“Why Should I Insulate My Home?”
An Introduction to Insulation
Although insulation is an important element of building, it is often the least understood. Many people aren’t aware of the multiple places energy is lost in a home. As an Owens Corning® Certified Energy Expert®, we understand the science behind the building envelope. So, you can turn to us to learn more about insulating your home.
Reasons to Insulate
Insulation lays a foundation of energy efficiency for residential, commercial and industrial structures. It is one of the most cost-effective ways to save energy and reduce monthly utility bills. Whether you are remodeling a home or building a new business, well-installed insulation offers a host of short-term and long-term advantages:
- Increased, more consistent interior comfort all year long
- Reduced energy usage
- Lower heating and cooling costs
- Less wear and tear on HVAC equipment
- Reduced noise transmission for a quieter space
- Improved air quality
- Reduced moisture intrusion
- Less overall environmental impact
How Insulation Works
Heat flows from higher temperature areas to lower temperature areas, creating temperature fluctuation within a space. Insulation wraps your home in a protective blanket, reducing heat flow in order to keep the heat out during warmer months and the heat in during cooler months. Insulation is an excellent noise absorber and helps to reduce sound transmission from both outside and within a home, creating a quieter space with less reverberation. Insulation also allows other energy-efficient components, such as air sealing, to do their job, forming a comprehensive insulating system that helps maintain consistent temperatures and moisture levels, reduce energy usage and increase monthly utility savings.
What Is R-Value?
The “R” in R-value stands for resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the level of resistance and the greater the insulating power. R-value requirements vary depending on climate and building type. Click here for more information about Iowa’s requirements.
Below is an example of how R-value relates to the amount of insulation used in a typical attic. The thicknesses listed are for Owens Corning® PROPINK® L77 Loosefill Insulation blown in the attic and not a general rule of thumb for any other brand/type of insulation in any other areas/applications. CD Insulation can provide you the correct amount of insulation for your project and the R-value you want to achieve.
| R-value | Minimum Thickness (in) |
| R-13 | 4.75 |
| R-19 | 6.75 |
| R-22 | 7.75 |
| R-26 | 9 |
| R-30 | 10.25 |
| R-38 | 12.75 |
| R-44 | 14.75 |
| R-49 | 16.25 |
| R-60 | 19.5 |
Where to Insulate
Insulation should be installed in walls, floors, attic space, basement and crawlspace. A more detailed list includes:
- Ceilings with unheated spaces above, including dormer ceilings
- Knee walls of attic spaces finished as living areas
- Sloped walls and ceilings of attics finished as living areas
- Cathedral or vaulted ceilings
- Around perimeters of slabs
- Floors above vented crawl spaces
- Floors over unheated or open spaces such as over garages or porches
- Basement walls
- Band and header joists
- Interior walls, ceilings or floors where extra sound control is desired
- Floors over unconditioned basements
Think doors and windows are at the top of your heat’s escape plan? Think again! Walls, ceilings, floors and ducts can account for 90% of heat loss if not properly insulated.
Insulation Types & Materials
Insulation is manufactured in a variety of forms and materials to suit a range of efficiency, structural and budgetary needs. Each option brings its own level of durability, versatility, R-value and cost.
Insulation Types
- Batt & Roll
- Loose Fill
- Rigid Foam
- Spray Foam
Insulation Materials
- Fiberglass
- Cellulose
- Spray Foam
CD Insulation uses fiberglass products for commercial and residential installations.
How Much Insulation Is Enough?
The amount of insulation needed varies depending on location, building type and materials. Click here for more information about Iowa’s requirements.
Things to Consider When Insulating
- What type of insulation is being used?
- Does the insulation meet or exceed local building codes and national recommended insulation levels?
- How effective is the insulation (thermal performance, acoustical performance)?
- Is the insulation resistant to moisture, fire and settling?
- Is the insulation material safe and sustainable?
- Is the insulation cost effective?
CD Insulation can discuss these factors and more with you to help determine the best solution for your home.
Home Energy Auditing
An energy audit is an in-depth assessment of your building envelope conducted by a certified energy rater. According to RESNET, the authority on home energy auditing, home energy audits have three main objectives:
- Figuring out where and how energy is being lost
- Locating inefficient operating systems
- Determining cost-effective ways to enhance home efficiency and comfort
Knowing the energy trouble spots of an existing structure or the potential energy issues of a new structure allows for comprehensive solutions to be designed and implemented for increased efficiency. CD Insulation has trained thermographers on staff that can provide an energy audit for your home.
Your House as a System
Though insulation is one of the most essential and cost-effective ways to create overall efficiency, there are many factors to take into consideration. Insulation and air sealing combined with energy-efficient appliances, windows, doors, lighting and HVAC equipment build a whole-house efficiency system that will prove beneficial throughout the year and for years to come.
If you still have questions, we have answers! Visit our Insulation FAQs page for even more information.