House Insulation Facts

R-Value

• All insulation is required to have its R-Value printed on the packaging. The R-Value is a measurement of the amount that a specific piece of material restricts heat transfer. The higher the number of the R-Value the greater its insulating properties. Recommended R-Values vary according to which part of the house is being insulated as well as the climate conditions in the region in which the house is located.

Insulation Types

• The three basic types of wall, floor and ceiling insulation are blankets, loose fill and rigid sheet. Blankets of fiberglass and loose fill made of fiberglass, cellulose or other material are both suitable for insulating walls, floors and ceilings. Rigid sheet insulation is constructed of polystyrene, urethane or fiberglass board and is typically reserved for use in unfinished walls, foundation walls and under the siding of exterior walls.

Vapor Barriers

• When water vapor can pass through insulation, it condenses into liquid upon contact with cooler air. If this moisture gets trapped, it can result in wood decay as well as structural damage to walls and foundations. Controlling this eventuality is the job of something called a vapor barrier. Some insulation comes already equipped with foil vapor barriers and closed-cell insulation is a vapor barrier in itself. Other types of insulation require a barrier created by installing polyethylene beneath the wallboard or the application of latex vapor barrier primer paint to the wallboard.

Insulating Pipes

• Insulating house pipes can be accomplished by using foam insulation available in sizes designed to fit around all types of pipe. Cheaper pipe insulation foam comes with a slit that remains open once wrapped around the pipe. This slit should be taped shut to provide maximum results. Higher quality pipe foam is equipped with an adhesive already applied to the slit that allows tight closure by pressing the seam together.

Easy Water Heater Insulation

• Rather than putting out the money for a more expensive kit designed to help insulate your water heater, you can save money and achieve the same results. Cut a roll of R-11 rated fiberglass batt to fit, and use standard duct tape to close up the seams.