Upgrading a home’s insulation is an excellent way to improve energy efficiency and lower utility costs.
But with choices such as fiberglass, cellulose, spray foam and even denim, decisions can be difficult. The process can be complicated even further when unfamiliar terms like “R values” enter the equation.
The Triad Green Building Council is here to help you navigate the different products and to encourage area residents to “green” their existing homes and improve their energy efficiency.
Benefits
Insulation offers many advantages to the homeowner such as reduced utility bills, increased comfort and fewer “cold spots,” moisture control, noise control and higher resale value. Energy efficiency consistently ranks as a major factor when considering the purchase of a home.
Insulation keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer by reducing the flow of heat. Heat naturally flows from a warmer to a colder place. In the winter heat flows from the inside to the outside, and in the summer heat flows from outside to inside. By reducing heat flow, a well-insulated home uses less energy. Insufficient or improperly installed insulation will make heating systems work harder and can lead to structural damage because of uncontrolled moisture content.
All insulation is rated by its R value, and the R stands for resistance to heat flow. The higher the R value, the better the insulation. The recommended level of insulation for the Triad, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, is a minimum of R-38 insulation value for ceilings and R-25 for floors.
Types of insulation
There are many ways to insulate a home to achieve maximum comfort. The most common types of insulation are:
• Fiberglass: Known for being inexpensive and easy to use, fiberglass can be installed as precut blankets (batts) or blown into wall cavities and ceilings using specialized equipment. Additionally, fiberglass products have up to a 40 percent recycled material content.
• Cellulose: Made from recycled wood products (primarily newspaper), cellulose is treated with fire-retardant and insect-resistant chemicals. Cellulose is typically blown into ceilings using specialized equipment or sprayed into wall cavities using a wet application technique.
• Spray foam: Polyurethane foams are rapidly gaining in popularity because of their superior air sealing properties and higher R values. Foams must be installed by a professional applicator under controlled conditions. Spray foam insulation is significantly more expensive than fiberglass or cellulose but offers superior performance.
• Hybrid systems: Many contractors are using hybrid systems that maximize the air sealing benefits of spray foam with the cost efficiency of fiberglass or cellulose. For example, exterior walls may be “flashed” with a thin foam layer (usually 1 inch) to air seal the wall cavity. The remainder of the cavity is filled with fiberglass batts or blown with fiberglass or cellulose to reach maximum R value. The ceilings may be blown with fiberglass or cellulose. It is possible to use fiberglass, cellulose and foam in a single home or remodel project.
Sufficient insulation
If your home is more than 10 years old, you may need to upgrade your insulation. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, only 20 percent of the homes built before 1980 are properly insulated. A simple inspection of your attic can provide additional clues. If your insulation is level with or below the floor joist, you probably need to add additional insulation. Since R values are cumulative, you do not need to remove the insulation that is already there. Simply add additional insulation on top until the desired R value is reached. Start in the attic, generally the source of greatest heat loss, where insulation is relatively easy to install and will have a high return on investment.
Pay attention to the details. Just adding additional insulation may not achieve the desired results. First and foremost, regardless of the type of insulation, the quality of the installation will determine if the desired R value is achieved. Select a contractor that has a record of quality work and understands the value of quality installation.
Insulation also works best when air is not moving through it. Use expanding foams and caulks to properly seal all holes, gaps and cracks. This will reduce drafts and improve the R value of your insulation and reduce your energy costs.
Professional help
If you feel like professional help is in order, a qualified Home Energy Rater (HERS) can perform tests to determine the greatest sources of heat transfer in your home. A list of qualified HERS professionals can be found at www.natresnet.org.
Upgrading you insulation is a cost-efficient way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce monthly utility costs. With proper air sealing and quality installation, adding additional insulation will greatly improve the comfort of your home and potentially increase its value.
Scott Allred is chairman of the Triad Green Building Council and the owner of Precept Construction. He can be reached at scott@preceptconstruction.com or 286-6811. For additional resources on green building, visit www.preceptconstruction.com.
