Tips to installing Insulation??

[mitchell_NY]

New to construction, planning on building my own house in the fall. any tips for install home innsultaion? any tricks or anything to keep in mind when installing it? Also, if say code says r23 for the house, would it be much of a benefit to go up to r30 or r38?? I know the price changed a little but no much. With the rising heating costs, want to try and make all the right moves, the first time through. I appreciate any tips that can be given.

[giddonah]

I can only suggest you read the topics here. The subject is such a pool of opinions and facts that you can easily get lost. Blown in cellulose is supposed to be the best R-value/inch but sounds like it's not a diy. Fiberglass is still used a lot and can be easily installed and can perform well if installed right.

I'm sorry I can't answer your question about what R-value to use, but keep in mind that "code" means "what will pass as a house and keep you from getting sued". I'm sure rich can tell you more about that, but he'll probably ask for your building location and size of the house.

[rabadger]

Tips?

Don't skimp. If possible do the attic last after all the work is done and nobody has to walk on it. AND WEAR LONG SLEEVED SHIRTS.

Have the HVAC equipment and ducts sized after you settle on what insulations will be used. Remember that oversizing is a bad thing.

Do what giddonah suggested. Read the forum. There are several ways to meet a wall and ceiling r value for code. Just remember that code is the min.

[Dragon]

The best tip I ever got for installing insulation was to hire someone else to do it!

[Vector]

The best tip I ever got for installing insulation was to hire someone else to do it!

Amen to that!

[David]

I'd heard several people say that you can't buy it as cheap as the contractors can buy+install it!

When you say "planning on building my own house," would you elaborate on that? Are you the GC and doing the work, or acting as GC and subbing it all out, or not doing any of the work and hiring a GC?

If you are not the GC, then your GC should know more and should be able to consult with you - after which, come back here and ask away. If I were in NY, I wouldn't consider anything less than R30, and would be looking at R38 or more. Don't forget all the other details, though. You could insulate with R50 and still have a terrible heating bill. There is much, much more.