INSTALL GUIDES: Walls Insulation

This guide covers seven wall insulation methods with SmartSHIELD reflective insulation, from a single layer between studs to double-layer setups with furring and drywall.

Equipment Checklist

Materials:

• Use: SmartSHIELD 10MM, SmartSHIELD 5MM, SmartSHIELD 1/4 Inch, SmartSHIELD 20MM or the Single Bubble Reflective Insulation, Double Bubble Reflective Insulation. Choose based on your R-value target and available space.
• SmartTAPE reflective foil tape: For sealing seams.
• Double-sided tape: For temporary hold during install.

Tools:

• Utility knife
• Staple gun or screw gun
• Measuring tape

Before You Start

1. Confirm your stud spacing so you can pick the right roll width.
2. Check for wiring, outlets, plumbing, or obstructions in the wall cavity.
3. Plan your air gap. Reflective insulation needs at least a 1 inch air space to perform.

Method 1: Over Studs (New Install)

Best for: new construction, before the wall is closed up.

1. Staple or screw SmartSHIELD to the wall framing before installing your studs.
2. Push the insulation in to create a 1 inch or more air gap.
3. Seal seams with SmartTAPE.
4. Attach drywall (optional).

Method 2: One Layer Under Studs

Best for: quick single-layer retrofit.

1. Screw or staple SmartSHIELD to the room-facing side of the studs.
2. Seal seams with SmartTAPE.

Method 3: Two Layers, Over and Under Studs

Best for: maximum thermal performance in new construction.

1. Staple or screw the first layer to the wall before installing your studs.
2. Push it in to create a 1 inch or more air gap.
3. Seal seams with SmartTAPE.
4. Roll a second layer perpendicular to and over the studs.
5. Seal those seams with SmartTAPE.
6. Screw or staple the second layer to the room-facing side of the studs.

Method 4: Two Layers, One Between and One Under Studs

Best for: high performance in a retrofit, where you can only work from inside.

1. Staple one layer of SmartSHIELD between the studs, sized to your stud spacing.
2. Staple or screw a larger roll (SmartSHIELD 10mm or 20mm) to the room-facing side of the studs.
3. Seal all seams with SmartTAPE.

Method 5: One Layer Under Studs Plus Drywall

Best for: a finished wall with a single insulation layer.

• Staple or screw SmartSHIELD to the room-facing side of the studs.
• Push the insulation into the cavity to create a 1 inch or more air gap.
• Attach drywall. The SmartSHIELD will compress slightly between the drywall and stud, which is fine.
• Seal seams with SmartTAPE before drywalling.

Method 6: Two Layers with Furring Strip and Drywall

Best for: the most complete setup for a finished wall.

1. Staple or screw one layer of SmartSHIELD between the studs.
2. Staple or screw a larger roll (SmartSHIELD 10MM or SmartSHIELD 20MM) to the room-facing side of the studs.
3. Attach a 1 inch furring strip (lathe board) through the underside of the insulation.
4. Attach drywall to the furring strips.
5. Seal all seams with SmartTAPE.

Method 7: One Layer Between Studs

Best for: the simplest single-layer job.

1. Staple or screw one layer of SmartSHIELD between the studs, sized to your stud spacing.
2. Seal seams with SmartTAPE.

Quick Tips

• Always leave an air gap of at least 1 inch. Reflective insulation needs it to perform.
• Seal every seam with SmartTAPE.
• Match your roll width to your stud spacing for between-stud methods.
• Adding drywall is no problem. SmartSHIELD compresses cleanly between the drywall and stud.

Need Help Choosing?

Browse the SmartSHIELD collection or call us at (786) 202-0704 for sizing and contractor pricing.