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This map and the tablebelow show the DOEsR-value recommendations

for existing homes.

The recommendations showranges of cost effective R-value

choices. Savings vary, find outwhy in the seller's fact sheet on

R-values.Higher R-values mean greaterinsulating power.

Zone

Add Insulation to Attic1

FloorUninsulated AtticExisting 34 Inches

of Insulation1 R30 to R49 R25 to R30 R13

2 R30 to R60 R25 to R38 R13 to R19

3 R30 to R60 R25 to R38 R19 to R25

4 R38 to R60 R38 R25 to R39

5 to 8 R49 to R60 R38 to R49 R25 to R39

Wall Insulation: Whenever exterior siding is removed on an:Uninsulated wood-frame wall: Drill holes in the sheathing and blow

insulation into the empty wall cavitybefore installing the new siding, and

Zones 34: Add R5 insulative wallsheathing beneath the new siding

Zones 58: Add R5 to R6 insulative wallsheating beneath the new siding.

Insulated wood-frame wall: For Zones 4 to 8: Add R5 insulative

sheathing before installing the new siding

For more information:www.naima.orgwww.SimplyInsulate.com

DOE Releases New R-ValueRecommendationsFor Existing Homes

The US Department of Energy (DOE) recently released their new R-valuerecommendations for new and existing homes. The insulation recommen-dations for attics,cathedral ceilings,walls and floors have been increasedoverall and generally exceed those required bymost building codes.The Department of Energys new range of recommendations is based oncomparing future energy savings to the current cost of installing insulation.According to the DOE, providing a range of recommendations is shown forthese reasons:

Energy costs vary greatly overeach zone

Installed insulation costs varygreatly over each zone

Heating and cooling equipmentefficiency varies from house to house

The DOEs best estimate of futureenergy costs may not be exactlycorrect1

1 DOE/CE-0180 2008, Insulation Fact Sheet.www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/insulation

Existing Wood-Framed Houses

www.naima.org

1. Attics & CeilingsFiber glass and mineral woolinsulation in attics and flat ceilingsmakes homes more resistant toenergy loss, and lowers energy bills.To achieve R-values of R-38 andhigher, two or more layers of battscan be used and their R-value added.For example, a R-19 batt added to aR-30 will yield a R-49. Wheninstalling a second layer, always useinsulation without a vapor retarderor kraft paper facing. Also, it isrecommended that the second layerbe applied across the joists whichare perpendicular to the first layer.Fiber glass or mineral wool loose-fillinsulation can also be used.

2. Exterior WallsSections sometimes overlooked inhomes are walls between livingspaces and unheated garages orstorage rooms,dormer walls, kneewalls and the portions of wallsabove ceilings of adjacent lowersections of split-level homes. All ofthese are considered exterior walls.NOTE:Proper use and placement ofvapor retarders is critical. Forguidance on the use and location ofvapor retarders and kraft paperfacing on insulation,please checkwith your local building departmentor insulation contractor.

3. FloorsAreas that are often not insulated arefloors over unheated or open spacessuch as garages,porches, crawlspaces and unheated basements.Fiber glass and mineral wool battscan be used to insulate these areas.

4. Basements & CrawlspacesThere are many considerations whenadding insulation in these areas.Fiberglass and mineral wool batts are goodchoices if the spaces are dry.

5. DuctworkAn HVAC system can deliverheated and cooled air at designtemperatures only if the ducts areadequately insulated. For existingducts that are outside ofconditioned space (i.e. in anunheated attic or crawlspace),applying fiber glass duct wrap tothe exterior of sheet metal ductscan increase indoor comfort,reduce heat loss or gain, andcontrol condensation. Many ductsmay not be accessible, but youshould add insulation to any duct-work that is easily accessible.

6. Interior WallsMost walls and ceilings in todayshomes are only marginally effec-tive at blocking noise. Adding fiberglass and mineral wool insulationcan significantly lower the trans-mission of noise between rooms.The best time to install acousticalinsulation is when remodeling orrenovating a home.

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To achieve maximum thermal efficiency and comfort, it is important to insulate any space where energy could be lost.For enhanced energy savings and comfort, consider adding insulation to these areas of your home:

Places to Add Insulation for EnhancedHome Energy Savings and ComfortFor Existing Homes

Printed on Recycled PaperPUB. NO. BI491 9/08

ABOUT NAIMANAIMA is the association for North Americanmanufacturers of fiber glass, rock wool, and slagwool insulation products. Its role is to promoteenergy efficiency and environmental preservationthrough the use of fiber glass, rock wool, andslag wool insulation, and to encourage the safeproduction and use of these materials.

For more information, contact:

NAIMA44 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 310Alexandria, VA 22314Tel: 703-684-0084Fax: 703-684-0427www.naima.org

NAIMA BUILDING INSULATIONCOMMITTEE MEMBERS:

CertainTeed Corporationwww.certainteed.com

FiberTEK Insulationwww.fibertekinsulation.com

Guardian Building Productswww.guardianbp.com

Johns Manvillewww.jm.com

Knauf Insulationwww.KnaufUSA.com

Owens Corningwww.owenscorning.com

Roxul, Inc.www.roxul.com