Skip to main content
#
Schedule Online

Top Viewed Articles

Home Comfort Tips

I invite you to explore my YouTube channel, where you'll see first-hand how insulation looks in dark and mysterious attics, crawl spaces, and basements scattered across Maryland. Witness first-hand how we tackle the unique challenges found in these hidden spaces, and gain valuable knowledge on how to conquer your own house.

Insulation Video Library

Insulation Video Library

Like this article? 

Get two free guides:

Replacement Window Report &

Home Efficiency Report

Join a community!


Learn how to move the
home comfort needle!

Save Energy

Effective Tips

From a Certified Pro

Energy Auditor

 

Eric Gans
Certified Energy Auditor

Subscribe
Submit

Residential Comfort & Energy Efficiency

Home Comfort Newsletter Signup

* indicates required

I invite you to explore my YouTube channel, where you'll see first-hand some of the issues we are out there fixing.

Thursday, April 27 2023

Un-insulated Areas Play a Heavy Hand in Poor R-Values

Now let's go a little deeper and explore the impact of un-insulated surfaces. It may surprise you how important having an even blanket of insulation is for getting a great result.  

If you notice any area in your attic that does not have insulation then pay attention to the information below!

This typical Maryland attic is a great example of what the impact of missing insulation can have.

maryland attic insulation code

The attic area in the home pictured above is 975 square feet and flat (R-49 recommended in Maryland).

attic insulation code for maryland

You will notice 1" of blown-in fiberglass insulation and 7" of rolled fiberglass batting laid on top.
 

In this scenario, the attic has roughly 8" of insulation in "most" of the areas that need it. Later you will learn how to use the depth to determine the R-value.  In this case, the attic is R-17...

But, there is a catch!

There are two major un-insulated areas in this attic (very common in Maryland attics). 

1. A three-foot by three-foot push up hatch
2. A three-foot by three-foot whole house fan

Equaling a total of 18 square feet of un-insulated area on the attic floor. 

This equates to just about 2% of the attic area (18 divided by 975).

Maryland attic insulation   
Typical hallway push-up hatch leading to an under-insulated Maryland attic.  Watch how a hatch gets treatment.

attic insulation code for maryland

The hatch from the attic has a plywood cover (seen in the background)

attic insulation Maryland

Whole house fan is seen from the attic.
 

With the use of the HOME ENERGY SCORE CALCULATOR, we are able to calculate the impact un-insulated surfaces have on insulation performance.

The picture gets clear!

r-value for attic insulation

What ends up happening with this common scenario is not good. A mere 18 square feet of missing insulation has a big impact. The expected R-value reduces down from 17 to 13 for the entire attic!

That translates to hot summer nights and cold winter drafts and high energy bills to pay.

insulation r-value chart

REASON:

According to Dr. Allison Bailes of Energy Vanguard, the heat flows through the bare areas fast. Based on his article, the air leaves in the un-insulated ceiling area are as much as 38 times faster than in the insulated areas.

Conclusion

Be sure to measure your attic insulation in a precise fashion. Different areas that have different levels should be separate. Each area will get an R-value assessment. Along with knowing the condition, this weighted average calculator can then help you determine your attic's R-value.

 

Comments:

Post comment
Name
 *
Email Address

Message
(max 750 characters)
*
* Required Fields
Note: All comments are subject to approval. Your comment will not appear until it has been approved.

Insulation Video Library

Insulation Video Library

    Specialized Maryland Contractor

     

    • MHIC Licensed
    • Building Analyst Certified
    • Envelope Professional Certification
    • EPA Lead Renovator Certified
    • YouTube Learning Channel
       

     

    Our mission is to help Maryland homeowners create a more comfortable home and save energy. We achieve this by applying building science principles and modern air sealing and insulating techniques.


    Google Reviews

    Services & Service Areas

    SERVICE AREA COUNTIES
    Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Carroll County, Charles County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Prince George's County

     

     

    hometrust is an energy star partner

    Contact Us
    our facebook page linkdin youtube

    MHIC License #158968
    Approved BGE Energy Contractor
    Approved Pepco Energy Contractor

     

    MHIC 158968
    8345 Sperry Court
    Laurel, MD 20723
    301.957.6532
    info@hometrustremodeling.com

     

    Hometrust Remodeling

    Proudly working in BGE & Pepco's Home Performance w/ ENERGY STAR program in Maryland to deliver whole-house energy savings to improve comfort & help protect the environment.
    2024 Hometrust Remodeling | All Rights Reserved

    An Energy Auditor's Purpose 
    "Energy auditors visit residential buildings and talk to owners and residents.  They inspect, test, and measure to decide what energy-efficient retrofits are practical and cost-effective." Residential Energy