When building your own home, the insulation inspection process should be one that matters. The insulation in your home is what keeps your bills low from saving energy. It keeps you warm in the winter, and cold in the summer.
So after the house has received batt insulation and the polyseal insulation has been completed, it should be mandatory to get an energy inspection by a qualified third party energy inspector. The purpose of this inspection is to verify the correct placement of all batt insulation and polycel insulation in accordance the International Energy Conservation Code.
Checklist for Insulation Inspection Process
- Check for polycel insulation prior to the placement of batt insulation.
- Expanding foam is applied to the inside edge of all exterior wall bottomplates–where it meets the slab.
- Expanding foam is applied to all inside corners and tee’s of exterior walls to eliminate air and moisture transfer. Paper tape may also be used where gaps between framing studs are excessive.
- Expanding foam is used to seal all holes bored in all double top plates.
- Check ventilation baffles (duro-vents) have been stapled to the bottom-side of roof decking at least every other rafter bay.
- Check all batts are friction-fit or securely stapled to framing members; and are of the correct R-value.
- R-13 batt – 3 1/2″ thick
- R-19 batt – 5 1/2″ thick
- R-22 batt – 8 3/4″ thick
- R-30 batt – 11 1/4″ thick
- Check all portions of exterior walls are properly insulated. Pay particular attention above, under, and below box-out and bay windows.
