Insulating your home can be a fun and environmentally friendly project, especially when you use materials you already have on hand, like recycled newspaper. Not only does this help keep your home warm, but it also reduces waste. Let’s dive into three practical examples of how to make recycled newspaper insulation.
This method is perfect for insulating walls or attics, providing a simple way to create effective insulation batts from recycled newspapers.
To get started, gather several sheets of old newspapers and some basic tools. You’ll be turning those newspapers into a fluffy, insulating material that can be easily inserted into wall cavities.
Start by tearing the newspapers into strips about 1 inch wide. Next, you’ll want to soak the strips in water for a few hours to make them more pliable. Once they are soaked, wring them out gently to remove excess water. Now, using a blender, puree the newspaper strips with a bit of water until you achieve a pulp-like consistency.
Spread the pulp out onto a flat surface covered with a plastic sheet. Use a rolling pin to flatten the pulp into a uniform layer, about 1-inch thick. Allow it to dry completely, which may take one to two days, depending on humidity. Once dried, cut the batts into the desired size and use them to fill your wall cavities or attic spaces.
This method is ideal for insulating exposed pipes in your home, helping to prevent heat loss and protect against freezing.
If you have pipes that run through unheated spaces, such as basements or crawl spaces, insulating them with recycled newspapers can be a cost-effective solution. Begin by gathering your newspapers and cutting them into strips approximately 12 inches long.
Next, take a strip and wrap it around the pipe, overlapping the edges slightly to ensure full coverage. Secure the newspaper in place with string or tape, making sure to cover the entire surface of the pipe. Repeat this process for all exposed pipes in your home.
After wrapping all the pipes, you can add an additional layer of protection by wrapping them with a layer of plastic or using a plastic bag to help shield the newspaper from moisture.
This approach is great for adding an extra layer of insulation to your windows, improving energy efficiency during colder months.
If your windows are letting in drafts, creating insulated window inserts from recycled newspaper can help maintain a comfortable temperature indoors. Start by measuring your window frame to determine the size of your inserts.
Using your newspapers, tear them into strips and soak them in water, just like in the first example. After blending the soaked strips into a pulp, spread the pulp onto a flat surface, forming a sheet that matches the size of your window frame. Allow the sheet to dry completely.
Once dried, you can cut the sheet to fit snugly within the window frame or use a frame made of wood to hold the newspaper sheet in place. Insert the newspaper insulation into the window frame during colder months to reduce heat loss.
By using these examples of how to make recycled newspaper insulation, you can contribute to a more sustainable home while enjoying the benefits of improved insulation. Happy insulating!