Insulation Bags: How to Calculate Coverage

As an expert in the field of insulation, I have been asked countless times about the coverage of insulation bags. This is a common concern among homeowners and contractors alike, as knowing the coverage of a bag of insulation is crucial for planning and budgeting purposes. In this article, I will share my knowledge and experience to help you understand how to calculate the coverage of insulation bags.

Measuring Coverage in Bags per 1,000 Square Meters

The coverage of insulation bags is typically measured in bags per 1,000 square meters. This is a standard unit used in the industry and is based on the established thickness of the insulation.

However, it is important to keep in mind that this is just an estimation and may vary depending on various factors such as the type of insulation and installation method.

Insulation Roll Coverage

Insulation rolls are one of the most commonly used types of insulation in homes. These rolls come in different sizes and have varying R-values, which measure the thermal resistance of the material. Typically, a roll of insulation will cover about forty to fifty square feet with different R-values. For example, a single-sided fiberglass roll with an R-value of 13 will cover 40 square meters. It is worth noting that different brands offer different square footage by size.

For instance, an Owens Corning R 19 23 Kraft bag measures 118.83 square feet, while the same size of R 19 23 Kraft in Johns Manville covers 138 square feet. This means that even if two bags have the same R-value, they may not necessarily cover the same area.

Insulating Strips Coverage

When using insulating strips, it is important to check the space between the posts in the area you are going to insulate. These strips are designed to be stapled to the uprights, but they can also be held in place by friction. If you are using uncoated fiberglass insulation sheets, it is recommended to install a vapor barrier by adding a plastic or polyethylene sheet on the inside of the wall. Insulation packs are usually tied with wire, making them easy to move and carry to your insulation project.

This is especially useful if you are working on a large area and need to transport the bags from one place to another.

Adding Insulation to Existing Walls

If you want to add insulation to an existing wall with minimal damage, you can use loose insulation such as fiberglass or cellulose, or expansive foam insulation. These types of insulation can be blown into the wall cavity without causing any damage to the existing sheet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the coverage of insulation bags varies depending on various factors such as type, size, and installation method. It is important to carefully consider these factors when planning your insulation project to ensure that you have enough bags to cover the desired area. I hope this article has provided you with valuable insights and helped you understand how to calculate the coverage of insulation bags.