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Where You Can Add Insulation

To achieve the maximum thermal efficiency and comfort it is important to insulate any space were energy could be lost. For optimum energy savings and comfort, consider adding additional insulation to your home.

1. Attics & Ceilings

Fiber glass insulation in attics and flat ceilings makes the home more resistant to energy loss and lowers energy bills. To achieve R-values of R-38 and higher, two layers of fiber glass batts can be used and their R-value combined. For example, an R-19 batt added to an R-30 will yield an R-49. When installing a second layer, always use unfaced insulation. Also, it is recommended that the second layer be applied across the joists. Fiber glass or mineral wool loose-fill insulation can also be used.

2. Don’t Forget the Walls

Sections sometimes overlooked in homes are walls between living spaces and unheated garages or storage rooms, dormer walls, and the portions of walls above ceilings of adjacent lower sections of split-level homes. Today’s fiber glass insulation products are manufactured to fit in both 2 x 4 and 2 x 6 construction.

3. Floors

Areas that are often not insulated are floors over unheated or open spaces such as garages or porches, floors over unheated basements and the cantilevered portions of floors. Fiber glass batts can be used in these areas. When insulating floors over unheated basements or crawl spaces, faced products should be used and vapor retarders should face heated areas and be in contact with the subfloor.

4. Basements

For finished basements, R-13 fiber glass batts can be used. Vapor retarders should face heated areas and be covered as soon as possible. For insulating foundation walls of heated crawl spaces, use either unfaced insulation where the building code does not require a vapor retarder, or insulation with a special facing recommended for exposed applications. The insulation should be fastened to the sill plate and draped down the wall. Verify that the walls are dry and do not leak ground moisture before insulated a basement.