Three Common Insulation Blunders

Common Mistakes That Contractors Make When Installing Home Insulation

With the rising costs of energy, everyone is jumping on board the energy efficiency market. This means that now, more than ever, contractors are rushing into homes to provide insulation, air sealing, and energy efficient appliances to homeowners.

Unfortunately, it can't be said that each of these contractors is providing the best installation possible. A combination of poor training and inexperience has caused some contractors to provide less-than-ideal installations for homeowners. The three most common failures we encounter are as follows:

1. Uneven Distribution Of Insulation

Insulation is only effective when it is installed in an unbroken sheet over the surface it's applied to. Any holes or gaps in the insulation allow for an energy leak - one that will allow heat to flow through. Be sure to check for
these - and eliminate them where possible.

When insulating a space, you'll want to make sure that the insulation completely covers the space - with no gaps around pipes, ducts, or other openings. Use caution when installing loose-fill cellulose insulation, as well as other insulation types that may settle or sag over time, creating a break in the insulation's covering area.

2. Installing Metal Studs That Go All The Way Through

When it comes to energy efficiency, there are two types of building materials: insulators and conductors. Materials like spray foam, fiberglass, and expanded polystyrene are insulators, while metals are conductors of heat.

Some companies today are installing insulated materials that are placed on metallic studs that run all the way through the insulation. Blending these insular and conductive materials is counterproductive -- the metal studs allow a channel for heat, while the insulation works to block heat transfer. These insulated panels have "cold spots" along the studs, representing areas where heat (energy) loss is higher.

If metal studs will be used, they should extend only partially through the insulation - holding it place while not creating that channel for energy loss. This saves a bundle on utility bills, and makes the home a much more comfortable place.

3. Using Insulation That Can Grow Mold In Damp Areas

While fiberglass insulation, for example, is a good option for insulating an attic or outer walls of a home, it should not be used in a basement or crawl space.

This is because these insulation types can easily become damaged by forces such as flooding, moisture, and mold - all very common in below-grade spaces. Wet and/or moldy insulation loses much of its insular value. When it's located between the floor joists of a crawl space, it will also become weighed down, causing it to sag, uselessly, to the floor.

Instead, it's best to use insulation that will resist damage from mold and moisture, while also creating a vapor and air barrier in the space. Products such as closed-cell spray foam insulation can fill in cracks and crevices, while providing a great energy efficient upgrade. A less expensive (but equally effective) option is to install rigid foam board along straight, flat surfaces, while applying spray foam insulation on the rim joist and hard-to-reach/irregular spaces.