I invite you to explore my YouTube channel, where you'll see first-hand how insulation looks in dark and mysterious attics, crawl spaces, and basements scattered across Maryland. Witness first-hand how we tackle the unique challenges found in these hidden spaces, and gain valuable knowledge on how to conquer your own house.
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.
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.
Well-Insulated Attic
3 Characteristics
1. No significant gaps
2. Fits in any cavity
3. 13-18" Depth
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 Older homes mean older, outdated methods of insulating that don't measure up to today's standards.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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Batt Insulation: Prevalent and, unfortunately, the worst performer.
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:
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Read on to learn how mastering a few key building science principles can transform your living space.
Understanding the Importance of Basement Insulation
Proper basement insulation is not just a luxury; it's necessary for Maryland homeowners looking to improve their home's 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 longer 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 properly insulate a basement. 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 key building science principles is essential to effectively insulating your basement. These principles will guide you in choosing the right materials and methods, ensuring optimal comfort and energy efficiency. For example, the stack effect plays a large 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 the right 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:
If necessary, mitigate water issues by extending downspouts, adding drainage, and proper grading.
Air Sealing is Crucial: Before you insulate, seal all gaps and cracks to prevent air leaks.
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.
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. If you walk around on a cold floor on a cold day, you will probably feel cold. 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, it must be properly installed and protected against moisture to prevent mold growth. This requires a balance of installation material and techniques and 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 an effective 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 great 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 specific needs, ensuring 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 a key component of a comfortable, energy-efficient home, especially in Maryland. Understanding the importance of proper insulation, knowing your options, and focusing on critical 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.
Since 2018, I have completed over 2000 home energy audits in Maryland and was a window contractor from 2006 to 2015.
As a former window contractor turned certified energy auditor, my journey has been filled with many "real-life" learning lessons.
This intriguing sixteen-month tale underscores a crucial aspect of home improvement — window replacement and its impact on home comfort. The exciting revelations unfold over three pivotal stages, each marked by a blower door test, a method used to measure a home's air tightness.
I hope this story may change how you prioritize your next home improvement project.
The First Revelation – Conducting the Assessment
In January 2022, I did a comprehensive home energy audit for a lovely young couple in Silver Spring, Maryland. The homeowners were convinced their drafty, cold experience was due to leaky windows, a notion that resonated with my past teachings as a window contractor.
Armed with new expertise and tools, I set out to find the root causes of their complaints. After a visit to the attic, it was not a surprise that the home’s initial blower door test reading was a staggering 4187 CFM (cubic feet per minute).
The homeowner was especially intrigued when the front window, reportedly the coldest area of the house, did not seem to be leaking nearly as much air as the recessed light in the hallway.
Air flowed out of every crack and crevice at the top of the basement wall, and the pull-down stair cover, which had been in place since the 1980s, did little to nothing to stop the air from streaming in during the test.
A follow-up report highlighted several significant gaps in the attic with photos and recommended measures for improving their home's energy performance.
Section 2: The Second Test - A Lesson in Air Sealing
Fast forward one year later - to January 2023.
The couple, now parents, reached back out, ready to seal and insulate the attic and basement. The timing worked out, and we got it done before installing the new windows they had on order. Once my work was done - I decided to take another reading.
The results were astonishing — a 51% reduction in air leakage, with the air leakage number dropping to 2042 CFM.
This dramatic change is a testament to the sometimes overlooked and often-underestimated value of proper air sealing and insulation over window replacements for improving comfort and efficiency.
WATCH THE FULL PODCAST EPISODE ON YOUTUBE
Section 3: The Final Assessment - Post-Window Replacement
A commitment to empirical evidence brought me back to the house once the new windows were in place. It was time for the final blower door test to see how well the new windows sealed the house.
The overall air leakage number was again reduced to 1805 CFM, translating into a 6% decrease from the initial reading.
This comparison (51% vs. 6%) provided a quantifiable insight into the impact of window replacement on a home's air tightness and comfort.
Conclusion: Rethinking Window Replacement
Replacing windows may not be the solution for home comfort that many assume. While they can enhance aesthetics, improve functionality, and offer other benefits, they play a more minor role in energy conservation than one might think.
The key takeaway from my experience is simple: prioritize air sealing and insulation for comfort and consider window replacement for other values.
Home improvement is as much about the unseen as the seen, and a well-informed decision can lead to a beautiful and comfortable living space.
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.
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:
Proper Installation of an Air Barrier
Proper Installation of a Sturdy Vapor Barrier
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.
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:
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.
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?
Our mission is to help Maryland homeowners create a more comfortable home and save energy. We achieve this by applying building science principles and modern air sealing and insulating techniques.
SERVICE AREA COUNTIES
Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Prince George's County
Proudly working in BGE & Pepco's Home Performance w/ ENERGY STAR program in Maryland to deliver whole-house energy savings to improve comfort & help protect the environment. 2024 Hometrust Remodeling | All Rights Reserved
An Energy Auditor's Purpose "Energy auditors visit residential buildings and talk to owners and residents. They inspect, test, and measure to decide what energy-efficient retrofits are practical and cost-effective." Residential Energy
