Written by Eric Gans, Building Analyst & Envelope Professional
I'm a certified energy auditor and insulation contractor in Maryland. I have completed over 2000 energy audits and taken over 2000 trips to an attic.
 

 

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Maryland Home Insulation Guide
 

 

An under-insulated attic is the #1 reason for poor home comfort and high energy bills. Use this guide for Maryland home and attic insulation solutions.
 

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Well-Insulated Attic
3 Characteristics
 

1. No significant gaps
2. Fits in any cavity 
3. 13-18" Depth

 

 

 

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Does that look or sound like your attic insulation?

Not likely...ENERGY STAR says 9 out of 10 homes are under-insulated, and everything I see in Maryland attics proves it. 

According to a recent Forbes Magazine article, there are approximately 124 million houses in the United States, and roughly 20% were built before 1980. Older homes mean older, outdated methods of insulating that don't measure up to today's standards. 

So where do you begin? This guide can help. It will answer many of the questions homeowners have about insulation.

 

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RESOURCE TOPIC LINKS

Whole-House Assessments 
🌞 Seasonal Guidance ❄️ 
Insulation Guidance Tools
Is Insulation Worth It? 
Which Insulation Is Best?
💵 How Much Does Insulation Cost?
Home Performance Solutions
Maryland Rebates & Tax Credits  ℹ️ 
 

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If your home is older than ten years, then you are likely not meeting the 2024 Maryland home insulation building code. If you see insulation, it does not mean it is working for you.

You gotta know what to look for...

The State of Maryland recommends that our attics have enough insulation to equal R-49.

The existing insulation in a Maryland attic is inconsistent for various reasons. Air sealing and insulation are essential for a tight, energy-efficient home.

 

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Get a Whole-House Energy Assessment
Start Your Journey
 

 

If you know you need insulation services in Maryland and are looking for a logical next step; it might be a good time for an energy audit.

Feel free to set up your Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® energy audit now and then exit this guide.

If you are not sure, I recommend exploring the resources below. You can learn more about the BGE and Pepco Programs. The $100 assessment can help you navigate to a more efficient home:
 

 Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Reporting (Video)
-Getting a feel for how the energy audit report works and what it measures can make the "lightbulb" go off!

 BGE Energy Savers and Pepco Energy Savings Program
-Learn about how the program works to help Maryland homeowners find the right solutions.

 Approved BGE and Pepco Contractor (About Us)
-From window contractor to Building Science student - experience in the field shines through.

 Find YOUR Pathway - Dial In On Your Comprehensive Energy Audit
-Getting an energy audit is the first step in a successful journey towards improved home comfort and lower energy usage.

 5 Signs You Need a Home Energy Audit 
-Homeowners can use these five signs around the house to determine if a home energy audit is worth the investment.

 Example Energy Audits Based on the Style of House 
-Examples include Cape Cod, Colonial, with Garage, Rancher

 Home Energy Audit Takeaways - Short YouTube Series 
-Thirteen episodes do a great job of taking you through several insulation scenarios, including treatment and results.

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Summer & Winter Insulation Guidance
 

Attic insulation can significantly impact your comfort, energy bill, and HVAC performance.  A well-insulated attic can make an old heating and cooling system seem new.

Insulation will gain your respect on an extreme weather day! Attic insulation in Maryland homes is vital to comfort each season.
 

Summer: Insulation improves a home's defense against the heat in several ways. Check out these resources to help you keep cool when the heat rises:
 

 Controlling Hot Upper Floors 
-Learn about modern air sealing and insulation techniques in Maryland that can help you improve hot upper floors during the summer.

 Ways to Maximize Your HVAC Performance
-In Maryland, HVAC ducts should be sealed and insulated if they run outside the living space.

 Reduce Indoor Humidity 
-Learn how to avoid blaming the wrong source and spending money on the wrong solution.

 

Winter: We place caps on our children's heads on a cold day to keep the heat from escaping, and we need to do the same to our homes. Check out these great ways to change the trend and get a hold of always being cold:
 

 Preventing Rapid Heat Loss 
-Attic air sealing is one of the most effective ways to improve home comfort and energy efficiency - learn the basics.

 Improving Indoor Air Quality 
-Learn about the relationship between indoor air quality, air changes per hour, and energy efficiency for your home.

5 Things That Are Not So Obvious to Help with A Cozier Home 
-Use these five do-it-yourself tips in 2024 to improve comfort and reduce energy bills. 

 Get All Of Your Rooms Back! 
Check out how this family strived toward a comfortable addition, but the effort fell short and made the addition unusable in cold months.  

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Insulation Guidance Tools

Tool # 1 The R-Value Calculator
Use this helpful tool to determine your current attic R-value and assess your protective barrier's performance against current recommendations.

 

You need to take two steps for this tool to work.

STEP 1: Get Your Attic's Current R-Value

Tasks Required

1. Determine the type of insulation you have in the attic now.

2. Determine your current insulation level in inches and note any areas (up to three) with major level variants.

3. Determine the condition of your current insulation.

STEP 2: Calculate Your Attic Area

Tasks Required 

1. Measure the length and width from below for any attic area to calculate the square footage. 

2. Note the exact square footage of any area with different insulation levels (up to three). Use a laser measure to make it easy!

Once completed, you will be much closer to knowing if you are up to the Maryland building code and ENERGY STAR.


Tool # 2 The Home Self-Assessment
Use this survey to determine if getting an energy audit is worth the money.

 

If you are like most, chances are you do not want to visit your attic and dig around.

A better way to get your insulation checked is to get an energy audit. Learn more about the important role a residential insulation expert plays in your pursuit to find out how much insulation you need.

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Is Getting Home Attic Insulation Worth It?
 

The insulation your attic needs will depend on how much is there now. Getting it right will ensure you earn the best return on your investment (ROI) and meet the 2024 Maryland building codes.

This can be a little tricky. Calculations can be off if the information is not gathered right. The condition, coverage, and depth of the insulation are each important.

Take notice if you have any area in your attic that does not have insulation. 

One example is 18 square feet of uninsulated area in a 1000-square-foot attic. It reduces the R-value. Missing insulation will lead to comfort problems and high energy bills.

REASON:

According to Dr. Allison Bailes of Energy Vanguard, the heat flows through the bare areas fast. He says warm air leaves in the un-insulated ceiling area 38 times faster than in the insulated areas.

To learn more about this common insulation problem, look at this article about how uninsulated areas play a heavy hand in poor R-values.

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Which Insulation is Best for Maryland Homes?

 

It is essential to measure insulation through a different lens. Try not to focus on which insulation is better. Instead, please focus on the proper R-value, especially for the places where it is most important.

There are two things to know about R-value:

1. How to Measure R-Value

Insulation has one job - to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation resists heat transfer.
 

2. How R-Value Requirements Change

As your home's features twist and turn, insulation requirements change. R-values decrease in less critical areas. 

For example, a knee wall created by a sloped ceiling needs less R-value, but it does require special care and attention in other ways.

Knee walls are common in Maryland.
 

 

Check out this comprehensive article about attic insulation requirements and understanding the R-value, particularly for Maryland houses.

The attic is the most important place to insulate first. Other areas should also get treatment, such as:
 

 Basement Insulation (Video) 
-Sealing and insulating a basement in the right places can yield excellent results.

 Overhangs/Cantilever Insulation (Video) 
Properly insulating a cantilever in Maryland requires a contractor familiar with siding, insulation, and carpentry.

 Crawl Space Encapsulation
-Modern air sealing and insulation techniques can turn a dark crawl space into the reason your home is more comfortable.

Typical Insulation Materials Found Around Maryland Houses

• Loose-fill cellulose
• Fiberglass batts
• Loose-fill fiberglass
• Mineral wool
• Two-part spray foam 

The values for the corresponding condition of your attic insulation can be multiplied by the number of inches you have to see where your attic falls on the scale. Learn to determine your attic insulation type, condition, and current R-value.
 

Batt Insulation: Prevalent and, unfortunately, the worst performer.

 

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How Much Does Insulation Cost?

Home performance contractors look for insulation fixes in existing homes that will make the most impact at the lowest cost. Accessible areas are the first priority and usually the most important. Investigation and testing help shape solution decisions. Taking this approach will factor in the overall cost.

Here are important considerations if you plan to insulate your home:

 

 Insulation Misperceptions & Incorrect Solutions 
-Nobody likes to go down the wrong rabbit hole when fixing a problem.

 Building Pressure Boundary 
-Don't skip a step to save money by adding insulation without sealing first.

 Building Thermal Boundary 
-Do you need to pay to remove the insulation before adding more?

 Skilled Building Science Technicians 
-Hiring a contractor with certifications and experience is essential and worth the investment.

 Testing & Measuring Results (Video) 
-Home Performance contractors use sophisticated equipment to measure results for calculated ROI.

 

 

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Intro to Home Performance


 

ENERGY STAR® recommends examining the many systems around your home. Evaluating the "whole house" can lead to better comfort and efficiency. Their statistics show that 9 out of 10 homes in the U.S. are under-insulated.

According to the EPA, existing houses have several opportunities for energy-efficient improvements. Many discoveries go beyond replacement windows and cost less than windows.

Home Performance Categories:
 

 Attic and Whole Home Air Sealing 
-Air sealing the right places in your home will improve comfort and lower energy bills.

 Attic & Basement Insulation 
-In tandem with air sealing, insulation is a dynamic duo that will solve hot rooms and cold drafts.

 Crawl Space Encapsulation
-Learn why making a crawl space like the San Diego climate without the sun is the way to go.

 Whole Home and Attic Ventilation 
-A well-installed bathroom exhaust fan in Maryland should include testing and venting to the outdoors.

 HVAC Duct Sealing and Insulation Improvements 
-Duct leakage assessments to stop condensation issues and improve the HVAC system's overall efficiency.

 IECC New Construction Energy Compliance Testing
-Air leakage testing requires a certified and experienced technician to comply with Maryland's new construction energy codes.

 Exterior Insulation Solutions 
-Overhangs and other odds and ends.
 

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Maryland Rebates & Tax Credits

How the Insulation Program Works

Maryland Utilities (BGE & Pepco) offers a portfolio of programs promoting energy efficiency and conservation, including rebates, education, and services. The programs are designed around a consultative approach.
 

 

Air sealing and insulation are the most critical measures to achieve energy efficiency—before windows and doors and replacing older HVAC. Getting a home energy audit is the initial qualifier for rebates. 

Get a home energy audit & get questions answered, such as:

Why is the room on the front of the house colder?
Do you have enough insulation?
Why is it so stuffy upstairs during the summer?
Should I remove old insulation from my attic?
Why does my HVAC run all of the time?
Is spray foam insulation the best solution for my home?
Why are my new windows feeling drafty?
Do my walls have insulation?

Learn much more about the programs designed to help YOU

 How to Unlock Maryland Utility Rebates 
-Learn how to correctly insulate your Maryland attic and unlock 2024 BGE and Pepco rebates.

 Attic Insulation Rebates for BGE Customers 
-Qualifying for BGE energy rebates depends on an energy audit through the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program.

 PEPCO Customer Attic Insulation Rebates
-Pepco energy saving rebates are unlocked after getting a comprehensive energy audit.

 Inflation Reduction Act & Maryland Homeowners 
-Maryland residents can learn to use the new Inflation Reduction Act.

 2024 Complete BGE Energy Audit Guide 
-Get All YOUR questions answered with this comprehensive guide about all things related to a BGE home energy audit.

 Complete 2024 Pepco Energy Audit Guide 
-Learn more about all things related to a comprehensive Pepco home energy audit.
 

 

The Ultimate Guide to Basement Insulation for Maryland Homeowners

As a Maryland homeowner, you're no stranger to the Old Line State's diverse weather conditions. From sweltering summers to freezing winters, ensuring your home remains comfortable year-round is a priority.

If it isn't the weather we are trying to keep out, it is the pests—spiders, stink bugs, ladybugs, crickets, and even mice and squirrels!

Proper basement insulation is one of the best ways to enhance your home's comfort and energy efficiency and close the pathways insects, rodents, and possibly even reptiles use to get in (see video below).

This comprehensive guide will explore the critical aspects of basement insulation, focusing on Maryland homes, particularly those in Baltimore, Annapolis, Rockville, Upper Marlboro, and everywhere in between.

Learn how mastering fundamental building science principles can transform your living space. And, whatever you do, don't finish your basement until you properly seal and insulate.

Understanding the Importance of Basement Insulation

Proper basement insulation is not just a luxury; it's necessary for Maryland homeowners who want to improve their homes' energy efficiency and comfort.

Maryland basement insulation recommendations, including the R-value, are the following: 

• Foundation walls are to be insulated to R-11 or greater. Insulation should be applied from the top of the wall down to at least the frost line.
• Enclosed crawl space walls should be insulated to R-11 or greater.
• Rim joists should be air-sealed before insulating the area to R-19 or greater. 

Insulating your basement can prevent heat loss in the winter by reducing heat transfer and disrupting airflow through your house. This keeps your conditioned air inside your living space for more extended periods.

It can also keep your home cooler in the summer by preventing unwanted humidity from entering the space. A dry house is a cool house.

Properly sealing and insulating the basement can yield significant energy savings and comfort gains.

Maryland Homes Need Special Attention

There are several cost-effective ways to insulate a basement properly. Homeowners need to consider their scenarios carefully to address these specific challenges. Typical types of basements you might find in Maryland include:

• Framed Basements
• Foundation Wall Basements
• Crawl Spaces

Using Modern Techniques for Basement Insulation

Understanding fundamental building science principles is essential to effectively insulating your basement. These principles will guide you in choosing the suitable materials and methods, ensuring optimal comfort and energy efficiency. For example, the stack effect plays a significant role in sealing and insulating a basement.

Thermal Bridging

Thermal bridging occurs when heat is transferred across more conductive materials in the insulation layer, leading to energy loss. Insulating your basement walls and floors can significantly reduce thermal bridging, enhancing your home's energy efficiency.

Moisture Management

Proper moisture management is crucial in basement insulation. Choosing suitable insulation materials and installation techniques can help prevent moisture problems common in basements due to their below-ground location.

Key Points to Remember When Insulating Your Basement

Keep these tips in mind to complete the project right the first time. 

1. Do not finish your basement until you properly seal and insulate. 
2. If necessary, mitigate water issues by extending downspouts, adding drainage, and proper grading.
3. Air Sealing is Crucial: Before you insulate, seal all gaps and cracks to prevent air leaks.
4. Consider the R-value: The higher the R-value, the better the insulation's effectiveness. But you don't need to overdo it. Consider Maryland's recommended R-values for basement walls and the rim joist.
5. Don't Forget the Rim Joists: Often overlooked, insulating the rim joists can prevent significant unwanted air infiltration and heat loss.

The Importance of Air Sealing

Air sealing is essential for insulation in all areas of your house. Sealing gaps and leaks in your basement can prevent warm or cool air from flowing in and out, making your insulation efforts more effective and improving your home's overall energy performance.

Feet are some of the most sensitive parts of our body. You will probably feel cold if you walk around on a cold floor on a chilly day. Often, the problem starts in the basement or crawl space and is caused by a lack of air sealing.

Which are the Best Basement Systems for Maryland Homes

Several options are available for insulating your basement. Each has advantages and considerations, especially for Maryland homes.

Fiberglass or Rock Wool Insulation

Fiberglass and rock wool are popular choices due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of installation. However, they must be properly installed and protected against moisture to prevent mold growth. This requires balancing installation materials and techniques as well as ventilation and indoor air quality scores.

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam offers excellent air sealing and moisture resistance, making it an ideal basement choice. Although it can be more expensive, it provides superior energy efficiency and comfort.

Rigid Foam Insulation

Rigid foam insulation provides a continuous layer, reducing thermal bridging and enhancing moisture resistance. It's a practical option for both interior and exterior basement walls.

Focusing on the Rim Joist

The rim joist area is often overlooked but is crucial for basement insulation, especially in Maryland homes. Insulating the rim joist can prevent significant energy loss and protect against moisture and air infiltration. Spray foam insulation is particularly effective in sealing and insulating this critical area.

 

Ready, Set, Go!  "Attack" the Basement Insulation

Are you ready to transform your Maryland home with effective basement insulation? Schedule your energy assessment online at www.homeairleakagetest.com. Hometrust offers comprehensive home energy audits through the BGE and Pepco Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program for just $100. Take the first step towards a more comfortable and energy-efficient home today!

The Benefits of Professional Basement Insulation

An energy assessment is a significant first step toward sealing and insulating your basement.

Professional installation ensures your basement insulation is correctly done. Local certified BPI energy auditors (like Hometrust) understand the unique needs of Maryland homes and can provide tailored solutions that offer the best protection and efficiency.

Why Choose Hometrust Remodeling?

Hometrust Remodeling specializes in helping Maryland homeowners, particularly in the BGE and Pepco areas, enhance their home's comfort and energy efficiency through expert assessments and basement insulation solutions.

With a deep understanding of building science principles, Hometrust Remodeling can address your home's needs and ensure optimal results.

Tailoring Basement Insulation to Maryland's Climate

Tailoring your basement insulation to Maryland's specific climate conditions is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness. Hometrust Remodeling understands the local weather patterns and can recommend the best insulation types and techniques for your home.

Overcoming Maryland's Humidity and Temperature Variations

Properly insulating your basement can help mitigate the effects of Maryland's humidity and temperature swings, ensuring your home remains comfortable and energy-efficient throughout the year.

Schedule your Home Energy Audit Online

Elevate your home's comfort and efficiency with expert basement insulation from Hometrust Remodeling. Our tailored solutions are designed to meet the unique needs of Maryland homes. Schedule your energy assessment online right now! 

Take the first step towards a more comfortable, energy-efficient home today.

Final Basement Insulation Thoughts

Basement insulation is critical to a comfortable, energy-efficient home, especially in Maryland. Understanding the importance of proper insulation, knowing your options, and focusing on vital areas like the rim joist can make a significant difference.

Hometrust Remodeling is your partner in achieving these goals, providing expert advice and professional installation tailored to your home's needs. Don't wait to improve your home's comfort and efficiency—schedule your assessment today.

Let's face the facts about crawl spaces.  They leave a lot to be desired.  

Most crawl spaces are difficult to access in most cases they are stuffy, dusty, and full of insects.

To make matters more complicated there are so many questions about how to properly seal and insulate an open crawl space.  For example:

When should crawl space vents be open?
Does an encapsulated crawl space need insulation at the ceiling?
How much does it cost to insulate a crawl space?
What is the best way to encapsulate a crawl space?
Do I need a vapor barrier in my crawl space?
What does it mean to seal a crawl space?

As an energy auditor, certified through the local Maryland utility, it is important to properly examine a crawl space in a number of different scenarios which can be complicated.  My method of simplifying the way I think helps me figure out the right solutions and explain them in easy-to-understand ways to the homeowner.  

The information below is common insights required to make an informed decision about how to properly treat your crawl space.

 

Old School Thinking:  I See Insulation Everything is Fine

If you live in a home on a crawl space there is a very good chance that you think that this just is the way it is and there is not much you can do.

When you first moved in you ambitiously went into the crawl and you saw insulation below the floor.  Everything seemed fine.    

Maybe you have never looked in the direction of your crawl space, or any crawl space for that matter, and have no idea what one may look like.

If that is the case, have a look at this video taken during a BGE energy audit of a typical open crawl space.
 

 

When Should Crawl Space Vents Be Open?

If possible, crawl space vents should always be blocked and sealed.  Crawl space vents provide virtually no benefit by being open.

Creating vent openings in the foundation wall were designed to allow "fresh" air into the crawl space for ventilation.  Millions of homes have been built using this method.

The problem is that you can't control what air moves into the crawl space and when it turns hot and humid or cold and dry, the open vent solution is not the best for climates that have seasonal changes like Maryland.

You cannot count on enough dry, average-temperature days in a row to sufficiently dry out the crawl space.  Additionally, considering the vents are typically not nearly large enough or often times obstructed, your crawl space does not stand much of a chance for success and as a result, your indoor comfort and air quality suffer and your energy bills are high.

Check out one common issue due to open crawl space vents.
 

 

Open Crawl Spaces: Two Seasonal Problems

Summer Humidity

Open vents allow humid air into the space, or worse streaming water, which tends to get trapped and migrate to unwanted places. 

So many of us plug up our dehumidifier in the summer to keep the basement dry. 

Those with open crawl spaces likely have two machines working and they may not be able to keep up with the high humidity. 

Open vents in a crawl space can have a significant impact on indoor air quality and are the main factors in high indoor humidity levels.

Eighty percent of crawl spaces in humid climates have insulation that has fallen. Wood structural flooring components should not be subjected to moist, humid conditions for long periods of time.

 

  Get a comprehensive home energy audit today!

 

Winter Issues and How Physics Plays a Role

During winter months, cold winter air is actually pulled into the vents due to physical dynamics that are at play - known as the stack effect, or chimney effect.  Insulation is unable to prevent infiltration through the floor.

Negative pressure is created in a crawl space when it is connected to the living space above.  As warm air rises and finds places to escape, it tugs the cold air from below right on in as seen in the diagram to the right.

The unconditioned cold air that migrates into the crawl space through the vents is then conveyed up through the floor and walls and into your living space.  

Therefore, as a result of this physical characteristic of most buildings, having an open crawl space is not a good solution if you live in a location with a cold season.

 

 

If You Have a Crawl Space – You Have an Energy Efficiency "Point of Weakness"

Big problems with comfort and high energy bills stem from irregularities in the building shell.  Twists and turns in a home’s design create more complex treatment solutions in locations such as:

• Porches
• Roof Overhangs
• Shafts for Chimneys & Pipes
• Protruding Windows & Doors
• Indented Windows & Doors
• Cantilevers
• Garages
• Knee Walls
• Open Basements
• Open Crawl Spaces

Most of the largest leaks in homes occur where framing (such as floor joists or wall studs) spans from an area inside a conditioned space to an unconditioned or vented space, such as the attic, crawlspace, garage, or roof. Appropriate blocking is needed in these instances and it requires a team that knows home performance techniques and solutions to do it right.

Does A Crawl Space Need a Vapor Barrier?

Yes.

Your crawl space needs a properly sealed vapor barrier.  Ground moisture will wreak havoc on your wood flooring, joists, and indoor air quality if left unchecked.  A fully encapsulated crawl space will always include a sealed vapor barrier.

Watch: Properly Installed Crawl Space Vapor Barrier
 

 

What to Look for In Order to Prescribe the Proper Treatment for an Open Crawl Space

No general rule should be applied to how to treat a crawl space. 

These three factors should be considered first:

1. Climate
2. Ground Dampness
3. Presence of Ducts in the Space

In Maryland, we tend to have hot, humid summers and sometimes it can be damp well into the fall.  The winters bring cold snaps, some longer than others, that can put a significant load on any HVAC system. 

Seasonal changes make sealing crawl spaces in our region a good option.  Typically, ducts are in crawl spaces in homes where this foundation type exists.

Crawl space inspections will require defining the best place to establish or re-establish the thermal boundary.

The thermal boundary can be described as the location that divides the inside living space from the outside, unconditioned space of your home.

Most crawl spaces are outfitted with insulation at the ceiling.  And, most crawl spaces are sources of energy loss and comfort problems.

 

If I Have Insulation in My Crawl Space Ceiling, Why is it Such a Problem?

In order to understand any high-performance crawl space insulation retrofit, you must first understand the three key things that getting results depends upon:

1. Proper Installation of an Air Barrier
2. Proper Installation of a Sturdy Vapor Barrier
3. Proper Installation of Insulation

Typically, all three key factors are missing in a crawl space.

If not properly sealed, penetrations at the crawl space ceiling (floor inside) will lead to communication of air between the two areas.

A vapor barrier is only good if it is 100% sealed, otherwise, moisture will still migrate up and into your living space.

Fiberglass batting insulation is difficult to install in almost all applications.  The thermal performance of batt insulation is heavily dependent on proper installation.  To attain maximum R-value, the batt insulation should be in continuous contact with all the surround cavity surfaces where they are installed.  They need to be cut exactly to length because if they are too long they bunch up leaving the area to be insulated and exposed and if too short, spaces are created that promote convection.

 

Open Crawl Space vs. Encapsulated Crawl Space

Past research has shown that a conventionally vented crawl space that has been converted into a non-vented and conditioned space tends to operate similarly to houses with basements, with several benefits for the homeowner: 

• Energy savings
• Comfort
• Moisture control
• Long-term durability
• Healthier air quality

Open crawl space with insulation at the ceiling and an improperly installed vapor barrier.

 

Watch: Take a Look at a Completed Crawl Space Project Including Blocked and Sealed Vents

Reasons Maryland Homeowners with Crawl Spaces Might Not Choose to Encapsulate

• Significant efforts can be made with ease to seal and insulate ducts, air handlers, water heaters, pipes etc.
• Lacking any paid heat source, the crawl space is consistently between ground temp and outdoor temp which is typically above 32 degrees
• The floor has had significant air sealing and insulation work performed already; some investment has taken place
• The cost to seal and insulate the floor is considerably less than encapsulation for some reason
   

A Big Opportunity That Often Gets Overlooked

Too often the ducts that are running through crawl spaces are asked to do way too much. 

Not only do they need to carry conditioned air to the furthest reaches of your home, but in some cases they are expected to transport 90-degree air through a duct that is supercooled to 25 degrees on the coldest of days.

Sealing a crawl space from the outside can drastically improve the performance of your HVAC system and will contain duct leakage because the immediate barrier outside of the ducts also plays into the amount they leak.

For example, ducts that run through an open crawl space will leak much more due to the pressure dynamics compared to an encapsulated crawl space.
 

How to Properly Encapsulate a Crawl Space

It is important to not begin a foundation insulation retrofit project until it is well-drained and dry.  Drainage should be the priority if the crawl space recurring takes on water.

Next, the crawl space should be free of debris and items that might impede the ability to install a vapor barrier.  A thick plastic vapor barrier should always be installed in crawl spaces with dirt floors.

The vapor barrier should be sealed to the walls, piers and any other penetration from the ground.

Crawl space walls should be air sealed and insulated (typically by using a rigid foam board with high R-value) all the way up to the rim joist.  The rim and band joist should be air sealed and insulated.

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Do you live in Maryland and need advice on how to treat your crawl space?

If you are interested in making your home more comfortable and more efficient, give me a call.  We can discuss your situation and likely getting a BGE or Pepco Energy Audit is the way to go.  

Incentives through the program can be quite advantageous, particularly for those that know that they have to get this problem resolved once and for all. 

Furthermore, an energy audit can uncover other factors that can contribute to your specific issue as each home is different - even the same model across the street.

Give me a call!  I'd love to help you out!

Written by Eric Gans
I have over 2000 energy audits under my belt in Maryland.  I like to take my personal experiences with each of my audit customers and try to get the things that concern them out into the world so others can make good home improvement decisions - in the right order - according to their needs.

Understanding the R-Value

It is important to measure insulation through a slightly different lens. Rather than focusing on which insulation is better, it is more important to achieve the recommended R-value for specific areas of your home's shell.

There are two important things to familiarize yourself with as it relates to R-value.

1. The R-Value in "Lay" Terms

We measure insulation by its R-value. 

Insulation has one job - to resist heat flow.  The higher the R-value, the better the insulation resists the transfer of heat. 

Attic insulation can have a huge impact on your comfort, energy bill, and HVAC performance.  A well-insulated attic can make an old heating and cooling system seem like new.

Attic insulation in Maryland homes is key to comfort each season.

Summer: Attic insulation keeps the hot attic air from getting inside.

Winter: Attic insulation prevents the warm inside air from escaping.  

The attic is the most important place to insulate first. Other areas should also be treated such as basements, overhangs, and crawl spaces.

 

2. Maryland Insulation R-Value Chart

You can use this later to compare to what you currently have.

BOUNDARY LOCATION REQUIRED R-VALUE MARYLAND
Attic Flat
Ending R-value of 49 or as space allows
Attic Slope
Ending R-value of 38 or as space allows
Vertical Wall (basement, crawl space, knee wall)
Ending R-value of 11 or greater
Crawl Space Ceiling
Ending R-value of 25 or as space allows
Below Cantilever
Ending R-value of 25 or as space allows
Rim Joist (top of foundation wall in basement)
Ending R-value of 19 or greater

Determine what Type of Insulation You Have

Different attic insulation materials and levels yield wide-ranging R-values. 

So, it is first important to determine the type of insulation that is in your attic. 

Typical Insulation Materials Found in Maryland Attics

• Fiberglass batts
• Loose-fill fiberglass
• Loose-fill cellulose
• Mineral wool
• Two-part spray foam 

Identifying the Most Common Maryland Insulation Types
 

Cellulose Loose Fill

General Characteristics

• Grey in color
• More dusty and clingy than other materials
• Has bits of newspaper in it
• Good fire/mold retarder w/ additives
   

Rolled Fiberglass Batt Insulation

General Characteristics

• Typically referred to as batt insulation
• Has the kraft paper or aluminum foil on one side
• Recognizable due to the "Pink Panther" commercials
• Must be installed flawlessly (unforgiving)
• Low R-value per inch if not installed properly
   

 

 

 

Fiberglass Loose Fill

General Characteristics

• Typically white shreds, pink squares or yellow shreds
• Much less dusty
• Lower cold weather performance than cellulose
   

Determine Your Attic Insulation's Condition

The condition of the existing insulation in an attic is also important. Obtaining the information will assist in generating a reliable return on investment reporting. Current conditions can also reveal clues about future comfort gains.

R-value can be misleading if several factors are not met:

• Installation integrity
• Missing pressure boundary (air sealing around gaps/voids)
• Overall insulation coverage (distribution)   

Your insulation should get a rating of "poor", "moderate" or "well" insulated.
 

Attic Insulation in Poor Condition

Insulation with large gaps and voids.  Missing insulation greater than 2% of the insulated area.

 

 

Attic Insulation in Moderate Condition

Insulation with defects and gaps around wiring, electrical outlets, plumbing, and other intrusions. Rounded edges or "shouldered". The amount of fill is incomplete, but rarely dips less than 30% of the intended thickness. Gaps and spaces running clear through the insulation should be no more than 2% of the insulated area.

 

 

Well Insulated Attic Characteristics

The insulation has no large gaps or voids around obstructions. The insulation appears to fit in any cavity side-to-side and top-to-bottom. The insulation appears to be around wiring and other services in the area.

 

Different Insulation Types & Conditions = Different R-Values

The values for the corresponding condition of your attic insulation can be multiplied by the number of inches you have to see where your attic falls on the scale.

 

• Loose Fill Cellulose
  New: 3.60 R-value per inch
  Existing Well: 3.60
  Existing Moderate: 3.13 R-value per inch
  (Example: 6" = R19; 10" = R31)
  Existing Poor: 2.7 R-value per inch
   
• Fiberglass Batt Insulation
  New: 3.14 R-value per inch
  Existing Well: 2.67
  Existing Moderate: 2.10 R-value per inch
  (Example: 6" = R13; 10" = R21)
  Existing Poor: 1.26 R-value per Inch
   
• Loose Fill Fiberglass
  New: 3.14 R-value per inch
  Existing Well: 3.14
  Existing Moderate: 2.73 R-value Per inch
  (Example: 6" = R16; 10" = R27) 
  Existing Poor: 2.36

How Much Does Insulation Cost in Maryland?

 

 

Watch a uniformly blown cellulose attic insulation job in progress!

 

 

Maryland Insulation Rebates

How the Insulation Program Works

Maryland Utilities (BGE & Pepco) offer a portfolio of programs promoting energy efficiency and conservation, including rebates, education, and services.  The program is designed around a consultative approach.

Air sealing and insulation are considered the most important measures to complete to achieve energy efficiency - before windows, doors, and replacing older HVAC.

The initial qualifier for rebates is to get a home energy audit. 

LEARN MORE

BGE CUSTOMERS
PEPCO CUSTOMERS
 

Maryland Residents Learn More About the Inflation Reduction Act Here
 

 

 

Take the Next Step

Schedule Now!

Don't hesitate. Schedule online. Only $100 in the end. 
 

SCHEDULER

 

Get a home energy audit & get questions answered such as:

Why is the room on the front of the house colder?
Do you have enough insulation?
Why is it so stuffy upstairs during the summer?
Should I remove old insulation from my attic?
Why does my HVAC run all of the time?
Is spray foam insulation the best solution for my home?
Why are my new windows feeling drafty?
Do my walls have insulation?

 

Wanna know more about the home energy audit process?
 

Energy Audit Guides

-2023 BGE Energy Audit-

-2023 Pepco Energy Audit-

 

Do you need an energy audit?

Check your house for any of these 5 signs...
 

A home energy audit is the GPS of home improvements...

Turn-by-turn directions to better comfort & energy efficiency.

Schedule yours today!

 

Back to Top

 

Un-insulated Areas Play a Heavy Hand in Poor R-Values

Now let's go a little deeper and explore the impact of un-insulated surfaces. It may surprise you how important having an even blanket of insulation is for getting a great result.  

If you notice any area in your attic that does not have insulation then pay attention to the information below!

This typical Maryland attic is a great example of what the impact of missing insulation can have.

The attic area in the home pictured above is 975 square feet and flat (R-49 recommended in Maryland).

You will notice 1" of blown-in fiberglass insulation and 7" of rolled fiberglass batting laid on top.
 

In this scenario, the attic has roughly 8" of insulation in "most" of the areas that need it. Later you will learn how to use the depth to determine the R-value.  In this case, the attic is R-17...

But, there is a catch!

There are two major un-insulated areas in this attic (very common in Maryland attics). 

1. A three-foot by three-foot push up hatch
2. A three-foot by three-foot whole house fan

Equaling a total of 18 square feet of un-insulated area on the attic floor. 

This equates to just about 2% of the attic area (18 divided by 975).

   
Typical hallway push-up hatch leading to an under-insulated Maryland attic.  Watch how a hatch gets treatment.

The hatch from the attic has a plywood cover (seen in the background)

Whole house fan is seen from the attic.
 

With the use of the HOME ENERGY SCORE CALCULATOR, we are able to calculate the impact un-insulated surfaces have on insulation performance.

The picture gets clear!

What ends up happening with this common scenario is not good. A mere 18 square feet of missing insulation has a big impact. The expected R-value reduces down from 17 to 13 for the entire attic!

That translates to hot summer nights and cold winter drafts and high energy bills to pay.

REASON:

According to Dr. Allison Bailes of Energy Vanguard, the heat flows through the bare areas fast. Based on his article, the air leaves in the un-insulated ceiling area are as much as 38 times faster than in the insulated areas.

Conclusion

Be sure to measure your attic insulation in a precise fashion. Different areas that have different levels should be separate. Each area will get an R-value assessment. Along with knowing the condition, this weighted average calculator can then help you determine your attic's R-value.

 

Written by Eric Gans

I am a student of Building Science. I'd like to help you assess how well the different parts of your home are working to see how likely you are to beat the Maryland summer heat. 
 

Montgomery County - Maryland

You might say that a Colonial is the most common home you will see. Usually two stories, A-framed and rectangular, they are also fairly simple - on the outside.

Inside, they are complex structures with lots of different ways your conditioned air finds ways to escape.

Colonial style houses typically have good accessibility to the key places that need to be sealed and insulated so they are usually good candidates for measurable results.

The most important areas to insulate in Colonial style homes include the attic and foundation. 

 

First Step - Energy Audit Assessment
 

Getting a comprehensive home energy audit is the best way to find what places are most important to insulate around a Colonial style home.

Sometimes homeowners think an energy audit is a critique of their energy habits, but it is not. Instead, you get a certified and trained pro that shows up ready to help you discover ways to tighten up your home. And, where to look is not always as obvious as it may seem.

As an example, a well performed energy audit can sort through the HVAC system to determine ways to improve efficiency.

Opportunities to do so might include:

• Sealing large HVAC duct openings in the attic
• Sealing the ducts themselves
• Insulating ducts
• Encapsulation
• Improved duct placement for better flow

Many of the biggest issues causing comfort problems are hiding in plain sight and an energy audit can illuminate them right before your eyes!

An energy audit will assess your insulation right on the spot and give you sound advice about how to improve the boundary between the inside of your home and the outside - which is the name of the game!

 

The Scenario: Classic Colonial with Addition

In this example, the homeowner was mainly concerned about a very cold house in the winter.

The rear addition was added around 2001. It opened up the kitchen and dining room quite nicely.

Insulation complexities can arise when new spaces are added to the existing structure. 
 

 

The homeowner pointed out that the floors and cabinets were cold.
 

 

According to them, it was a let down. A lot of thought had gone into the design of the new space. Comfort was high on the list, but the plan missed the mark when it came to temperature control and they were seeking the cause and a fix.

 

How to Make Insulation Decisions for a Colonial Style Home

 

Understanding Stack Effect & How it Can Wreak Havoc with Comfort

Everyone should learn about the stack effect when ready to purchase a home. 

Knowing where and how the air leaves and enters your home can play a big part in attaining better comfort.

The stack effect can be simply understood by taking one concept we all learn as young children:  Hot Air Rises

Here is the SECRET: when warm air goes up in your house it creates a lot of pressure at the top and all that warmth escapes through all of the holes in your ceiling right up into the attic if modern insulation techniques are not in place.

Many of the places where this is happening you cannot see, but they do exist!

If left unchecked, warm air escapes and then physics kicks in!

 

 

+ Positive Pressure at the Top

- Negative Pressure Down Low

 

For every bit of warm air that leaves (positive pressure) it gets replaced (negative pressure) by cold air from the outside.

 

 

If you apply this basic concept to the different areas around your home, you may see signs that the problem is happening to you too.
 

 

 

In the diagrams above it gets a little clearer as to why this family was having an issue.

The rear addition included two cantilevers to add to the overall square footage. These features are sometimes susceptible to air leakage if not insulated right and can cause hot and cold spots around a home.

 

Watch how leaky this cantilever is during a whole house air leakage test (blower door test).

 

How we Seal and Insulate Cantilevers

 

Humid Basements - Tipping You Off to High Air Leakage
 

 

Basements can be major sources of energy loss by introducing warm humid air into the house in summer and cold dry air in the winter.
 

 

Sealing the air leakage around the top of the foundation wall in a Colonial style home is beneficial.

 

Sealing the Top (Attic) of a Colonial

With this powerful information about air movement, the first thing to do is look for ways to seal gaps at the TOP of your home.

Major sources of air leakage at the top of a typical Colonial style house include: 

• HVAC Chase
• Chimneys
• Recessed Lights
• Tops of 2nd Floor Walls
• Attic Access Points
• Electrical Wiring Holes

 

 

An chase is a pathway behind walls that HVAC takes to get where it needs to go. These conduits are built into the home and should be somewhat inconspicuous. They house plumbing, ducts and chimneys. They are often responsible for a big temperature variance between floors.

Air is omni-present within the six sides of our buildings. Therefore, any open hole/gap at the attic floor (top floor ceiling) is a connection to the inside of your home.

Add pressure (stack effect) and air can escape really fast.

Don't be fooled anymore into thinking it is the windows that are causing your drafts and high energy bills.

 

Example of an Open Plumbing Chase (Bathroom Side)

 

Example of an Open Plumbing Chase (Attic Side)

 

The Importance of Properly Installed Insulation

There is a false sense of security many homeowners have about their insulation.

Many make the mistake of relying on seeing insulation in the normal places as a firm signal that their house is well-insulated. 

Most often it is quite the opposite. Usually, insulation levels are severely insufficient and a lack of air sealing makes existing insulation R-values less than what is listed on the package.
 

 

Hot Second Floors During Summer Are a Tell-Tale Sign that Your Insulation is Weak

Hot summers were another reason this homeowner was fed up and decided to take the next step. On hot humid Maryland summer days, it was nearly impossible to cool the bedrooms down.

If this is happening to you, it is a sign that your insulation is not working well for you.

Most insulation has one job - slow the transfer of heat. With the sun beating on your roof, radiant heat surges into the attic. When left unchecked - guess where it goes?

Directly into your house!

The right amount of insulation is needed to improve the boundary and optimize your ability to slow the movement of the heat.

During the winter, the insulation will help to contain your warm air inside your living bubble. During the summer months, it will work to keep the warm air out.

 

Identifying Insulation Problems in the Attic

Take a look at the attic inspection from the same Colonial style home energy audit.

See first-hand how it had many gaps to seal and insulation was missing leading directly to the comfort problems this family faced.

 

Learn about the following at various points in the video:

0:00 Start the Attic Assessment
0:40 Discolored Insulation Meaning
2:28 Uninsulated Pair of Skylights in Attic
3:09 Bathroom is Connected to the Attic
5:53 Closer Look at Bathroom Exhaust Fan
7:02 A Close Up Look at an Attic Baffle
9:03 How We Air Seal an Attic
9:21 See a Properly Insulated Skylight
9:47 Attic Hatch Treatment Process
10:50 Cantilever Blocking & Insulation Photos

 

Knee Wall Complexities

Colonial style homes that were built in the late 80's and beyond sometimes feature sloped ceilings and multiple skylights. These raised areas of the ceiling create walls in the attic that need to be properly insulated. Often times, they are not.

Gravity takes over with vertical attic knee walls and insulation is often times pulling away or completely falling.
 

Knee walls are created when the bedroom or hallway ceiling raises up and an adjacent space has a traditional 8' flat ceiling.
 

 

When improperly insulated or as in some cases, not insulated at all, knee walls tend to lead to hot summers on upper floors of Colonial style houses.

Where Can You Begin When it Comes to Insulating Your Colonial Home?

A really great way to not get overwhelmed when it comes to improving insulation is to focus on the low hanging fruit.

When you seal and insulate in the right places, it can actually go a really long way towards better comfort and controlled energy bills. 

Tightening up your Colonial style home is not an all or nothing type of approach, rather it can be methodical and targeted to yield the best results.

I have over 2000 energy audits under my belt in Maryland. I enjoy teaching what I know to help guide homeowners towards better comfort & energy efficiency. It took me a while to figure things out. I can show you in a few hours.

 

 

The Future of Maryland Home Remodeling

The Inflation Reduction Act includes several incentivized programs to promote energy efficiency and combat climate change.

A big part of the bill gives rebates to homeowners who make the right energy-efficient upgrades to their homes.

Don't mistake this program for a rebate on windows and doors!

Even the President does not fully understand Home Performance, yet!
 

This is more of a Home Performance type of solution with Energy Audits and Whole House Solution Based Approaches that include impactful improvements like air sealing, insulation & duct sealing.
 

WATCH: Understanding how Maryland's current Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program reports work will give you good insight.
 

Whole house solutions look to seal your house so your HVAC works less - saving you energy.
 

How Maryland Homeowners Will Benefit 

This provision of the bill incorporated elements of legislation that Maryland lawmakers voted for called “HOPE for HOMES.”

U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen said there are “tremendous savings” in using energy more efficiently.

He pointed to the biggest hold up to a homeowner making improvements in their home to lower energy usage is the up-front cost.

Sometimes the up-front costs overshadow the savings gained over time and the 2022 bill makes getting the work done more attractive and affordable.

Under the Inflation Reduction Act, many homeowners will be eligible to recoup up to 50% of energy improvement costs — up to a maximum rebate of $4,000. Lower-income homeowners could be eligible for more generous rebates of up to 80% of costs, a maximum of $8,000.

INFLATION REDUCTION ACT SNAPSHOT SUMMARY: courtesy of Energy Circle

Rebates & Training Grants

Maryland residents can expect two major rebate program roll outs, better tax incentives and training dollars for local contractors to learn the key principles in order to keep up with demand.

2 MAJOR REBATE PROGRAMS FOR MARYLAND HOMEOWNERS

$4.3 Billion for HOMES (Home Owner Managing Energy Savings) Rebate Program

• Rebates up to $4,000 for home energy efficiency retrofits with modeled energy savings of 35% or more (or $2,000 for 20-34% energy savings)

• Services can include insulation, air sealing, heat pump/HVAC upgrades, and more

• Additional rebates up to $8,000 available for low and moderate-income homeowners

• Rebates cannot be combined with other federal grants or rebates

 

$4.5 Billion for High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Program

• Rebates for low and moderate-income homeowners for electric system/appliance purchases and energy efficiency upgrades

• Maximum rebate of $14,000; individual rebates are as follows:

  • Heat pump water heaters: $1,750

  • Heat pump HVAC systems: $8,000

  • Electric stoves: $840

  • Heat pump clothes dryers: $840

  • Electrical panel upgrades: $4,000

  • Insulation, air sealing, and ventilation: $1,600

  • Electric wiring: $2,500

• Rebates cannot be combined with other federal grants or rebates

 

Tax Credits

More immediately, the new bill makes changes to tax credits for energy efficiency upgrades.

25C Tax Credit - Energy Efficiency Home Improvements (The Nonbusiness Energy Property Tax Credit)

• Credit revived and made retroactive for 2022 (at original 10%). It went away and it is back!

• Starting in 2023, the credit increases to 30% of total installation costs through 2032

• The current lifetime cap of $500 will be replaced by cap of $600 per measure, with $1,200 annual total limit (exceptions listed below)

• Eligible services and home improvements include:

  • Heat pumps and heat pump water heaters ($2,000 credit)

  • Insulation and air sealing

  • Energy audits ($150 credit)

  • Energy-efficient HVAC systems (including furnaces, boilers, and central AC)

  • Electrical panel upgrades

  • Energy-efficient windows and doors ($500 credit for doors)

  • Roofs are no longer eligible
     

FOR MARYLAND CONTRACTORS

The fact that there is a provision to train contractors is a strong indicator.

There is going to be a huge need for home improvement professionals to cross from other trades into home performance.

Just look at this report about the growing need for energy auditors and other professionals that will need to learn more about home performance - likely just to keep doing their own craft.

For example:

• Window people
• Siding people
• Roofing people

$200 Million for State-Based Home Energy Efficiency Contractor Training Grants

• Training for contractors involved in installation of home energy efficiency and electrification improvements

• Funding through September 2031
   

Conclusion

What is not clear as of yet is how these newly introduced funding and program parameters will fit into Maryland's current Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Program which already offers incentives to Maryland homowners that make the right energy efficient upgrades to their attics, basements and crawl spaces.

Subscribe to my blog for updates and they piece things together.

Home performance work makes the difference in energy savings and better home comfort.

What is lurking in your attic?

Getting a home energy audit is one of those things that many do not fully comprehend the benefits until the assessment is complete. At that time, a well trained energy consultant will be able to walk you around your home and illuminate issues that you have likely been walking right past for many weeks, months or in some cases YEARS! Don't wait any longer and empower yourself TODAY to make your home more efficient, sustainable and comfortable.