Homemade Foam Insulation

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Dry cardboard scraps

  • Farm-style hammermill (grinder)

  • 4 gallon multipurpose glue

  • Bucket

Old cardboard is used to make homemade insulation.

Three feet of insulation can cost about $12 at the hardware store, but several pounds of homemade insulation can be made using scrap dry cardboard and a grinder. Generally, homeowners insulate their homes with foam to help reduce heating costs. Homemade cardboard insulation accomplishes the same goal as foam insulation for a fraction of the cost. The ground fluffy cellulose from the cardboard is glued onto the walls or on open wood boards in the attic.

Advertisement

Step 1

Add dry scraps of cardboard into farm-style hammermill.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Turn machine on and wait for fluffy, cellulose to come out. Collect this in a bucket.

Step 3

Mix the ground cardboard with multipurpose glue and apply immediately on the walls or wood boards.

Step 4

Dry for 36 hours.

Tip

Make sure the cardboard scraps are dry because wet cardboard does not grind well. Scraps of newspaper can also be used an an alternative.

Warning

Work in a well-ventilated area and wear proper eye and glove protection.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references