Insulation performance is measured by R-value — its ability to resist heat flow. Higher R-values mean more insulating power. Different R-values are recommended for walls, attics, basements and crawlspaces, depending on your area of the country. Insulation works best when air is not moving through or around it. So it is very important to seal air leaks before installing insulation to ensure that you get the best performance from the insulation.

Own your own home? What insulation, and how much, would work best in your home? First, check the insulation in your attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors, and crawl spaces to see if it meets the levels recommended for your area. Insulation is measured in R-values—the higher the R-value, the better your walls and roof will resist the transfer of heat. DOE recommends ranges of R-values based on local heating and cooling costs and climate conditions in different areas of the nation. Here is what the U.S. Department of Energy recommends for the total R-Value for new wood-framed houses:

• Attic: R30 to R60
• Wall Cavity: R13 to R15
• Floor: R19

When correctly installed with air sealing, each type of insulation can deliver comfort and lower energy bills during the hottest and coldest times of the year.

Although insulation can be made from a variety of materials, it usually comes in four types; each type has different characteristics.

Batts—are flexible products made from mineral fibers, such as fiberglass and rock wool.
They are available in widths suited to standard spacing of wall studs and attic or floor joists: 2x4 walls can hold R-13 or R-15 batts; 2x6 walls can have R-19 or R-21 products.

Loose-fill insulation—usually made of fiberglass, rock wool, or cellulose in the form of loose fibers or fiber pellets, it should be blown into spaces using special pneumatic equipment. The blown-in material conforms readily to building cavities and attics. Therefore, loose-fill insulation is well suited for places where it is difficult to install other types of insulation.

Spray foam insulation —foam insulation typically is more expensive than fiber insulation. But it's very effective in buildings with space limitations and where higher R-values are needed. Foam insulation R-values range from R-4 to R-6.5 per inch of thickness, which is up to 2 times greater than most other insulating materials of the same thickness. Foam also gives you a moisture barrier, air barrier and R-Value where fiberglass only gives you R-Value.

Insulation Tips

Consider factors such as your climate, building design, and budget when selecting insulation R-values for your home.

Ventilation helps with moisture control and reducing summer cooling bills. Attic vents can be installed along the entire ceiling cavity to help ensure proper airflow from the soffit to the attic to make a home more comfortable and energy efficient. Do not ventilate your attic if you have spray foam insulation on the underside of the roof. Check with a qualified contractor.

Recessed light fixtures can be a major source of heat loss, but you need to be careful how close you place insulation next to a fixture unless it is marked IC—designed for direct insulation contact. Check your local building codes for recommendations.

As specified on the product packaging, follow the product instructions on installation and wear the proper protective gear when installing insulation.

Long-Term Savings Tip

One of the most cost-effective ways to make your home more comfortable year-round is to add insulation to your attic.

Adding insulation to the attic is relatively easy and very cost effective. To find out if you have enough attic insulation, measure the thickness of the insulation. If it is less than R-30 (11 inches of fiber glass or rock wool or 8 inches of cellulose), you could probably benefit by adding more. Most US homes should have between R-30 and R-49 insulation in the attic. Don't forget the attic trap or access door. Attic stair covers are available to cover the stairwell and insulate the attic door.

If your attic has enough insulation and your home still feels drafty and cold in the winter or too warm in the summer, chances are you need to add insulation to the exterior walls as well. This is a more expensive measure that usually requires a contractor, but it may be worth the cost if you live in a very hot or cold climate. If you replace the exterior siding on your home, you should consider adding insulation at the same time.

You may also need to add insulation to your crawl space or basement.

New Construction

For new homes in most climates, you will save money and energy if you install the right cavity insulation for the region you live in. Cavity insulation can be installed at levels up to R-15 in a 2 in. x 4 in. wall and up to R-21 in a 2 in. x 6 in. wall. Fiberglass  or spray foam or a combination of both, depending on your budget.  By increasing your insulation during construction, you can save money by adjusting the size of your heating and cooling system to a smaller unit.  You will also reap the benefits for years to come with your energy bills.  We can also install a polyurethane vapor barrier on the ground in your crawl space.  This helps prevent moisture in the crawl space.  .

Lucas Insulation has the experience and expertise to evaluate your home to maximize your home’s efficiency and specializes in fiberglass, spray foam and vapor barriers.