14. Insulation

There are several types of insulation. The most popular is fiberglass. No matter the type it is installed in the cavities created between the studs on the exterior walls of your home. Sometimes the ceilings are 'Batted' also. In most cases the flat ceilings have blown insulation. Insulation is given an R-rating based on the material and the material's thickness. All sloped ceiling should be batted. You will notice that the batts on sloped ceilings are not has thick as those on flat ceilings. The reason is that the thickness is measured straight up and down, so the thickness is the same. You can have your C.M. demonstrate this on your pre-drywall walk. All batts should be installed with the paper side towards your drywall. The paper backing (moisture barrier) should be stapled to the studs to ensure that it stays in place. If you have blown insulation in your attic you will have 'Baffles' installed everywhere you have soffit venting. This will make sure that the blown insulation does not block the air flow from the soffit venting into the attic. All small cavities should have insulation stuffed in them, these might be openings between the blocking for doors and corners. The home is also 'Poly-Sealed' at this point. Poly-seal is an expandable foam that is used in all drilled openings on exterior walls, any and all exterior penetrations like hose bibs and electrical outlets along with top plate penetrations. Your exterior bottom plate (treated plate) should also have a bead of poly seal. You need to be aware of 'Cold Floors'. A cold floor is a floor where the bottom is exposed to the unconditioned air of outdoors. If you have a room over a port-a-cache or if you have an unfinished basement these are examples of cold floors. The space under them is not heated are air conditioned. On something like a port-a-cache or second floor room over a patio you have to check that the insulation was installed prior to the soffitt being installed. If you are installing sound proofing for a music room or home theater now is the time for that to happen. Once your insulation is completed, your insulation inspection has passed you are ready for your pre-drywall walk.