Opening Up on Wall Insulation
Properly sealed, moisture-protected and insulated walls help increase comfort, reduce noise and save on energy costs. However, walls are the most complex part of the home to insulate. The keys to comfort and savings are:
- Airtight construction: All air leaks in the wall should be sealed during construction and prior to insulation installation.
- Moisture control: Include an exterior rain drainage system, continuous air barrier and vapor barrier on the appropriate side of the wall.
- Complete insulation coverage: Use advanced framing to maximize insulation coverage and reduce thermal bridging; avoid gaps or compressed insulation; and install continuous insulated sheathing.
What type of insulation should I use?
You have an increasing array of insulation product options to choose from, which often makes it difficult to determine the most cost-effective products and techniques. The most common types of insulation available include:
- Fiberglass and rock wool batts are the least expensive type of insulation material but it requires careful installation for effective performance. 2 x 4 walls can hold R-13 or R-15 batts; 2 x 6 walls can have R-19 or R-21 products.
- Cellulose insulation, made from recycled newsprint, comes primarily in loose-fill form. It's installed in walls using a dry-pack process or a moist-spray technique. Cellulose generally costs more than batt insulation, but it offers reduced air leakage through the wall cavity and improved sound deadening.
- Fiberglass and rock wool loose-fill insulation provides full coverage using an installation system that involves blowing insulation into open stud cavities behind a net.
- Rigid closed-cell foam insulation (polyisocyanurate and polystyrene) has a higher R-value per inch than fiberglass or cellulose and stops air leaks, but it's considerably more expensive. This type of insulation is manufactured in sheet-good dimensions and is often used as the outer layer of insulation.
- Foam-in-place insulation can be blown into walls and reduces air leakage. Some types use carbon dioxide in the manufacturing process, rather than more environmentally harmful gases such as pentane or hydrochlorofluorocarbons.
Insulation is measured in R-value, which represents the level at which the insulation blocks heat flow. The appropriate R-value depends on the climate, the type of home you have and the area of the home you're insulating. See Recommended Home Insulation R-Values from ENERGY STAR® for more information.
You may Qualify for Free Weatherproofing
Income-qualified customers, schedule a no-cost Home Energy Checkup to help improve the comfort of your home and lower your energy bills. To help you start saving, we will provide $50 of energy-saving products—for FREE. If your home qualifies, I&M could pay 100% of the cost (up to $3,000) of weatherproofing products for your home.
Schedule your appointment today. Call 833-566-0583 or online
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