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Insulation
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Insulation is a key feature of an energy efficient home. All building components; walls, ceilings, roofs, and floors should be insulated to minimize heat loss, save energy, and improve comfort.
Insulation is any material that slows the rate of heat flow from a warm area to a cooler one and vice versa. The slower the rate, the more effective the material is at insulating. Insulation’s ability to resist heat flow is measured as an R or RSI (metric) value, where the R-value is simply a measurement of the materials ability to®esist heat transfer. The higher the R-value, the more the material will resist the flow of heat.
Insulation is a key feature of an energy efficient home. All building components; walls, ceilings, roofs, and floors should be insulated to minimize heat loss, save energy, and improve comfort.
Ceiling/Roof Insulation – During the heating season, a significant amount of heat can be lost through an uninsulated ceiling. Ceilings generally have a large surface area and overhead position. During the cooling season, attic temperatures can rise to a very high level. Heat then conducts downward through the ceiling materials and heats the living space below. For these reasons, ceiling/roof insulation is critical to ensure an energy-efficient home. Loose fill insulation is preferred over batt insulation because of its higher R-value and its ability to reduce air infiltration in the attic. Cellulose is preferred over fiberglass because of its recycled content and low toxicity.
Wall insulation – The most typical wall insulation is batt or a blown-in/sprayed-on material. Blown-in/sprayed-on cellulose insulation is preferred for the same reasons listed above. It is very important that wall insulation be properly installed to achieve its rated R-value. Blown insulation must be applied at the proper density to prevent settling and the resulting void areas. If batt insulation is used, it should not be compressed and must fill all voids.
Floor Insulation – Floors above unheated spaces such as garages and floors directly exposed to the outdoors (e.g., cantilevers) are often a source of significant heat loss and discomfort. Blown-in/sprayed-on cellulose insulation is preferred for the same reasons listed above. If batt insulation is used, it should not be compressed and should have full contact against the underside of the floor.
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Before you buy... Low & No VOC Paints and Finishes
VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are the fumes that you smell while you paint, or when you walk into a recently painted room. The new paint smell can last for days or even weeks. VOCs become breathable vapors at room temp, and when exposed to the room’s air. When they are breathable they enter your lungs and bloodstream and are a known health hazard.
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