Okay so I woke up this morning and the temperature gauge read 42 degrees. Brr!! Winter is definitely on it's way! With the heat cranking this fall already, it becomes very apparent in differences that insulation upgrades like double pained windows and blown in blanket (BIB) insulation make.

As the market turns and the economy continues to recover from one of the longest recessions in history, homeowners are looking to live in a home for a longer period of time. This supports the statement that energy efficient and quality materials are more important now than ever.

After the past few years, blown in blanket (BIB) insulation has gained a lot of popularity with homeowners because of its high insulating R values. The R value is the insulation rating that measures the insulation's ability to resist heat flow - the higher the R value the more efficient and effective the insulation is at prohibiting the heat flow between walls and ceilings. Residential building codes only require insulation to have an R value of R38, but BIB insulation has a R value of R49! So why is BIB insulation so much better? It fills all of the spaces and gaps in between wires and outlets that typical batt insulation can not because it merely hangs or lays within walls.

Not only will BIB insulation leave you more comfortable in your home during the winter months, it will save you money by saving you an extra $40 per month in reduced energy costs. And, if you ever wish to sell your home, BIB insulation will become a very attractive and unique feature to all potential buyers. So whether your making upgrades to your current home or if your looking to purchase or sell a home, don't overlook quality energy efficient and insulating materials.

Zone Add Insulation to Attic Floor Uninsulated Attic Existing 3–4 Inches of Insulation
1 R30 to R49 R25 to R30 R13
2 R30 to R60 R25 to R38 R13 to R19
3 R30 to R60 R25 to R38 R19 to R25
4 R38 to R60 R38 R25 to R30
5 to 8 R49 to R60 R38 to R49 R25 to R30

Wall Insulation: Whenever exterior siding is removed on an

Uninsulated wood-frame wall:

  • Drill holes in the sheathing and blow insulation into the empty wall cavity before installing the new siding, and
  • Zones 3–4: Add R5 insulative wall sheathing beneath the new siding
  • Zones 5–8: Add R5 to R6 insulative wall sheathing beneath the new siding.

Insulated wood-frame wall:

  • For Zones 4 to 8: Add R5 insulative sheathing before installing the new siding.

For more information on the installation R value, go to http://rvalue.net

 

 
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4 Comments on Time to prepare for a cold winter - burr!

OCT
12
181,933 Points

Yes but the colors of the fall trees, leaves and foliage in Loudoun VA will be stunning with those tempatures.  Fall is so pretty here.

11:33pm • #1
OCT
13

Ellen - Yes, yes they are!! The leaves are already starting to show some very vibrant colors here! I love sneaking out to Leesburg or farther west to see the beautiful all the multi-colored leaves on trees covering mountains and hillsides this time of year!

12:33am • #2
OCT
14
180,865 Points Outside Blog

I did a lot of insulation work when I moved in my house and it made a difference not only in the bill but also in comfort.

9:33pm • #3

Gene - Thanks for sharing your success story! I have thought about insulating some of my walls - especailly the basement where it never seems to be a comfortable temperature because its where the kids like to hangout.

10:31pm • #4

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Gina Tufano

Sterling, VA

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RE/MAX Select Properties, Inc.

Address: 20 Pidgeon Hill Drive, Suite 201, Sterling, VA, 20165

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