Comments on: Rare Grade I Fiberglass Batt Insulation Sighting

By: Chris Green

Chris Green — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 15:16:23 +0000

The methods described here
The methods described here are standard insulation work in B.C.

I haven't seen any paper-backed insulation for decades.

Fibreglass insulation will become compact and sag if it gets damp, and it also loses some insulation value because of condensation during the winter. Moist fibreglass with dust on it can also be a growth medium for mold.
I have seen black mold growing on insulation in fairly new houses that weren't properly done. So proper istallation and air-sealing of poly and is very necessary.

As is making sure there are no holes in the poly.

Air-tight shields around electrical boxes are also important, and they should be taped to the poly when installed.

Personally, I prefer rockwool insulation, which is stiffer and has a higher R-value (R-22.5 for the 2x6 cavity.) It can get soaked and still won't sag in the cavity. Also, mold won't grow on it. It is a denser material, so it fits more snugly in the cavity and won't settle over time.

By: Jerry Pollard

Jerry Pollard — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 17:44:55 +0000

We do all the work on the
We do all the work on the Habitat houses in the Chattanooga area. We always use Knauf fiberglass batts and the standard is grade one installation...inspected.

By: Thomas Billups

Thomas Billups — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:57:20 +0000

Dave,

Dave,

The builder I worked for had the same question about unfaced batts settling over time when it was suggested by the HERS raters of our green program. These are cut slightly wider than the cavity and should be cut slightly longer than the stud length to provide a friction fit and prevent settling. In my experience, this works well.

By: Thomas Billups

Thomas Billups — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:16:54 +0000

This is great to see. I&
This is great to see. I’ve worked with Habitat for Humanity Dekalb (GA), and know of other affiliates who are building to Energy Star or other green standards to take advantage of new grants. If they can do this while leading inexperienced volunteers in the installation, there's no reason "professional" installers can't produce similar quality work.

By: Michael Peaden

Michael Peaden — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:50:32 +0000

We have qualified over 10,000
We have qualified over 10,000 homes to the Energy Star New Homes program with the vast majority of those homes being G1 FG jobs. Not as uncommon as you would think.

By: Hunter Dendy

Hunter Dendy — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 05:02:47 +0000

I've been seeing some pretty
I've been seeing some pretty good Batts installs in the Asheville area lately too. Challenging the batts-are-bad idea. It has mostly been unfaced batts too, so you might be on to something.

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 21:18:03 +0000

It does look like a good
It does look like a good initial install. I wonder if there will be any settling without a kraft paper holding the fiberglass up? Of course, you could over-stuff the cavity to help prevent settling, but then the cost would escalate and the R-value would stay about the same.

By: Steve Byers

Steve Byers — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 20:01:09 +0000

Very nice and indeed, Ver
Very nice and indeed, Ver rare!