The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

How To Remodel Basements And Attics

Economical insulation

The most economical method of insulating the various structural details shown in Fig. 1 consists of using insulation panels as surface material (see Chapter 6). This method substitutes the panels in place of other insulation and in place of other no insulating surface materials. By the use of large panels, a further economy could be realized due to the fact that furring strips (see Chapter 7) would not be necessary. If the insulation panels are about 1 in. thick, both heat loss and heat gain will be reduced.

A less-economical but much more effective means of insulating such details as shown in Fig. 1 consists of using either 3-in.-thick blankets or one curtain of aluminum foil when the surface material is to consist of plasterboard, plywood, blocks or some other no insulating material.

Expensive insulation

If expense is of little or no concern, the most effective means of insulating such details as shown in Fig. 1 consists of using either blanket or foil insulation along with insulating surface material.

LAW OF DIMINISHING RETURNS

You may be tempted to use a great deal of insulation in walls or other details, regardless of expense, thinking that the more insulation used, the more the benefits. Unfortunately, what is called the law of diminishing returns proves that insulation 6 in. thick is not twice as effective as insulation 3 in. thick. Therefore, you will be wise to use insulation in standard thickness. For example, use one 3-in.-thick blanket instead of trying to stuff two such blankets into a given space.

HOW TO INSTALL INSULATION

Using the section view in Fig. 1 as an example, and assuming the use of 3-in.-thick blankets, Parts A, B and C of Fig. 2 show how the insulation is installed. Note, as shown at D, that the ends of the blankets must be formed into seals which can be nailed to plates and sills. The blankets are equipped with fastening flanges which can be tacked to studs, collar beams or rafters.