Q: What
is R-Value?
A: "R-Value" is another word for measurement
of insulation. The larger or greater the R-Value, the thicker the
insulation.
Q: How much R-Value should I have
in my home?
A: This depends on the climate where you live. Louisiana
is in Zone 2 where standards call for R-13 KF (exterior walls),
R-19 KF (knee walls) and R-30 (attic).
Q: What are batts?
A: Batts are large rolls of insulation that an installer
rolls out and places in walls and in some areas of the attic.
Q: What is Blown-in insulation?
A: Blown-in installation is loose fiber-glass insulation
from a machine. Installers blow in the installation into attics
and also into walls.
Q: How can I make sure my home will
be energy efficient?
A:
(1) Have the right R-Value. There are set limits on insulation
for different areas of the country. The standards for the Zone 2
areas (Louisiana) are R-13 KF for exterior walls, R-19 KF for knee
walls (walls open to the attic) and R-30 blown into the attic.
(2) Be sure to use Polycel foam around all electrical and plumbing
penetrations, doors and base plates.
(3) Consider upgrading your 2X4 exterior walls to R-15 KF. If a
2X6 exterior wall is used in your home, you can choose R-19 or R-21
KF.
(4) You can also upgrade your attic from R-30 to R-38 for greater
comfort.
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