Where to Insulate in a Home

21 Nov Where to Insulate in a Home

To maximize energy efficiency, it is imperative to ensure comprehensive insulation throughout your residence, extending seamlessly from the roof to the foundation. The accompanying visual guide delineates specific regions necessitating insulation, outlined as follows:

1. Unfinished Attic Spaces:
   • Insulate between and over the floor joists to effectively seal off living spaces below.
   • If air distribution occurs in the attic space, contemplate insulating the rafters to transition the distribution into the conditioned space.
   • (1A). Do not overlook insulating the attic access door.
2. Finished Attic Rooms with or without Dormers:
   • Insulate (2A) between the studs of “knee” walls.
   • Insulate (2B) between the studs and rafters of the exterior walls and roof.
   • Insulate (2C) ceilings with unconditioned spaces above.
   • (2D) Extend insulation into joist spaces to mitigate air flows.
3. Insulation of Exterior Walls:
   • Include (3A) walls between living spaces and unheated garages, shed roofs, or storage areas.
   • Address (3B) foundation walls above ground level.
   • Insulate (3C) foundation walls in heated basements.
4. Insulation Application to Floors Above Unconditioned Spaces:
   • Apply insulation in areas such as vented crawl spaces and unheated garages.
   • Insulate (4A) portions of the floor in rooms cantilevered beyond the exterior wall below.
   • Address (4B) slab floors built directly on the ground.
   • As an alternative to floor insulation, insulate (4C) foundation walls of unvented crawl spaces.
   • (4D) Extend insulation into joist spaces to minimize air flows.
5. Band Joist Insulation:
   • Ensure band joists are adequately insulated.
6. Caulking and Sealing:
   • Perform thorough caulking and sealing around all windows and doors.

In conjunction with insulation measures, give due consideration to moisture and air leakage control in every area of your home. In locales where radon is a concern, it is crucial to explore radon-resistant construction techniques while researching foundation insulation options. Moreover, if you reside in termite-prone areas, carefully assess how termite protection measures will impact the selection and placement of insulation, and plan for regular inspection protocols.

Read more – https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/where-insulate-home