Saturday, February 23, 2013

Warm and Toasty: Insulation



 We started out the month of February by digging up the yard AGAIN. 
This time it was to bury the electric service. My Dad was disappointed that he didn't get to operate the Bobcat to back fill the trench. Don't worry, he will get plenty of opportunities to play in the dirt this spring when we regrade. 


With the electric, plumbing, and HVAC all roughed in, 
and our framing inspection passed, it was time to insulate!
First we foamed and caulked the windows.



Our foam + batt insulation system is often referred to as "Flash and Batt"

The first step is a layer of closed cell spray foam which in addition to providing superb thermal resistance (up to R6 per inch) is also an excellent air barrier, a class III vapor retarder, greatly lowers sound transmission, and even adds a level of structural rigidity.

Since spray foam is fairly expensive, and has a diminishing return the thicker it is installed, the flash and batt system takes advantage of the foam, but reduces cost by just applying a minimum of 1" foam and fills the remainder of the wall cavity with more traditional fiberglass batt insulation.












In other news, Dad has been channeling Norm Abram while bringing our front door back to life.


Our fireplaces are being rebuilt,


and drywall is being delivered!









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