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Yes, basement insulation needs a vapor barrier due to its susceptibility to moisture seeping in from the outside of the house. You should install a moisture barrier before you install insulation or purchase insulation that comes prebuilt with a moisture barrier to avoid water damage in your insulation and costly mold and water remediation expenses. 

The best time to insulate a garage ceiling is when the weather is mild and dry. That means it shouldn’t be stormy, snowy, or raining, and the temperatures should be comfortable. Ideally, you’ll insulate your garage ceiling in the fall, before winter hits. Not only will you be the most comfortable, but you’ll also likely see the greatest energy savings heading into the colder weather with a newly insulated garage.

The best type of insulation for your home will largely depend on your climate and the space in your home you are trying to insulate. Fiberglass, for instance, is excellent for cold climates as it has a high R-value and won’t settle much over time; spray foam works well for humid environments as it has excellent moisture-resistant properties.

It’s technically possible to install loose-fill cellulose insulation without a blower, but it’s much more time-consuming, tedious, and dangerous. You’ll need to wear the proper protective coverings to handle the cellulose after it’s been doused in boric acid; use a shovel when you can to transport the material from the bag into the wall cavity.

That said, if you purchase cellulose materials at a home improvement store, ask if they rent out blowers for free or at a discounted rate. In many cases, if you buy the material from the store, they’ll rent out the blower at no extra cost.