Confused about R-values, rolled or blown-in insulation, vapor barriers and other insulation terms? This series of stories, adapted from the U.S. Department of Energy "Insulation Fact Sheet" explains the ins and outs of home insulation -- and may help you save significantly on your heating and cooling costs.
| Talk to your contractor about R-values |
You should obtain cost estimates from several contractors for a stated R-value. Make sure you describe the job in writing in the same terms to each one. You may want to ask each contractor about their air-sealing services as well. Remember that you want good quality materials and labor, as well as price.
Do not be surprised to find the quoted prices for a given R-value installation to vary by more than a factor of two. When you talk to a contractor, talk of R-values. Don't forget that R-values are determined by material type, thickness, and installed weight per square foot, not by thickness alone.
Each bag of insulating material used by the contractor should be marked with an R-value for the area to be covered. Although these figures may differ among manufacturers, the area figure will tell you the right number of bags to be used for loose-fill. Similarly, packages of other types of insulation should be identified by their R-value.
It is important that you check that the proper amount is installed in your residence. Ask the contractor to attach vertical rulers to the joists prior to a loose-fill installation in your attic to help you see that the proper depth was installed. Also, the installer must provide a signed and dated statement describing the insulation installed, stating thickness, coverage area, R-value, and number of bags installed. In some areas, infrared thermography services are offered to help discover any gaps in the insulation.
Consumers may want to have their attic R-value evaluated to ensure that they are getting what they paid for. You can evaluate batt insulation installation by measuring the batt thickness and by checking for gaps between batts. "Cookie-cutting" is the insulation industry recognized procedure of evaluating installed loose-fill insulation. Many independent (third-party) firms offer "cookie-cutting" services to homeowners throughout the country. Contact the Insulation Contractors Association of America for a list of firms that offer these services; they can also provide you with brochures and fact sheets about inspecting your insulation job.
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