Basements and crawlspaces
Insulating your new house's basement up to R-10 can help reduce energy costs by up to 12 percent.
Home improvement shows make it look easy, but installing insulation yourself can be messy, tiring and, if you don't plan carefully, as expensive as hiring a professional.
As you plan your insulation project, keep in mind that it's also important to use vapor barriers and ventilation to maintain a healthy balance of air and moisture movement throughout your home.
The number one rule is to follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly. Skipping steps and taking shortcuts could mean significant reductions in R-value - and a waste of your money and effort. Allow yourself plenty of time and make sure you have enough materials to complete the job.
In this video: Learns the ins and outs of insulation before you get started on an insulation project in your home.
During cold weather, water vapor from the warm inside air travels through unsealed holes and cracks, and condenses on cooler surfaces, including exterior walls, the underside of the roof and within insulation. This condensation can rot wood framing, blister paint, ruin insulation and damage the roof. Vapor barriers installed between insulation and interior surfaces can help prevent this problem.
You can purchase batt or blanket insulation with an attached vapor barrier, usually made of coated kraft paper or foil-backed paper. When using unfaced batts or blankets, or loose-fill or foam insulation, you can add four- or six-mil thick polyethylene sheeting.
If you're installing insulation yourself, remember these guidelines when using a vapor barrier:
Insulating your new house's basement up to R-10 can help reduce energy costs by up to 12 percent.
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Use this checklist to make sure you don't overlook hidden energy wasters in and around your home.
A typical home will need about $50 in weatherizing materials - and the cost can be paid back in energy savings in just a few weeks.
Learn how to locate those pesky air leaks and what to do when you find them.
Spray foam insulation does a great job of sealing up cracks and crevices, if it's installed properly. Learn more about open-cell spray foam options.
The right insulation material for your home depends on where it will be used and what type you already have.
An energy-tight home requires adequate ventilation and vapor control to maintain healthy air.