Owens Corning Attic Cat, blown in Insulation DIY!!!

[@vincentstone911]

Thoroughly informative. Probably the best on the subject. A major component of your quality is what's not included, and that's annoying background music which simpletons can't seem to make a DIY video without. Thank you for keeping it totally instructive. Masterclass.

[@DanielWoodell]

Appreciate that, if you happen to watch my earlier videos, I used to put music over stuff. But I got a lot of interesting comments about it, so I stopped doing it.

[@tonyramos7464]

As a Do-It-Yourself type of person, I watched a few videos for this project and many clips were helpful, but this video by Dan was the most helpful. I did read some other postings that appear to come from more "perfectionists" which criticized the job (e.g., air gaps, etc.), but I think the purpose here was to provide sufficient advice for most of us (and save a few bucks $$) - thank you Dan! There was also good feedback and additional tips, from other related videos which are worth considering. For me, I live in Phoenix AZ which is known for its very hot summers. Today (early May 2022), I performed the attic insulation job in my garage attic, which extends into the house and the kid's bedrooms. Based on the information I reviewed on this KZbin video, and along with my brother-in-law (whom has performed this task in the past), we completed the job in just under 2 hours for the following: blow-in fiberglass insulation for a 2-car garage and a separate 1-car garage which neither had any attic insulation, as well as adding insulation (to the existing insultation) to the attic space above three bedrooms. We rented the "Attic Cat" machine from Home Depot with a $250 down-payment which was refunded since we bought 10 bags of the pink, fiberglass insulation bags. Each bag weighed approximately 25 lbs (?). Cutting the bags in half ahead of time definitely makes it easier. NOTE, we accidentally cut the plastic wrap off of entirely from one section of insulation, which expanded immediately and made it difficult to load into the machine hamper. The machine we used, had a small hook and razor built into the intake-sleeve of the machine which cuts the plastic liner as you feed the insulation into the machine. Not complicated and easy to figure out. There were not many instructions on how to use the machine, but it was easy to figure out for us. The blower was plenty powerful and the hose was @ 100 feet long, more than plenty for our needs (almost too long). The machine was not as loud as I thought it would be. We began our job at 6:15AM to avoid the heat of the day and we were done overall in about 2 hours, while taking our time. I think what made it an easier job for us, was that the house was new (3.5 years old) and no worries about leaks, and other defects which other home-owners may encounter. The sad part, which we have heard and learned, is that many home-builders do NOT insulate the garage attics (at least, here in the Phoenix area). When we finished, we simply recoiled the hose back into the bag it came in, and then we vacuumed the machine so we could return it clean. There was some residual insulation that fell unto the garage floor, from the attic access area while we were doing the job, but that was because we were near the attic entrance and had to fill-in this area. A few minutes of vacuuming the garage was all it took to clean-up all of our work. The 10 bags of insulation at Home Depot cost @$59.97 per bag plus tax. Again, the machine rental was free. I figure we saved more than half (and probably more) the cost, if we would have hired out a company to this job. I recognize this post appears lengthy but I hope it helps others. I will post additional comments and tips once I determine how my garage and house "feels" since this job. Stay-tuned and good luck!

[@trey6422]

Nice job. This is what I’m planning to do myself soon. I went and talked to the lowes people earlier today and they told me the same price for the machine rental.

[@antoniogaleana131]

W❤

[@juicer52]

For those smaller jobs where you might not need the minimum number of bags for free rental, we used a leaf vacuum. Used a paint paddle on a large drill to break up cellulose bundle inside a garbage pail and then sucked it through the leaf vacuum and output through a dryer hose with shop vac tube attached to the end. Was able to blow it down wall cavities as well as between roof rafters.

[@pepepistolaxx9820]

THANK YOU , SO MUCH! 👍👍👍👍👍

[@rinooneone3]

you sir are a Genius thank you!

[@sheldonjardine2903]

Great DIY video, my friend! I’ve been dreading calling a contractor to come and do it for thousands of dollars. After watching this detailed video, I feel confident to do it myself! Thank you!!

[@dialdude]

Daniel, great video. I am doing my attic this weekend and VERY much appreciate your info and your ideas (precut bundles, bungee cord, depth indicators, etc). None of these was suggested by anyone else. Thank you, you dad and your nephew.

[@DanielWoodell]

You're welcome, glad to help! I learned that stuff the hard way.

[@yanuriroschev7270]

Thank you so much for creating and posting this video. I am about to embark on this same mission today and you've provided me with great insight, such as the paper markers showing the R value and cutting the bags in half. Love that you had your nephew and your dad helping! This is a major saver, so THANK YOU!

[@DanielWoodell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@davidward8967]

Great video! After watching this, I bought 10 bags and insulated a rental home I'm renovating. Pre-cutting the bags and using a bungee cord for the sprayer hose and safety light were basic, but very helpful suggestions. Had my son help and it went well. Took 4 hours including prep, cutting and stacking the bags, as well as the trips to pickup and return the Atticat. Thanks!

[@Sylvan_dB]

And equally valuable for your nephew, if not more, is the confidence that regular people can learn how to and succeed at doing all kinds of things. This stuff isn't magic and there is no need to learn the secret handshake before tackling a new project. You're doing good work building a garage and building a young man.

[@JoseBravoVzla]

Hi, your video is very well done and has many great shots and angles. Congratulations and thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. Regards

[@cyrilasfrenchyaz]

Great job! Although a couple of things. You should have first seal from all the penetrations, wall plates... and make sure the attic is well ventilated (baffles on soffit vents) before tackling this project. Using spray foam or mastic would have done the trick. Also, the vapor barrier on the batt insulation is supposed to go down, not up. Doing it like this will trap moisture and promote mold growth. It's definitely is a 2 men job!.

[@takinglifebythelens]

This is how a how-to should be made! Appreciate your informative video. It's a hot summer in the midwest and yeah, it's gonna be miserable... Have about 1200 sq ft of attic, giving myself 3 hours of attic time which should be plenty to blow in 15 bags(just amending the rock-wool that's currently there. Starting at 4:30 in the AM to hopefully spare myself the worst of the heat.

[@joemc111]

Well done sir I think the best thing you did was give that young man a chance and have him do all the different jobs as you proceeded Thru the project.

[@SCRIDify]

Very well narrated and thought out. Nice job! And no crappy music score either. Thanks.

[@mattmayo3539]

Sweet Garage! I’m doing R-60 in my parents 40 year old home next week. Cheers! 🍻

[@danielhill3261]

One of the best DIY videos on KZbin I've ever seen.

[@METALMUNCHERS77]

Man I thought is was more expensive than that I definitely will do my house now awesome video

[@johnclark6190]

Excellent video. Well done without a bunch of waste.

[@aburd780]

Great video. Thanks for taking the time to show the steps.

[@thedevilz1210]

Thank you Sir for the detail video, specially how to bring from home depot and how heavy the machine would be.

[@latourbrian]

Headed to rent blower and do this same work. Thanks for creating this clear video showing the process.

[@bullionbouncer5080]

Is it insulated under your plywood catwalk? Did you have vapor barrier down? I'm doing my garage ceiling/attic and I'm lost......

[@ronnymckay6170]

You can do this with one person since it does come with a remote. Just takes a bit longer climbing up and down to feed the beast.

[@jcx5659]

I bought 10 bags today of this same stuff at Home Depot. $546.00

[@paulntraci99]

Appreciate you sharing this video. Smart idea with the bungee cord and pre-cutting the bags. I'll definitely have to remember to that myself. Also looks a lot easier/cleaner than using cellulose, not as dusty and having the ease of cutting it on and off in the attic instead of just at the machine. At least compared to all the videos I've seen on here.

[@Crewsy]

paulntraci99 The great thing about Fiberglas insulation is that rodents love it. Stick with cellulose insulation. Rodents hate the fire retardant added to cellulose.

[@circle4922]

Poor kid isn't allowed to use a cutting tool. Thanks for the video, great job.

[@sonnylegit]

the blowers also have an air filter. make sure you take it out and clean it off before use so you can push the stuff through at full speed. filter getting clogged and flow slows down to a stop

[@thomascollier4913]

Thanks for the video, it's helped me decide how I want to insulate my attic

[@JoseBravoVzla]

How do I calculate how much material I'm going to use? You may have said it in the video but I couldn't hear it, since my main language is Spanish. Thank you very much in advance for your answer.

[@josemortiz1223]

The doggy was cheering the whole time!

[@Hobby-zn7ce]

Thanks for taking the time to help others. good vid.

[@lisamb4269]

I have a question if this channel is still active. I wanna actually redo my attic, but it has the old 1920 newspaper insulation. Can I take that out, and replace it with other insulation??? Right now the walls have the old-fashioned pink panther insulation. I wanna do this myself. I need to know exactly how much would it take DIY wise, to get this stuff out??? I'd have to use a shop vac correct??? i could show you pix??? Then we would have to lay down new boards??? Thanks!!! Lisa It's currently being used as storage, but this attic needs to be restored, it has potential!!! I have images of how i want it put back to life. Thanks!!! Lisa

[@jdiamond52]

you're such a good uncle!

[@In_Case_Im_Fake]

5:39 why did you put the batt insulation upside down?

[@amsteenm]

I could imagine that because the batts are not tightly fitted between the joists that it has negligible impact, since all sides end up surrounded by a significant amount of the blown-in.

[@timkr66]

@@amsteenm I didn't see a vapor barrier on the attic floor. Isn't that needed with blown-in insulation?

[@JimmyBamis]

Nicely detailed video thanks! I'm wanting to do this to my house soon. Also, do you leave the planks in the attic and cover it up with insulation?

[@thewoodweldingfabricator9300]

Thank you! I'm planning on insulating my own shop and this really helps. Probably going to do the exact same method of batting in the walls and blown in in the attic Also, just a thought. Painters overalls.

[@user-xk5so7wb2t]

Next time cup your hand over discharge tube and open then close when blowing it in. bc otherwise it's super puffed up / aerated. then over time it will fall/ compress and then your lite. seen builders do this on new homes to pass insulation code. then 1 yr later it drops several inches.

[@mroberts566]

Great video! Thanks for doing this!

[@texansnstros]

thanks. this helped me understand what's involved.

[@leafaramsedel]

Thanks for sharing. Very informative and helpful.

[@mv2022]

shouldn't the vapor barrier side of the batts (paper side) be against the floor and not towards the ceiling?

[@Rexxthespecialist]

I noticed the same thing.

[@Lugenfabrik]

If you want to insulate some walls without tearing out drywall, could you cut some holes in the wall and blow this insulation into the cavity? Bad idea or ok?

[@DanielWoodell]

Definitely would not work well ☹️

[@rolandvz71able]

Great camera work! Thx for the video

[@desperado77760]

are you leaving room for the soffit vents to allow in air?

[@brianbrooks7538]

Thanks Dan, Very informative and detailed video. Question, did you put down a vapor barrier between your attic sheeting and the blown in insulation? I have seen this done in other videos and was wondering if it was necessary?

[@samm1462]

As others have probably, hopefully said, shouldn’t blow insulation over faced batting. Curious to see what this attic looks like 6 years later, highly likely they have moisture issues.

[@windygorge1]

where are your baffles to keep the insulation out of your vent blocks?

[@fuckbeingbroke2]

Good video thanks for the upload & angles respect!!

[@user-rx7th9hr4l]

I'm trying to figure out how much insulator i need.

[@Eric-oe5ip]

You can see at 6:16 you are blowing in insulation over existing insulation with a vapor barrier in the middle, this is bad and can trap moisture from condensation in between your insulation layers. Also I didn't hear you mentioning air sealing... You always want to air seal your attic BEFORE insulating! Otherwise great video!

[@towelle91845]

I was just thinking about the vapor barrier too

[@josecasas6254]

He didnt talk about baffles either, that he needs to install in order to not block any intake ventilation coming in from the bird blocks. I hope he did installed them

[@travisorth9933]

He waisted all that money on a shitty job

[@AbuZixer]

Hi, thanks for the detailed video: 2 questions: You have no vapour barrier Installed ? And why you did not insulate the plywood area?

[@DanielWoodell]

The ply wood area was insulated with batt insulation when I sheet rocked, and There is no vapor barrier because there are vent baffles that allow the attic to be vented to the outside

[@AbuZixer]

@@DanielWoodell hi, you mean there is insulation between the plywood corridor and the ceiling? As it looked there were none.. Usually people fill that area too and simply walk into the insulation when needed..

[@astonmarjo]

Very detailed information! Thanks 🤙🤙👍

[@frankryan8100]

I assume the hose has a fitting at the end? Mine doesn’t and don’t know how to connect without.

[@DanielWoodell]

Yup there is a fitting on the end to connect it, you maybe able to push it in and use a zip tie to hold it in place or a hose clamp.

[@jdkrxw]

Good explanation and demo for the blower.....but it looked like you were blowing insulation against the underside of the roof (ie: no insulation stops). Also; you didn't note that you air sealed any ceiling openings (light fixtures, stair frame etc). You really need to make sure both of these get done to complete the job.

[@MrDavez]

Nice work

[@janewilson9202]

THANKS FOR SHARING. I NEEDED TO SEE THIS ONE BAD

[@dominickmamone6196]

no baffles for air circulation in the eves?

[@seanoc6284]

This was helpful. Thank you!!

[@loganhalpenny1227]

Do you live in the PNW? I live on Vancouver Island and I'm thinking I need to do this but I was hoping you may be able to let me know how it's been working for you?

[@DanielWoodell]

The effort and money put into this has paid off, exponentially in the long run. This has been installed now for many years. I have recently installed a mini split it heats and cools, the shop and all of this effort, putting insulation in the ceiling. The shop has made it extremely cost-effective.

[@S-the-simple-engineer]

Thanks for sharing. Where can we get those measuring strips?

[@yanbaihuzxzxzx]

bro the kraft paper on the batts needs to face the warm side of the wall when in the winter. So basically, you going to get mold growing between the loose blown you threw up there and the batt insulation that was there prior. You wouldve been better to get a insulator that knew what he was doing and you wouldve came out better. did you install polyvents or baffles to not block the air from the soffits. Plus while you was upthere you couldve airsealed the floor of the attic wouldve really help.

[@david326192]

How many hours did it take to blow 1000'? Im in western Washington also Puyallup and looking to blow in a 2000' attic. I just don't want to be there all day.

[@DanielWoodell]

About 2 hrs

[@Detroitblue]

Very well done and informative video.

[@DanielWoodell]

thanks

[@Danny-pp1gk]

Where did you get the depth gauges? I don’t see them at my Home Depot.

[@ChrisHodges87]

Really helpful. Thank you!

[@flem123123]

Nice job thanks for the video.

[@justinwjmaccurdy]

Did you end up insulating the attic walk-way? If not, how come?

[@GRIM_MOD]

Is modern day insulation safe to work with

[@lisashaughnessy8447]

How did you keep the air vents clear under the eaves?

[@jgrenwod]

Ditto.

[@yorkrojas1452]

What about the center area?

[@MotecM]

Thanks for filming this and the detailed recap at the end! I’m getting ready to do this and it greatly helps me plan for the job! BTW - where did you get the staple in depth gauges?

[@tinachang2657]

This was so helpful. Thank you!

[@christopherdekonstrukt444]

After my garage wall at the overhead door is replaced because of termite damage, insulation will have to be blown in the attic as some of the ceiling sheetrock needs to be removed.

[@BruteEngine]

Now that you've had the insulation up there for a while, have you noticed any benefits from it being there? Just how much of an improvement has it made? Would you do anything different?

[@DanielWoodell]

Dan Kelly it is better than I ever could have hoped for. It stays cool in the summer and the heater hardly comes on in the winter. If you look back a few videos on my channel you will see how I prepped for insulation. That also made a huge difference. I definitely would take the time to do this all over again exactly the same way!

[@pepepistolaxx9820]

Daniel Woodell Thank you sir,great job

[@cpmethod2]

Blown in over faced batts?

[@cameranmanner4701]

how much more difficult would this be doing it alone and since you said that it took 90mins how much longer do you think it would be doing it alone.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

1 person would be about 3-4x longer because you have to use up 1/2 the bag, climb down, load another, climb back up, shoot it out, climb back down, etc. And if you have clogs you have to climb down and fix it and then climb back up again. Find a day laborer to help or a nephew if you've got one. 😉

[@RandyRanew]

Excellent video, thanks!!

[@QueOndaWhey]

Excellent, thank you!!

[@Adamthestorm]

Hey has anyone had a problem where the insulation you put in the machine shoots back at you while it grinds it up ? Plz respond

[@DanielWoodell]

Nope I did not have any issues with it blowing back at me.

[@Adamthestorm]

@ Perhaps the one we rented from the store was busted . I had a pile of insulation near my feet after each half bag was inserted . Just wanted to see if anyone else had a similar issue

[@muxxor9492]

Nice job, as I said in a previous video I had the same experience it was something I was dreading having to do, but it ended up going a lot easier then I could have hoped for. Are planning for a propane heater in the garage?

[@streetpunk99]

Do those paper guages come inside the bundles or where do you get those from?

[@DanielWoodell]

They where on the end of one of the aisles in the store in the insulation section

[@kipcarroll486]

Was the 24 x 32 area including the middle space or was that just the area you sprayed ?

[@iseeu2002]

Wheres ur baffles? You might as well get radiant heat barriers while you were up there to help cool down your attic in the summer and make it warmer in the winter.

[@DanielWoodell]

check out this video on the prep work for the insulation. kzbin.info?o=U&video_id=RYom7LAi2sE

[@debbiebishop4798]

Can you use this for walls?

[@petersachs764]

I hate to ask but did you do any air sealing prior to this job?

[@JoseGomez-zg3tm]

Does this product make you’re skin itchy?

[@DanielWoodell]

A little bit

[@justinbridges9545]

What did you do under the cat walk? Thanks for some great information. I am poring concrete for my shop on Tue. 10 2019

[@DanielWoodell]

if you afterward to min 3:50 you will see what i did . kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqG8nYCidqeLja8

[@windonwater3895]

Great video - thanks.

[@emdieselify]

Hi Daniel, You guys blow in about 15 inches? r value of 49? Must of missed that.

[@emdieselify]

nevermind i see you got to r44

[@24BLUEELMO]

Is it itchy?

[@sarahordaz6180]

Great video! Thx!

[@user-rx7th9hr4l]

where i live each of these bags r40 cost $120 before tax and it says each bag covers 48 Square feet, that means for a 1000 square feet attic i need 20.8 bag = $2500 before tax which way more expensive than people say, am i missing something? please help, i'm so confusaed someone told me they can get it done for $1200, how?

[@DanielWoodell]

I did this install before the world went to S#*t, and material prices went sky hi. How ever I’m in wester Washington and at Home Depot each bag of Owens Corning blow in insulation is 53$ and covers 110 sq ft.

[@DanielWoodell]

R-value for blown in insulation is purely based on the thickness that you choose to use. Blown in insulation starts at our 19 and goes all the way to our 60 if you have the space to blow it that thick. I’m also not sure which product you’re referencing as our 40 and cost of 120 per bag.

[@user-rx7th9hr4l]

@@DanielWoodell In home depot where i live it's $120 each, R40(14 inch) each bag covers 48 square feet. the brand is "Owens Corning" pink I undersnad in blown in, it doesn't matter .

[@chezbonner9284]

Thanks for the video!!

[@jonathanzell5605]

This is so cute.

[@gjones7777]

GREAT video! THANKS!

[@joemc111]

Well done video.

[@sukhvirsingh7035]

Will this machine fit in car's back seat or two cars ?

[@DanielWoodell]

Two cars.

[@b-radg916]

I couldn’t get the bottom part in my car… no way it would fit through the door or go in the trunk (full size four door Lexus).

[@Imwright720]

You roll the hose up the same as a ski rope, over then under. Zero twist.

[@skliros9235]

It took you an hour for ten bags. Was that nonstop? I'm looking to blow 50 bags and wondering how long it will take.

[@DanielWoodell]

skliros yup it was an hour with two of us.

[@flutist218]

Correction: you said you get 68.5 CUBIC feet out of bag. You meant to say 68.5 SQUARE feet. Right? The symbol "FT2" on the bag means square feet. If it said "FT3" that would mean cubic feet. A cubic foot is 12" by 12" by 12".

[@threatassessment216]

Thank you sir !