Learn the difference between radiant barrier vs.
Difference between crawlspace insulation and attic inuslation.
Convection conduction and radiation.
With new construction i would look for a way to have them in conditioned space.
Thermal insulation for albany homes to understand how insulation works it s helpful to realize that heat flows in three ways.
Thermal insulation as well as how to make the right selection for your albany new york area home.
Modern houses built on crawl spaces place insulation usually fiberglass batt insulation in between the floor joists.
Foam board insulation is easy to use and is a great diy way to add some insulation.
Find your zone on the map and then use the chart to determine the level of insulation you need to properly insulate your attic walls floors and crawlspaces.
Or whole house fans.
Insulation level are specified by r value.
Sure there s insulation in your attic and crawlspace.
R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.
In warm or dry areas insulation can be limited to just the area between the floor joists.
Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.
In the attic you have worry about heat gain and duct losses.
Or attic staircase hatches.
Then install a vapor moisture barrier between the exterior and interior crawl space surface before adding the insulation to keep inevitable moisture from seeping through.
But there s probably nothing to prevent air from moving past plumbing air duct and electrical penetrations.
The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home.
In a crawlspace you have to worry about critters and duct losses.
Some types of thicker foam board insulation are available but they may need to be special ordered.
Loose fill insulation is usually less expensive to install than batt insulation and provides better coverage when installed properly.
If there were a way to eliminate the possibility of critters i would prefer the cooler location for ducts.
If a crawl space isn t ventilated you ll only need to insulate the walls rather than the subfloor above.
To find out if you have enough attic insulation measure the thickness of the insulation.
Due to the stack effect most of this leakage occurs at the top and bottom of your home your attic and crawlspace.
However in subfreezing temperatures insulating the walls and sealing off the crawl space is most effective.
See more on different types of insulation.
The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.