment, such as transformers, on top. For excessive runs covered by insulation seek advice from an electrician as to whether cardboard spacers or similar would be required to allow air circulation.
    • Electrical wiring must not be completely surrounded by insulation without prior approval from a licenced electrical contractor. Partially surrounding of electrical wiring is acceptable as long as the wiring has been done in compliance with AS/NZS3000 post 1984.
    • For more information regarding the installation of insulation around electrical cables and equipment, please refer to AS3999.