If you have or will have an unventilated crawl space, then your best approach is to seal and insulate the foundation walls rather than the subfloor. The advantages of insulating the crawl space are as follows: * You can avoid the problems associated with ventilating a crawl space. * Less insulation is required (around 400 [...]
Posts from ‘May, 2009’
Crawl Space Insulation
If you properly insulate your crawl space—in addition to air sealing and controlling moisture, you will save on energy costs and increase your home’s comfort. Before insulating or deciding whether to add insulation to your crawl space, first see our information about adding insulation to an existing house or selecting insulation for new home construction [...]
Sprayed-Foam and Foamed-In-Place Insulation Costs
Liquid foam insulation products and installation usually cost more than traditional batt insulation. However, liquid foam insulation also forms an air barrier. This can help eliminate some of the other costs and tasks associated with weatherizing a home, such as caulking, applying housewrap and vapor barrier, and taping joints. When building a new home, this [...]
Sprayed-Foam and Foamed-In-Place Insulation Installation
Liquid foam insulation—combined with a foaming agent—can be applied using small spray containers or in larger quantities as a pressure-sprayed (foamed-in-place) product. Both types expand and harden as the mixture cures. They also conform to the shape of the cavity, filling and sealing it thoroughly. Slow-curing liquid foams are also available. These foams are designed [...]
Sprayed foam insulation (good choice for finished basements)
Liquid foam insulation materials can be sprayed, foamed-in-place, injected, or poured. Their ability to fill even the smallest cavities gives them twice the R-value per inch than traditional batt insulation. Types of Liquid Foam Insulation Today, some foam insulation consists of materials similar to those found in pillows and mattresses. Also, most foam materials can [...]
Safety and Health Considerations Installing Loose-fill Insulation
Insulation blown into your ceiling cavities should cover the top plate of the wall, but be sure the eave vents are not covered. These vents provide necessary ventilation to your attic, and covering them could result in severe moisture problems. Electrical devices and recessed lights (except “IC-rated” fixtures) require 3 inches (8 centimeters) of clearance [...]
Quality Assurance Installing Loose-fill insulation
To ensure quality installation, whether you hire a professional or do it yourself, you should also look for voids and gaps, and fluffing. Voids and gaps occur if insulation is installed at too low a density or if a cavity isn’t completely filled. Voids also occur if the installation holes are improperly located between the [...]
Loose-fill insulation can lose its installed R-value because of settling
Over time, loose-fill insulation can lose its installed R-value because of settling, especially in attic cavities. Cellulose settles more than rock wool or fiberglass—20% compared to 2%–4%. Therefore, if you use cellulose, install 20% more in an attic to offset the settling. Cellulose manufacturers are required by federal law to provide the “settled thickness” on [...]
Loose-fill insulation can be installed in either enclosed cavities or unenclosed spaces
Loose-fill insulation can be installed in either enclosed cavities, such as walls, or unenclosed spaces, such as attics. Installation usually involves using special equipment that blows the insulation through and into the cavity or space. This includes the “two-hole method,” which entails drilling two holes spaced vertically between the exterior walls’ framing studs. The holes [...]
good choice for finished basementsn-Types of Loose-Fill Insulation
The most common types of materials used for loose-fill insulation include cellulose, fiberglass, and mineral (rock or slag) wool. All of these materials are produced using recycled waste materials. Cellulose is primarily made from recycled newsprint. Most fiberglass contains 20%–30% recycled glass. Mineral wool is usually produced from 75% post-industrial recycled content. Some less common [...]