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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to common questions and information for completing a successful home insulation project.
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Why Insulate an Attic?
A significant amount of heat is lost through the roof, which makes the attic an important area to insulate.
Why Insulate a Crawl Space?
Proper insulation can help protect a living space from outside temperature changes and cold or hot air moving in through the bottom of a house.
Why Insulate Walls?
An insulated home is one of the best ways to ensure energy efficiency and indoor comfort.
Insulate Floors & Ceilings?
Insulating floors and ceilings is a key step in building a protective thermal layer around a home and maximizing energy efficiency.
What Insulation is Best?
See room-specific guides broken down by room type for information on insulating different areas of the home.
Which Insulation Do I Need?
The kind of insulation needed depends upon the region you live in and the space you are insulating.
What is R-Value?
R stands for resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the greater the insulating power and resistance to heat flow.
What R-Value Do I Need?
Depending on where you live and the part of your home you’re insulating (walls, crawlspace, attic, etc.), you’ll need a different R-Value.
How Much Product Do I Need?
The amount of insulation needed depends on the type of insulation you're using, the R-Value you want to achieve, and the size of the space you're insulating.
What Equipment Do I Need?
The right tools and equipment make your insulation project go faster, smoother and more safely.
Do I Need a Contractor?
Many home insulation projects can be completed by DIYers like you.
What is Facing?
A material — either Kraft paper or plastic — is attached to the fiberglass insulation to help control moisture, mold and draft.
Unfaced vs. Kraft-faced?
Unfaced means the insulation lacks a vapor retarder (paper or plastic facing).
Do I Need a Vapor Retarder?
Vapor retarders are typically recommended for the interior side (i.e., the “warm in winter” side) of above-ground framed walls in your home.
What is Formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a potentially harmful chemical compound used in many adhesives for plywood, particle board and other building materials, including some insulation.