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I
nsulation, contractors, home builders

Dealing with home builders

The performance of any insulation system is deeply dependent on the quality of its installation. So, be aware... Most installations are of poor quality. To keep prices competitive, builders tend to offer non-optimal levels of insulation. Typically, they just implement the legal minimums.

Demand high quality, ask questions (for instance, how do they achieve a high degree of air sealing and proper coverage).

It's important to spend some time discussing the energy efficiency issues with the home builder. Discuss insulation but also elements as shading and passive solar techniques, home orientation and shape, landscaping, Insulation materials (Spray-on Foam Insulation, Cellulose insulation, Fiberglass and Mineral Wool insulation, Reflective Insulation), Insulation & performance, etc...
 

Dealing with insulation contractors

When dealing with insulation contractors:

- check and ask for references, namely homeowners for whom they have done insulation works and certifications.

- get cost estimations for insulation (it's always good practise to demand them to several contractors). 

- ask about insurances (insurances involving the contractor and his staff, and insurance involving potential damages...)

- check the insulation materials and their brands (be aware with insulation materials packed in unlabelled bags).

- insulation materials should be evaluated by their r-values and not in inches. In USA, the Federal Trade Commission does not allow insulation to be marked by its R-value per inch. You should ask a guarantee of a specific R-value.

- demand a contract or receipt involving the insulation installed. Law requires it in USA and other countries.

- check the final work (eventually, demand to someone with enough expertise); inspect the amount of insulation and if it is properly installed .

Do not forget: ask for a list of references and be sure to call the references.


Home insulation rules

In USA, the Home Insulation Rule 460, from the Federal Trade Commission, regulates home insulation. That rule states that consumers should receive from the contractors or home builders:

-  fact-sheets on installed insulation.
   
- a contract or a receipt (duly signed and dated by the installer/home builder) for the installed insulation, stating coverage area, thickness, R-value and also the number of bags of fiber used or other quantification of the material.

In the case of new houses, the sales contract should list the type, R-value and thickness (see
Insulation & performance) of each type of insulation material installed in every part of the house (see Insulation materials).





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