Insulation essentials

(NC)—"Many homeowners realize the importance of insulation – especially when completing energy upgrades – but few often understand how exactly it works. Learning a few facts and terms can help you impress your neighbours and make the most of your home renovations," says Mark Geres, Insulation Expert, Owens Corning Canada.

Remember R-value
R-value refers to insulation's resistance to heat flow. Insulation is comprised of tiny air pockets, which deny the passage of heat – preventing inside heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. The higher the insulation's R-value, the greater its insulating power. For example, Owens Corning's Celfort 200 Extruded Polystyrene Insulation has an R-value of R-5 per inch. Refer to local building codes, manufacturer's literature, or your local dealer's recommendations for minimum insulation levels.

Conduct quick calculations
The amount of insulation you need depends on the size of your project. Use this easy calculation to determine the number of insulation packages you need to complete your project:
• Multiply the wall or attic length times width to determine total square footage to be installed.
• Measure the distance between joists or wall framing to determine the correct insulation width for the job. (15" or 23")
• Choose the appropriate insulation product (R-value and width) for your insulation project.
• Divide the total square footage to be insulated by the square footage per package. Round up to the next whole number to determine the total number of packages required.

Consider possible condensation
Higher R-values will not lead to condensation problems, as long as insulation is properly installed. Proper ventilation, vapour barriers and air sealants all work to help prevent condensation.

Always add a vapour barrier
A vapour barrier is any material located on the warm side of the insulation that keeps condensation from forming on a cold surface. It prevents the movement of moisture into walls. 6 mil polyethylene acts as an excellent barrier and is available where insulation is sold.

For more information on insulation, call Owens Corning at 1-800-GET-PINK or visit www.owenscorning.ca.

- News Canada