Step One – Different Types of Insulation to Consider

 

* Installing insulation is a project that pays for itself, and about 90 percent of homes are under-insulated. This is something every homeowner should consider doing.

 

* There are three common types of insulation: fiberglass, cellulose and ridged foam.

 

o Fiberglass is the most common. It comes in rolls and in precut batts. Use faced insulation – which has a paper backing to prevent against moisture – if there is no insulation and unfaced if you are adding additional layers.

 

* Common thickness for fiberglass insulation can be either 4, 6, or 9 inches. ON-AIR HOMER NOTE: BE SHOWING & TOUCHING Owens Corning Faced Insulation Roll, SKU 559352 AND Owens Corning Unfaced Insulation Roll, SKU 564987

 

o Loose fill-cellulous is like recycled paper and is environmentally friendly. It can be applied by hand or blown in with a blower. This type of insulation is effective in attics, walls and tight spaces. Cellulose provides more insulation that fiberglass but will settle over time, reducing its efficiency. ON-AIR HOMER NOTE: BE SHOWING & TOUCHING Owens Corning AttiCat Fiberglass Expanding Blown-in Insulation, SKU 980518, GreenFiber Blow-in Fiber Insulation, SKU 211904

 

o Rigid foam boards are often used for foundations and as insulated wall sheeting. This type tends to be used more in commercial buildings. ON-AIR HOMER NOTE: BE SHOWING & TOUCHING Owens Corning Foamular Tongue and Groove insulation, SKU 528022 Step Two- Determining How Much Insulation is Needed * The Home Depot has an Insulation Calculator on its website to help you estimate what the type and quantity of insulation you need for your home.

 

* All insulation is measured in R values or the ability to withstand heat transfer. The higher the R value, the better the insulation.

 

* Generally R Value for attics ranges from R 30 to R 60, for floors over unheated spaces, R 13 to R 30 and R 11 is common for exterior walls. Understanding the right R Value for your home depends on where you live and how cold it gets.

 

* When working with insulation always wear a long shirt, long pants, gloves, safety glasses and a safety mask

 

* The Home Depot has made it easier than ever to insulate homes in advance of cold weather. Customers can select the type, square footage, and R-value of insulation on our website then a Home Depot representative will call and schedule the installation. They will come to the home and install it. 

 

* In addition to insulation, there are other ways to keep warm air in and cool air out. Sealing your doors, windows and any gaps or cracks around the house will reduce your heating and cooling bills. Using weather stripping is an easy trick to keep out drafts and cut energy costs. Install Frost King Rubber Foam Weatherstrip Tape or Frost King Door Weatherseal Replacement around windows and doors to stop air leaks.

 

o The MD Building Products CINCH Slide On Door Bottom is another easy-to-install tool to keep the cold air out by blocking drafts and dust.

 

* Caulks and sealants like Great Stuff Gaps and Cracks Insulating Foam Sealant will provide additional protection in drafty areas around windows and doorways. 

 

The Home Depot offers free workshops for do-it-yourselfers of all ages and experience levels. More information about upcoming workshops near you is available at www.homedepot.com/workshops.