By Chuck Ross
Rising energy prices and environmental concerns are bringing insulation strategies to the forefront, as builders consider ways to improve thermal resistance in the exterior walls of the homes they construct. Blown insulation materials, including cellulose, can dramatically reduce a home's heating and cooling needs. However, even traditional
fiberglass batts can yield acceptable results when builders provide enough time to make sure these insulation mainstays are installed correctly.
Optimizing batt performance
Builders who don't take the time to install batts correctly leave the home with energy-robbing cold spots. The key to maximizing batt insulation's effectiveness is to make sure you aren't leaving any gaps in coverage.
"In order for batting to be fully effective, it needs to go from cavity wall to cavity wall," says Jeff Medanich, manager of building science for McStain Neighborhoods, a Denver-area builder specializing in green production homebuilding. "And it needs to come out flush with the face of the stud."
This means the batts' tabs need to be stapled to the face of the stud to ensure air pockets aren't created once drywall is hung. Additionally, the batts should be cut to fit snugly around pipes, conduits and other penetrations, rather than being shoved around them.
Going cellular
Medanich says his company has installed sprayed cellulose as a standard feature for the last decade. The material is manufactured from recycled paper, along with boric acid and an adhesive. Medanich urges builders using this product to make sure they allow adequate time for this damp material to dry before installing drywall. Otherwise they're risking the development of mold growth within the cavities.
Chuck Ross is a freelance writer who specializes in construction topics.
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