CHAPTER 3

INSULATION MATERIALS SELECTION AND

INSTALLATION

I nsulation slows down the conduction of heat

through walls, ceilings and floors in both winter and
instance, one manufacturer's fiberglass blanket insulation
might have an R-value of R-13. Another manufacturer's
summer. It was first used extensively during the 1940's rigid foam panels might have an R-value of R-10. If more
and 50's, not to save fuel (which was relatively inexpen- than one layer of insulation is used, the total R-value can
sive) but to increase comfort. A couple of inches of be calculated by adding the R-values of the layers.
fiberglass or rockwool were sufficient. Throughout this chapter we will refer to representa-
With today's energy prices, however, we need to be tive R-values for various types of insulation. Keep in mind
considerably more conscientious. Proper insulation is however, that the actual R-value for a specific type of
among the most important tools in controlling fuel costs. insulation varies somewhat between manufacturers and
Increasing existing levels of insulation or insulating areas even between different products from the same manufac-
that are uninsulated, represent one of the most cost- turer. Manufacturers are required to label their insulation
effective things a homeowner can do. The payback and products according to strict regulations set forth by the
benefits are almost immediate. This chapter describes the Federal Trade Commission. The R-value is always listed
various types of insulation and how they are installed. prominently either on the insulation material (batts and rigid
foam) or on the bag (loose-fill). When the R-value given
R-value The Power Of Insulation in this book differs from the R-value used on the
Insulation is rated by "R-value" which stands for manufacturer's label, use the label R-value.
"thermal resistance". R-value is a measure of a material's
ability to slow down heat flow. The higher the R-value, the Five Categories Of Insulation
better. With a temperature difference of 1 degree Fahren- Residential insulation falls into five basic categories:
heit, insulation with R=1 allows 1 Btu per hour heat flow loose-fill, batts and blankets, rigid plastic foam, spray-
for each square foot of surface area. In general, applied products, and reflective materials. These catego-
ries and the specific types which fall into each are de-
Heat Flow (Btu per hour per square foot) = scribed below.
Temperature Difference (degree F) x R-value
Loose-fill Insulation
The R-value of an insulation material is usually listed As the name implies, loose-fill insulation consists of
in terms of R per inch. For any thickness, the total R-value granular or fluffy material that can be blown into hollow
equals the rated R per inch multiplied by the thickness in cavities or open attics. Its main advantage is that when
inches. For example, cellulose attic insulation has an R- properly installed, it completely fills the installation space
value of R-3.7 per inch. A 6-inch-thick installation will without having to be cut and fitted. If an attic floor has
therefore have a total R-value of R-22.2 (6 inches x 3.7 lots of obstructions, loose-fill is probably the appropriate
per inch). choice. Stores where you purchase your insulation often
For insulation manufactured in a particular thickness, provide the use of a blowing machine at no cost. Other-
the R-value of the manufactured piece is given. For
31
CHAPTER 3

tion into attics. Called "stabilized" cellulose due to its semi-

rigid texture and resistance to settling, these products
require special installation equipment that mixes water into
the insulation as it is blown into the attic.

Fiberglass - R-2.3 to 2.8 per inch

Fiberglass is the most common type of loose-fill
insulation used in homes. It is made by spinning molten
Blower glass into long thin fibers that are bound together and then
cut into small tufts or cubes.

Mineral wool (Slag and Rock wool) - R-3.2

per inch
Mineral wool is made by spinning molten slag into
long fibers, a process similar to that used to make fiber-
glass. One advantage of mineral wool is that it is totally
fireproof and won't melt or burn in a house fire. (Fiberglass
insulation doesn't burn, but it does melt.)
Figure 3-1 - Loose fill insulation can be blown into Mineral wool is fairly dense and should be
attics. Machine blowing produces thorough coverage. installed with a blowing machine.

wise a blowing machine can be rented at a minimal Vermiculite - R-2.4 per inch
expense. Be sure to use all safety procedures in operating Vermiculite is made by expanding mica under high
a blowing machine and always wear protective clothing, temperature and pressure. Because it can withstand
goggles, and the appropriate type of dust mask. Pouring wetting better than any other loose-fill, it is commonly used
insulation by hand is not recommended. to fill the cores of blocks in foundations. It is not com-
monly used in attics, partly because of its heaviness and
Cellulose fiber - R-3.7 per inch partly because it is not as widely available as other materi-
Loose-fill cellulose fiber insulation is made from als.
recycled paper products, such as newspapers and tele- According to the U.S. Environmental Protection
phone books, which are pulverized into a fibrous material Agency (EPA), all vermiculite is likely to contain small
and then chemically treated for fire and pest resistance. It trace amounts of asbestos. A number of manufacturers
is suitable for both attics and exterior walls and for both produced insulation from vermiculite, but one mine in the
new construction and retrofit work, although it is particu- United States produced over 70% of the world's vermicu-
larly effective for retrofit. lite before the mine was closed in 1990. Vermiculite
When tightly packed into walls, cellulose fiber not products generated from this mine were likely to have
only adds R-value, but drastically reduces air leakage as been contaminated with asbestos. If you suspect that you
well. Research has shown that densely packed cellulose may have vermiculite in your attic, do not disturb it in any
insulation in the walls can reduce a house's overall air manner. Seek professional guidance and have the product
leakage rate by as much as 50%! Cellulose is best installed tested for asbestos and then follow professional proce-
with a blowing machine. Installing cellulose without a dures if it must be removed or disturbed in any way.
machine gives uneven coverage and is not recommended.
Some loose-fill cellulose is intended for damp applica-

32
 CHAPTER 3

Batts and blankets cathedral ceilings, and basement ceilings. One advantage
of batts and blankets is their ease of installation in open
cavities.
The difference between batts and blankets is simply
packaging. Batts are precut to roughly 4-foot or 8-foot
lengths so that they will fit into a standard-height wall.
Blankets are long rolls of material that are cut to
length on site, usually to be used in attic floors.
Fiberglass batts are available in the following thick-
ness and R-values:

Thickness R-value
3-1/2" R-11
3-1/2" R-13
3-1/2" R-15
6-1/4" R-19
5-1/2" R-21
8-1/2" R-30
12" R-38

Notice that 3-1/2" batts come in three different R-

values. The reason for this is that with fiberglass, as with
some other insulation materials, the R-value per inch varies
with density of the material. Manufacturers are able to
pack more R's into a batt by increasing the density without
changing the thickness.

Faced versus unfaced batts

Figure 3-2 - Fiberglass batts are installed in open Fiberglass batts are available with or without paper or
walls and floors. Wearing a dust mask, gloves, and foil facing on one side. The choice between faced versus
goggles can help avoid irritation from fiberglass dust. unfaced is usually a matter of personal preference. The
facers help control moisture movement into walls and
Batts and blankets are made of either fiberglass, floors and also have flanges for attachment to studs or
mineral wool, or recycled cotton material that is spun into a joists. Unfaced batts are also suitable for any application
cohesive mat. Fiberglass batts are the most common, as long as proper attention is paid to moisture control.
accounting for roughly 90% of the material used to insulate Unfaced batts are typically made slightly wider than faced
walls in new homes. Mineral wool batts and blankets are batts in order to "friction fit" into stud wall cavities without
relatively rare. Cotton or natural fiber insulation is fairly sagging. Be sure to wear protective clothing, goggles, and
new to the market. An advantage to using cotton batts is an appropriate dust mask whenever you work with fiber-
that it is non-toxic and there is no itch or irritation associ- glass.
ated with its use.
Batts and blankets can be used to insulate attics,

33
CHAPTER 3

very resistant to water penetration and is a good material

Rigid foam insulation R-4.0 to R-8.7 per for insulating foundations below grade.
inch
Expanded molded bead polystyrene: R-3.5 to
R-4.5 per inch
Sometimes referred to as "beadboard", expanded
polystyrene insulation is very similar to the material
used to make common coffee cups -- both are made of
tiny beads fused together. The R-value varies with
density. Expanded polystyrene is resistant to water pen-
etration and is suitable for below grade use except in very
wet sites.

Polyisocyanurate: R-7.2 to R-8.7 per inch

Most commonly sold with a shiny foil facing on one
or both sides, polyisocyanurate or "iso board" has the
highest R-value of any common insulation material.
Though somewhat water resistant, iso board is not recom-
mended for below-grade application.

Foam and fire - Caution!

Almost all the rigid foam insulation boards are
flammable and must be protected by a fire-rated
covering if installed in the living space or basement.
Some building codes also require that rigid foam be
covered when installed in crawl spaces.

Foam and the environment - the CFCs and

HCFCs
Producing foam insulation requires use of a "blowing
Figure 3-3 - Rigid foam insulation is made from agent": a gas that forms the many tiny cavities in the foam
several different types of plastic foam, each with a and fills them after they are formed. Until recently, many
different R-value. The most common application for of the foam products described above were made with
rigid foam is as exterior insulative wall sheathing. chlorofluorocarbon blowing agents (CFCs). In fact, the
Some rigid foam insulation has the significant CFCs helped give them their impressively high R-values.
advantage of being resistant to water, and so is the Because scientists have discovered that CFCs are
best insulation for below grade foundation insulation. causing damage to the Earth's ozone layer, they are
being phased out of production and are now banned in the
Extruded polystyrene: R-5.0 per inch US. Foam manufacturers are working to find alternative
Extruded polystyrene is made by four manufacturers blowing agents for rigid foam insulation. Some manufac-
in the United States, each of which uses a distinctive color: turers have already switched to hydrochlorofluorocarbons
blue, pink, green and yellow. From the user's standpoint, (HCFCs). HCFCs also damage the ozone layer, but they
all four are basically the same. Extruded polystyrene is break down more quickly than CFCs in the atmosphere.
34
 CHAPTER 3

As a result, they have only 1/20 the deleterious effect on tages in its air sealing properties and strength. When
the ozone layer that CFCs have. sprayed into a wall or attic, it forms an extremely effective
Because HCFCs still do some damage to the ozone air seal and adds rigidity to the structure.
layer, they are gradually being phased out of production One very effective use of urethane as a retrofit
and will be fully replaced by other blowing agents by 2030. material is to spray a skim coat onto the attic floor,
No foams now on the market (unless they've been in followed by loose-fill fiberglass or cellulose. The urethane
a warehouse for years) contain CFCs. Many contain will automatically seal air leakage sites and attic bypasses.
HCFCs, while many others use neither CFCs nor HCFCs.
Insulation labels are not required to disclose the blowing Wet-spray cellulose
agent used in foams. Many manufacturers advertise that Cellulose insulation can be applied wet using special
their foams are "CFC-free", but this is in fact a legal equipment that mixes water into the insulation as it is
requirement for all foams. A few manufacturers advertise blown out of a hose. Sometimes a small amount of
that their foams contain neither CFCs nor HCFCs, and adhesive is added. When installed in wall cavities, the wet
these materials are the best for the environment. Insulat- cellulose sticks and forms a monolithic "batt". The same
ing with an HCFC-containing foam, however, is much technique is sometimes used in attics to reduce dust during
better for the environment than not insulating at all. installation.
Except for attic application, wet cellulose would not
Spray-applied insulation be useful for retrofit situations unless the home is being
rehabilitated and the interior has been gutted so the
existing wall cavities are exposed.

"Blow-in-Blanket" system - R-3.9 per inch

Figure 3-4 - Several types of insulation can be applied

as a liquid or wet slurry. These "spray-applied"
insulation materials are used mostly in new
Figure 3-5 - One unique method for installing either
construction of walls, but some contractors use them in
loose-fill fiberglass or cellulose in walls is called the
attics for both new construction and retrofits.
"blow-in-blanket" or "BIB" system.

Urethane: R- 6.0 per inch

With the BIB system, the insulation is mixed with a
Urethane is a spray-applied foam that is chemically small amount of water and adhesive and is then pumped
similar to the material used to make rigid isocyanurate. into wall cavities behind a nylon scrim that is stapled to the
Like the iso-board, it is made using HCFCs or some other stud faces. The glue dries to form a lightweight monolithic
a blowing agents. "batt".
In addition to its high R-value, urethane has advan-
35
CHAPTER 3

Reflective insulation and radiant barriers

Another type of reflective insulation, rarely used in
homes, consists of multiple layers of foil, separated by
spacers to create several reflective airspaces. These
products are used mostly in industrial applications. Gypsum board
Perforated
radiant
barrier Water vapor
molecules Outside
pass through
gypsum board

Air molecules
Rafter stopped by
Insulation gypsum board

Figure 3-6 - Reflective insulation works differently Figure 3-7a

from all the other types of insulation described above.
When installed over attic insulation, reflective foil or Figure 3-7 - Moisture in indoor air can get into wall
metalized plastic products reflect heat away from the cavities either by diffusion through solid wall surfaces
attic floor in summer. Referred to as "radiant (Figure 7a) or by air leakage through electrical outlets
barriers", these products will save up to an additional and other penetrations (Figure 7b).
8% on your cooling bill if installed over R-19 attic
insulation. One source of moisture is water vapor in Figure 3-7b
indoor air. Indoor moisture is carried into insulation
primarily by air leakage into walls, ceilings, and
floors. It can also diffuse through some solid surfaces
such as unpainted drywall (see Figure 3-7).

Protecting Your Insulation From Moisture Electrical

box
Whenever you install insulation, you should protect it Both air and
water vapor
from all moisture sources. Wet insulation is less effective molecules
than dry insulation and can also lead to other moisture pass through Outside
problems such as wood rot. gypsum
board
One source of moisture is water vapor in indoor air.
Indoor moisture is carried into insulation primarily by air
leakage into walls, ceilings, and floors. It can also diffuse
through some solid surfaces such as unpainted drywall
(see Figure 3-7).
Gypsum board
To protect the insulation against water vapor from
indoors, you should seal all air leakage pathways into walls
or attic before installing the insulation. Proper air sealing to install a "vapor retarder" (sometimes called a "vapor
should eliminate most chances of moisture problems. barrier") on the warm side of the insulation to prevent
The second line of defense against indoor moisture is vapor diffusion into the wall cavity or attic. A vapor
36
 CHAPTER 3

retarder is any material that is impermeable to water See Chapter 2 for how to seal attic bypasses and
vapor. Suitable vapor retarder materials include polyethyl- other air leakage pathways into the attic.
ene film, kraft or foil-faced batts, and oil-based paint.
It is usually difficult to install a polyethylene vapor Check for wiring hazards
retarder during retrofit work. In attics, it involves remov-
Look for worn or frayed wiring that should be
ing all existing insulation to get the vapor retarder against
replaced before insulating. If you have knob and tube
the attic floor. It is not possible to install polyethylene in
wiring, it must be replaced before insulating since it has
closed-in walls without removing all dry wall or plaster.
exposed copper conductors.
Experience has shown that installing insulation
without a vapor retarder does not usually cause problems.
Check for recessed light fixtures
Proper air leakage control should prevent moisture prob-
lems in your new insulation. Nonetheless, it is probably Unless they are specifically rated for insulation
good insurance to add a vapor retarder whenever possible, contact (IC rated), you should not install insulation on top
especially when insulating rooms with high indoor humidity. of recessed light fixtures. Non-IC-rated fixtures must be
The most practical vapor retarder for walls is one coat of protected from contact with the insulation by a barrier on
oil-based paint or special "vapor retarder" paints which are all sides and must not be covered.
3" clearance around recessed
available at most paint stores. light fixture

Insulation Techniques and Applications

4" clearance above
If your attic has less than R-19 insulation, you will
recessed
need to add more. The recommended minimum R-value in light fixture
Virginia is R-30. If the attic is open, (no floorboards), you
have a choice of either batts, blankets or loose-fill. If Joist
there are floorboards, your only alternative is blown-in
loose-fill.

General considerations and precautions

Air sealing before insulation
Figure 3-9 - Protected recessed light fixture
Make sure the attic floor has been properly air sealed
before installing the insulation. Keep in mind that your
Make sure the attic is adequately ventilated
attic will be colder during winter after you insulate it. Any
air leakage up into the cold attic will carry indoor humidity Attic ventilation serves two purposes. It removes
that could condense and cause moisture problems. excess heat in summer to prevent overheating, and it
removes moisture in winter. Ventilation is particularly
Knob and tube important after you add insulation because the insulation
wiring will make the attic colder in winter and thus more prone to
moisture condensation. If you ventilate your attic without
air sealing the attic floor, you will increase the potential for
a moisture problem.
There are several types of ventilators to suit almost
any attic configuration. They can be installed in the soffits,
on the gable walls, or on the roof.
As a rule of thumb, you should install roughly one
Figure 3-8 - Knob and tube wiring square foot of "net free" ventilation area per 300 square
37
CHAPTER 3

feet of attic floor area. (Net free vent area refers to the If your attic has soffit vents, or if you install soffit
actual area of open holes in a manufactured vent. It is vents, you should make sure not to cover the vents with
usually about one-half the total vent hole area.) insulation. If you are using loose-fill, install a baffle at the
edge of the floor joists (Figure 3-11a). With batts, keep
Repair any roof leaks them back far enough to allow at least a two-inch airspace
between the batt surface and the underside of the roof
Look for signs of roof leaks and repair them before
sheathing (Figure 3-11b).
installing any new insulation. Make sure you don't block
off soffit vents with insulation

24" 24"
4
2

23" 23"
3 Attic Insulation Batts meet Kraft paper
floor joist over joist on bottom
of batt
Figure 3-12 - Measure the spacing between your attic
floor joists. It should be either 15" or 23". When
1
purchasing the batts, be sure to get the proper width,
made for attic application, not for walls. The proper
width batts should come together above the attic floor
joists. If you are installing the batts over existing
Different types of ventilation: 1) soffit vents; 2) gable insulation, buy unfaced batts. If there is no insulation
end vent; 3) ridge vent; 4) roof vent. in your attic, get kraft-faced batts and install them with
the kraft paper facing down.
Figure 3-10 - Attic ventilators

Loose-fill Withdrawn
Air insulation Air batt
Eave
flow dam flow
Soffit Soffit
vent vent

3-11a 3-11b
Figure 3-11 - Soffit vents must be protected against blockage by attic insulation.
38
 CHAPTER 3

COVERAGE CHART FOR

XL-100
R value Minimum Maximum Exposed
Bags per Minimum
@ 75 mean inch Sw. Ft. Framing
1000 Sq. Ft. Wt./Sq. Ft.
temperatures Thickness Per Bag 16 in. O.C.

50 13.2 70.18 14.25 none 1.75

14.90 2x6

40 10.5 56.15 17.81 none 1.41

18.75 2x6

32 8.4 44.90 22.27 none 1.12

23.89 2x6

30 7.9 42.10 23.75 none 1.06

25.60 2x6

24 6.3 33.68 29.69 none .84

32.64 2x6

19 5.0 26.66 37.50 none .67

41.74 2x6

13 3.4 18.24 54.81 none .46

61.00 2x6

CAVITY FILL Windows

and Doors

Figure 3-13 - Batts won't work well unless properly 13 3.6 50 40.97 18% .72
34.72 none
installed. It is very important that the batts are
26.33 18%
carefully fitted, as shown, to completely fill joist 21 5.6 50
22.32 none
1.12

cavities with no gaps or voids. If even 5% of the space 19.41 18%

28 7.6 50 1.52
is left open, the R-value of the installation will be 16.45 none

degraded by as much as 20%. Net Weight 25 lbs.

Installing batts in attics Figure 3-14 - Typical cellulose bag coverage chart.
Avoid gaps and voids
If using batts, rather than blankets, butt the ends thickness, make sure to use the "installed thickness" listed
together. If you are installing two layers, run the top layer in the coverage chart, not "settled thickness." Cellulose
perpendicular to the bottom layer. Wherever there are insulation always settles about 20% after it is installed.
obstructions such as cross bracing or plumbing stacks, cut When installing the cellulose, begin at the eaves and
the batts to fit around the obstructions. work your way back toward the center, making sure that
the insulation completely fills all cavities. As you work
back, spread the insulation evenly using a rake or other
Installing loose-fill cellulose in attics
suitable tool.
Loose fill cellulose is installed by using an insulation It might take a little practice, but check your cover-
blowing machine. Do-it-yourself machines are usually age as you go to make sure you are installing the proper
available from tool rental agencies or your insulation number of bags for the area you are insulating. To obtain
retailer. Installing loose fill cellulose by hand is not recom- the desired R-value, you must install the proper thickness
mended. Using the "coverage chart" on the insulation bag, and the specified number of bags of insulation.
determine the thickness and number of bags required to Make sure that you avoid gaps and voids due to
obtain the desired R-value. For determining the required
39
CHAPTER 3

uneven or incomplete coverage of the attic area. that there will be no air leakage up into the ceiling cavity.
A good time to do this job is when re-roofing. The
Installing loose-fill fiberglass in attics insulation can then be pumped in from the top, avoiding the
mess indoors.
Loose-fill fiberglass should be installed by a profes-
sional with an insulation blowing machine. As with
cellulose, it is necessary to install both the required number Insulating knee walls on 1-1/2 story houses
of bags, as indicated on the coverage chart, and the Use faced batts to create a vapor retarder and install
indicated thickness to get the desired R-value. the batts with the kraft facing inward, toward the living
space. Ideally, you should also install insulation in the floor
Insulating cathedral ceilings under the unheated space, but this is a tricky job. It is very
important to air seal the area where the floor of the heated
The only practical way to insulate cathedral ceilings
space interconnects with the opening to the un-heated attic
is to blow in cellulose or fiberglass. This is a professional
space. This open area represents a very significant
job.
thermal bypass.
The insulation is installed by drilling holes, usually
from the inside, and pumping the insulation into the rafter
cavities. The job should not be done unless you are sure Installing basement insulation
If your basement is to be used as conditioned space,
you should insulate the walls. For the Virginia climate,
heated basements should have roughly R-10 to R-12
basement insulation. Before installing any type of base-
Install batts ment insulation, be sure to seal any air leakage sites in the
with kraft wall such as cracks or gaps around pipe penetrations. See
facer toward
the living Chapter 2.
space.
Insulate on the outside or inside?
Your first decision is whether to insulate the walls on
the inside or the outside.
Unless the inside wall surface is already finished or
otherwise difficult to insulate, you are better off insulating
the inside because exterior insulation requires excavation
and is usually more expensive.

Framed wall insulated with batts

The most common basement wall insulation system is
an insulated frame wall which can be finished to create
livable space. Install a polyethylene moisture barrier
against the basement wall to protect the insulation against
ground moisture. The polyethylene need only extend up to
grade level, but leave some excess at the bottom to run
beneath the framed wall. The framed wall should be set
off from the basement wall at least one inch to keep the
Figure 3-15 - In Cape Cod style homes, where a knee
lumber out of contact with the concrete. The bottom plate
wall separates the second story from an unheated attic
should sit on the polyethylene moisture barrier.
space, install batts in the stud cavities.
40
 CHAPTER 3

Furring strips
(or 2 x 4's)

Finishing
Insulation

Insulation

Gypsum board or
Air and 3/8" plywood
vapor
barrier
Figure 3-17 - Rigid foam interior insulation

New frame
wall
Moisture
barrier

Figure 3-16 - Framed wall insulated with batts.

One situation where this system is not advisable is in

very wet basements. Although the wall can be protected Protective
against moisture, you would still be taking a chance if the coating and
basement is very wet. flashing

Rigid foam insulation

The most common alternative to a framed wall is to Damp-
Insulation
proofing
apply rigid foam insulation directly to the wall and cover it Excavating
with an appropriate fire-rated sheathing. Special fastening
systems are available that hold the foam in place and also
serve as a screw base for gypsum wallboard. Another
Figure 3-18 - Rigid foam exterior insulation
technique is to install wood furring strips which hold the
foam in place and serve as a nail base for the wallboard.
foundation, extending down a foot or so into the ground,
Installing exterior insulation where the greatest heat loss occurs.
The only practical way to insulate a basement on the The foam should be covered with either parging,
outside is with rigid foam. To avoid excavation expense, fiberglass or metal sheathing to protect it from sunlight and
the foam can be installed only on the top portion of the physical damage.

41
CHAPTER 3

Table 3-1 - Unconditioned Basement

Rim joist
Insulation Options
Basement Ceiling Basement Wall
Insulation Insulation
Floor joist
Joists are already in Basement walls easier
6" thick fiberglass batts place for receiving batt to seal than ceiling
between floor joist, insulation Protects ducts
kraft paper on warm side.
Batt insulation and pipes in basement
Foundation wall Advantages on ceiling needs no Insulated walls
protection from prepare the basement
Rim joist
mechanical damage for conversion to living
(should
space
be 2 x 10)

Basement ceiling may Batt wall insulation

be difficult to seal requires protection
because of many from moisture &
Floor joist
penetrations mechanical damage
Basement ceiling may Foam wall insulation
1" rigid foam
between floor joist Disadvantages be difficult to insuluate requires protection
because of many from fire, requires
obstructions excavation
Foundation wall Figure 19a Basement ceiling area Required framing or
Figure 3-19 - Insulating rim joist area may be larger than furring and sheathing
basement wall area adds to inside insulation
Dont forget the rim joist area cost
The final step when insulating a basement is to install
insulation at the rim joist area. The most effective material
for this application is rigid foam, caulked at the edges Stiff wire stays
against each floor joist. This is a fairly tedious task and
sometimes impractical in older homes. Alternatively, use
faced batts, stapled to the floor joists.

Insulation of unconditioned basements Vapor

barrier
There is some disagreement among experts on the
value of insulation in unconditioned (no heat or air condi- Flexible
tioning) basements. In general, an unconditioned basement Batt
which is almost entirely below grade does not require
insulation. If the basement has many walls above grade, Floor joist
however, insulation is probably worthwhile. Insulating an
unconditioned basement has two benefits: it reduces
energy transfer to the conditioned rooms above, and it
Figure 3-20 - Installing batts in basement ceiling.
increases winter comfort (especially in rooms with bare
42
 CHAPTER 3

floors) by making the floors above the basement warmer. If you insulate the walls, use one of the techniques
If you choose to insulate an unconditioned basement, shown for conditioned basement spaces.
you can either insulate the basement walls (to reduce heat
transfer between the basement and the outdoors) or Crawl space insulation
insulate the basement ceiling (to reduce heat transfer Crawl space insulation can be installed either on the
between the basement and the upstairs). Each approach exterior walls or in the floor above. If your crawl space is
has advantages and disadvantages, as shown in Table 3-1 not vented and appears dry, the best alternative is to
on page 42. insulate the walls, especially if there are ducts or other
If you insulate the ceiling, use unfaced batts rated at mechanical equipment located in the space. If the crawl
R-10 or R-12. Push them up snugly between the joists, space is vented, then the only alternative is to insulate the
against the basement ceiling, and secure them in place crawl space ceiling.
with wire stays. Before installing insulation, seal all air In either case, if there is obvious visible wetness in
leakage points in the basement ceiling (see Chapter 2). the space (e.g. wet ground or wet joists), you must cure
the moisture problem before installing insulation. Install a
thick (6 mil) polyethylene moisture barrier on the ground if
Band
Insulation there is not one there already. Lap the seams 12 to 18
inches, but dont bother to seal them. If this doesnt
Foundation
wall Facing with
25 flame spread
Joist or less

Seams
continuously
taped or stapled
with 6" End wall
maximum
spacing

6"

3'
Insulation must
cover 3' of the
adjacent earth, on Black 6 mil
top of ground cover. polyethylene
ground cover

Figure 3-21 - The simplest way to insulate the inside surface of a crawl space is to staple faced batts to the rim
joist and run the batts down the wall. Before installing the insulation, attach a polyethylene sheet over the wall
and down onto the floor to protect the insulation from outdoor moisture.
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CHAPTER 3

foot density using a one- inch blowing hose. Exterior walls

can also be blown from inside the house.

Blow-in fiberglass sidewall insulation

Blow-in fiberglass insulation is installed in the same
manner as that described above for cellulose. Although
fiberglass does not have the same air-sealing properties as
cellulose, it still insulates quite well, adding almost R-4 per
inch thickness.

Energy Tips and Recommendations

Figure 3-22 Blow-in fiberglass sidewall insulation
1. Insulation is one of the most important and cost-
eliminate the visible wetness, you should consult a profes- effective measures available in improving the energy
performance of your home.
sional contractor before installing insulation.
2. There are several different types of insulation avail-
The technique for insulating a crawl space ceiling is
able. Make an educated decision on what is right for
the same as for a basement ceiling (figure 3-20). your home. Consult with a professional insulation
Crawl space walls, like basement walls, can be contractor if you have any questions.
insulated either on the inside or outside. Unless access into 3. Working with most types of insulation requires the use of
the crawl space is difficult or impractical, insulating the protective clothing, safety goggles, and appropriate dust
inside is usually easier. Inside crawl space walls can be masks.
insulated with foam, but the foam must be covered with 4. Be sure that all insulation is protected from moisture.
Wet insulation is less effective and can lead to other
fire-rated sheathing (see figure 3-17). They can be
moisture problems.
insulated with fiberglass batts as shown figure 3-21, but a 5. Be sure that the attic floor is properly air sealed before
fairly high skill level is required to produce a neat, mois- you install insulation or increase levels of existing
ture-resistant job. insulation.
6. Make sure that all electrical outlets, fixtures, wiring
Exterior house walls and lighting are safe and properly covered before
installing any type of insulation.
Installing insulation in the main walls of your home is 7. Loose fill insulation must be installed with a blowing
a complex job that requires the skill and experience of a machine. Make sure that there is complete and even
professional contractor. Your main decision is whether to coverage. Avoid any gaps and voids.
install cellulose or fiberglass. 8. Batt insulation must be installed according to manufac-
turers specifications and be sure to avoid any gaps and
voids.
Dense-pack cellulose sidewall insulation 9. Insulate your basement walls if the basement is to be
Contractors have developed a new and very effec- used as a conditioned space.
tive technique for blowing cellulose into walls that not only 10. Consider insulating your crawl space if it is dry. Install
insulates them, but drastically reduces air leakage. Called a 6-mil polyethylene moisture barrier on the ground.
the dense-pack technique, it has been tried and proven in 11. Consider blowing cellulose insulation into the exterior
walls of your house if there is no existing insulation.
the Virginia Weatherization Assistance Program. (See
Use the dense pack method pioneered and proven to
Chapter One) be effective by the Virginia Weatherization Program.
The dense-pack technique involves removing
portions of the siding from the outside of the house and
drilling a single hole in each stud cavity. The insulation is
blown in under high pressure to about 3.5 pound per cubic
44