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Insulation
Insulation is one of the most-often neglected aspects of a
home. Properly insulating your exterior walls is important for
both energy efficiency and sound proofing.
Insulation is rated using R-values. R-value measures resistance
to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulating
capability.
2x4 exterior walls allow for R-13 or R-15 insulation because
they are both 3.5" thick. A 2x6 wall allows for R-19 or
R-21 insulation. Always go for the highest R-value you can get.
In our ceiling, we used R-38 blown insulation.
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Balthazar Custom Homes
If you are looking for a great custom home builder in Dallas,
check out John Balthazar of Balthazar Custom Homes. He is fair and
knowledgeable. His quality is first-rate. He uses great
sub-contractors.
You can contact John at 972-618-7653. |
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EPA's recommendation for cost-effective insulation R-valuesa
| If you live in a climate that is... |
and your heating systemb is a ... |
then insulate to these levels in the.. |
| Ceiling |
Wood frame wallsc |
floor |
base-ment/ crawl space wallsd |
|---|
| Warm with cooling and minimal heating
requirements (i.e., FL & HI; coastal CA; southeast
TX; southern LA, AR, MS, AL & GA). |
gas/oil or heat pump |
R-22 to R-38 |
R-11 to R-15 |
R-11 to R-13 |
R-11 to R-19 |
| electric resistance |
R-38 to R-49 |
R-11 to R-22 |
R-13 to R-25 |
R-11 to R-19 |
| Mixed with moderate heating and cooling requirements (i.e.,VA,
WV, KY, MO, NE, OK, OR, WA & ID; southern IN,
KS, NM & AZ;northern LA, AR, MS, AL & GA inland
CA & western NV). |
gas/oil or heat pump |
R-38 |
R-11 to R-22 |
R-13 to R-25 |
R-11 to R-19 |
| electric resistance |
R-49 |
R-11 to R-28 |
R-25 |
R-11 to R-19 |
| Cold (i.e., PA, NY, New England, northern
Midwest, Great Lakes area, mountainous
areas (e.g., CO, WY, UT, etc.)). |
gas/oil |
R-38 to R-49 |
R-11 to R-22 |
R-25 |
R-11 to R-19 |
| heat pump or electric |
R-49 |
R-11 to R-28 |
R-25 |
R-11 to R-19 |
a. Adapted from the U.S. Department of Energy 1997 Insulation Fact Sheet.
b. Insulation is also effective at reducing cooling bills. These levels assume
that you have electric air-conditioning.
c. R-Values are for insulation only (not whole wall) and may be achieved through
a combination of cavity (batt, loose fill or spray) and rigid board materials.
d. Do not insulate crawl space walls if crawl space is wet or ventilated with
outdoor air.
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