About Insulation

How Insulation Works and Where to Insulate

Insulation helps control the movement of heat into and out of the house through the walls, ceilings, and floors. It helps keep a home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, reducing the need for heating and air conditioning. Insulation can also act as a barrier to outside noise, keeping the inside of a house quiet. A properly insulated space can cut the costs of energy bills 30 to 50 percent.

Understanding R-value
Insulation materials are made up of pockets of trapped air. These pockets resist the transfer of heat through the material. The ability of insulation to slow the transfer of heat is measured in R-values. The higher the R-value, the more effectively the insulation material can resist the flow of heat.

Where to Insulate
The best way to protect your home and to maximize its energy-efficiency is to insulate all areas where air can pass through, such as exterior walls. Although not technically insulation, house wrap installed over the sheathing greatly reduces air infiltration.

If you live in a cold climate, consider framing your addition with 2x6 rather than 2x4 walls. The extra wall thickness allows more space for insulation.