Where to Insulate in a Home

For energy efficiency, your home should be properly insulated from the roof down to its foundation. This includes the following areas:

Where to insulate in a home

  1. In unfinished attic spaces, insulate between and over the floor joists to seal off living spaces below
    • 1A - Attic Access Door
  2. In unfinished attic rooms with or without dormer, insulate…
    • 2A - Between the studs of "knee walls"
    • 2B - Between the studs and rafters of exterior walls and roof
    • 2C - Ceilings with cold spaces above
    • 2D - Extend insulation into joist space to reduce air flows
  3. All exterior walls, including…
    • 3A - Walls between living spaces and unheated garages, shed roofs, or storage areas
    • 3B - Foundation walls above ground level
    • 3C - Foundation walls in heated basements, full wall either interior or exterior
  4. Floors above cold spaces, such as vented crawl spaces and unheated garages. Also isulate…
    • 4A - Any portion of the floor in a room that is cantilevered beyond the exterior wall below
    • 4B - Slab floors built directly on the ground
    • 4C - As an alternative to floor insulation, foundation walls of unvented crawl spaces
    • 4D - Extend insulation into joist spaces to reduce air flows
  5. Band Joists
  6. Replacement or storm windows and caulk and seal around all windows and doors

Source Material: US Dept. of Energy

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