Archives: Insulation

Vermiculite Attic Insulation Abatement

By Todd Fratzel on Insulation, Remodeling

Vermiculite Attic Insulation If your home was built before 1990 there is a chance it has vermiculite insulation in the attic and it’s something you should be aware of. Nearly 85% of vermiculite insulation in the US came from a mine in Libby, Montana and is known to contain asbestos. If you’re planning a renovation…

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Benefits of Exterior Foam Insulation

By Todd Fratzel on Insulation

Exterior Foam Insulation I’ve been a huge proponent of using foam board insulation to insulate basements, rim joists, and difficult locations like under bay windows. Recently we’ve been starting to install foam insulation board on the outside of houses for increased R value, decreased air infiltration, and better overall vapor management. Over the last few…

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Walk-Out Basement Wall Insulation

By Todd Fratzel on Insulation

Insulating Wood Framed Walk-Out Basement Walls Walk-Out foundations create an interesting dilemma in when considering wall insulating details. I’ve written extensively on the subject of how to properly insulate basement walls which deals with concrete (and block) walls but I’ve never addressed the occasional wood framed walk-out walls that exist in some many homes today.…

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Attic Vapor Barrier & Insulation

By Todd Fratzel on Insulation

Attic Vapor Barrier for Insulation in Cold Climates? Insulation details change about as often as the weather here in New England. One question that seems to come up is whether or not to use a vapor barrier with attic insulation in cold climates? The answer to this question seems to have changed in recent years…

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Bay Window Floor Insulation Detail

By Todd Fratzel on Insulation

Bay Window and Floor Deck Cantilever Insulation Details I’ve written quite a few articles on how to insulate basement walls and floors but one more specific topic related to this subject keeps coming up and that’s how to insulate a bay window floor or cantilever floor framing. In this article I’ll share a detail for…

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Foam Board Insulation Under Vinyl Siding

By Todd Fratzel on Insulation, Siding & Trim

Installing Foam Board Insulation Under Vinyl Siding Today more than ever before homes are being built with foam board insulation installed on the outside of the sheathing and under the siding. This detail is used with both new construction and also with renovation work. Below are some of the design details along with the benefits…

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How To Insulate Basement Walls

By Todd Fratzel on Basements, Foundations, Insulation

How To Insulate Basement Walls Insulating a basement properly is rather challenging in cold climates. In this article I’d like to discuss how to insulate basement walls in cold climates. Insulating basement walls in cold climates is a great way to keep your home warmer and drier. However, special care should be used when insulating…

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Basement Insulation

By Todd Fratzel on Basements, Framing, Insulation

Basement Insulation – Walls Basement insulation is far more complicated than insulating regular wood framed walls. In fact, improperly insulated basement walls are one of the biggest reasons for mold in homes. If you don’t do this correctly you’ll be exposing your family to dangerous mold exposure. In this article I’ll show you How To…

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