Insulation: The main things to consider when it comes in insulation are R-Value, Heat transfer, Mold resistance, Fire resistance, VOC emissions and sag resistance.

How much insulation do I actually need: Montanas requirements for insulation are R:21 in the walls and R-49 to r-60 in ceilings depending on the kind of roof framing. The issue with these recommendations is that they do not take into account thermal transfer or how sealed the building is. Here's a few quick facts to know about insulation.

• The higher you go up in R value to the less effective the insulation becomes for example going above R-20 make almost zero difference when it comes to heat transfer. Higher R-Values mainly assist in preventing heat loss. For example an R=20 insulation will have Only 1.7% more thermal transfer than R-30, But the R-20 insulation will have 50% more heat loss compared to R-30. We find that R-21 in standard walls offers a good value and R-36 in a double stud wall frame offers superior efficiency without overbuilding. For ceilings there are so many variables. Adequate insulation can range for R-42 all the way to R-60.

  
  

  Regardless of insulation type, the most effective way to increase a homes efficiency is through mechanical methods such as air sealing, ventilation, double stud wall assemblies, solar absorptivity, Solar Reflectance and site planning.

Please contact us if you have any questions about your next project!