More Musings of an Energy Nerd
For decades, designers and builders of wood-framed homes didn’t spend much time thinking about insulation. The usual approach — still followed in much of the U.S. — was to fill the stud bays with fiberglass batts, and, once the ceiling drywall was installed, to unroll some fiberglass insulation in the attic.
Because of this decades-long legacy, it’s not unusual for a designer, builder, or homeowner to post the following question on Green Building Advisor: “We just finished framing, installing windows, and roofing. Now we have a few questions about the best way to insulate.”
My usual reaction is, “Really? You’re asking now?”
These decisions need to be made early
In many cases, these insulation questions are posted a few weeks too late. Why?
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5 Comments
small suggestion
Martin, could you modify "it’s usually too late to install any rigid foam on the exterior side of the wall sheathing" to "it’s usually too late to install any rigid foam or rigid mineral wool on the exterior side of the wall sheathing".
For the future homeowners starting the process who have found GBA (like me 3 years ago), just want to make sure all of the options are listed for them to consider.
Mineral wool is mentioned
C.B.,
I didn't want to repeat myself too many times, but my article does make the point you're talking about. I wrote, "If you care about this thermal bridging, you really need to include exterior rigid foam insulation or exterior mineral wool insulation."
Unfortunately, we had a gray
Unfortunately, we had a gray haired architect who wasn't interest in significant green energy design. I sent him GBA information, I got a consultation report from Transformations, and I discussed my net zero goals. He assured me that double stud walls would be way more expensive than some rigid insulation and spray foam. He made complicated roof designs and two rooms over exterior space. Ultimately we decided to walk away because the aesthetic was not a good fit and I couldn't get over my anxiety about how he was handling green energy issues. It was an expensive lesson on the design process. We're working with a new architect now who works closely with Transformations. I feel optimistic we'll get it right this time.
Important article
Martin,
I know you don't necessarily control what Taunton decides to do, but some articles are too important to be restricted. This is a prime example. This is precisely what pulls people in and makes them subscribe, but if they don't see it, they don't know what they're missing.
Every once in a while an article like this should be open to everyone - both for information and as an example of the content you get when you subscribe to GBA prime.
It's a great article. I've been here for a number of years and research things pretty thoroughly and I still am kicking myself about some of the renovation, insulation choices I've made.
Response to Lucy Foxworth
Lucy,
Thanks for your kind words. GBA will be publishing this week's "Musings of an Energy Nerd" blog on the free side of the paywall, as a "GBA Prime Sneak Peek" article.
Here is the link to the version of the blog that is accessible to all readers, even non-subscribers:
GBA Prime Sneak Peek: Plan Ahead for Insulation
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