Attic Energy Savings TV Ads
The attic is one of the most important areas of a home to insulate. According to the U.S. Department
of Energy (D.O.E.), up to 45% of a home's energy loss is through the attic. The D.O.E. recommends
that most homes need an insulation value of R-38 in their attics, which is equivalent to 12" of Owens
Corning PINK batt insulation. You can find your area's D.O.E. recommendations by clicking on the "R-Value
Recommendations" icon below.
For information on properly layering insulation, see our Frequently Asked Questions section.
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(In Gulf Coast states and Florida, local building practice may not
call for an interior vapor retarder.)
Installation:
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1. Lay temporary flooring (using plank or plywood pieces) across joists and hang a temporary work light. To
make sure the eave vents aren't blocked, Owens Corning Raft-R-Mate® attic vents or baffles should be installed to
provide unobstructed air flow from the soffit to the attic.
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2. Begin laying faced fiber glass insulation at outer edge of attic and
work toward center. The vapor retarder should be facing down toward the warm-in-winter (living area) side of
the ceiling. In Gulf Coast states and Florida, local building practice may not call for an interior vapor retarder.
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3. Lay in long runs first and use leftovers for shorter spaces. Ends of insulation should be cut to fit snugly around
cross bracing. Insulation should extend far enough to cover exterior walls but should not block flow of air from
eave vents. If needed, install a baffle wherever there is an eave vent to assure air flow. For additional ventilation,
install roof vents.
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4. Insulation must be kept three inches away from recessed lighting fixtures unless fixture is marked "I.C."
(Insulated Ceiling) - designed for direct insulation contact. The facing should be cut back so it is not touching the light fixture. Insulation placed over an unrated fixture may cause
it to overheat and start a fire. The insulation should always be installed at least three inches away from any
metal chimneys, gas water heater flues or other heat-producing devices.
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5. Fill the spaces between a masonry chimney and wood framing with a non-combustible material such as
unfaced fiber glass insulation, which will not burn.
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Note: Do not leave faced insulation exposed. The facings on kraft paper- and foil-faced insulation will burn and
must be installed in substantial contact with an approved interior finish as soon as the insulation has been installed
to help prevent the spread of fire in the wall, ceiling or floor cavities.
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