Recommended Insulation R-Values By U.S. Regions

Posted on January 3, 2020 by Pat Grubb

DOE Map Provides Recommended Insulation Levels

The Department of Energy (DOE) has created a detailed map for recommended R-Values throughout the United States. This map reflects their research on the different climate zones and number of heating and cooling days. If the only consideration is energy efficiency, more is always better. However, the DOE map suggests the appropriate insulation level, which is cost-effective. An uninsulated attic has a wide range between R30-R60. Below is the DOE map for the Continental US, which is divided into seven (7) climate zones. The Midwest is generally covered in climate zones 3,4 and 5.

FTI’s family of Attic Plus products is the perfect product to meet the DOE’s recommendation. Generally, insulation contractors install Attic Plus Pro. Also, many home and hardware stores stock Attic Plus for Do It Yourself (DIY) project installations. They are similarly formulated and meet all ASTM standards for insulation. Learn more about what R-Value really means.

Contact Fiberlite with questions or to inquire about installing Attic Plus products.

Dense Packing Cellulose Insulation In Walls

Posted on December 3, 2019 by Jim Doyle

Air Sealing And Insulating Exterior Walls In Existing Homes

An area where many homes leak energy is through the exterior walls. Contrary to popular opinion, replacing windows is not the best solution. Air sealing and adding insulation to the exterior walls provides a much greater return on the investment.

There are several reasons existing homes may require additional wall insulation. Often, particularly in older homes, the building wall insulation installed was substandard to today’s technology. Many homes have traditional fiberglass batt insulation in the walls, which can sag over time inside the wall cavity. This leads to leakage with conditioned air escaping and outside air entering the home. In addition, exterior noise intrusion increases. The result is poorer quality of life for occupants and higher monthly energy bills.

Cellulose insulation offers the perfect solution for retrofitting insulation into the walls of older homes. The product can be dense packed by a qualified insulation contractor and the process is very simple. The contractor can complete the project either from the exterior or interior side of the wall. Homeowners tend to prefer the exterior side because it is more convenient and less disruptive. Pictures here show the installation process for both interior and exterior applications.

Once the area is prepped, the contractor drills holes into the wall between each wall cavity. An application hose is inserted through these holes and insulation is blown under pressure, dense packing the product into the cavity. When the contractor cannot add more insulation, they raise the hose a foot at a time and blow more insulation. This process is repeated until the entire cavity is filled. Once completed, the holes are patched and if on the exterior any siding material is reattached.

The walls dense packed with cellulose insulation provide higher R-Value, lower monthly energy bills and improved sound control inside the home. FTI recommends Fiberlite Cellulose Insulation for this application. To learn more about the process, or for assistance finding a qualified local contractor, contact FTI.

Topping Off Attic With Cellulose Insulation

Posted on November 26, 2019 by Jim Doyle

As winter is setting in and temperatures drop, many homeowners see their utility bills rise and realize they need to improve home energy efficiency. The easiest and most effective solution to staying warm and lowering home utility bills is topping off the attic with additional insulation.

The quickest way to determine if additional insulation is need is by making a visual inspection of the attic. For example, below are two attics. The one on the left is poorly insulated with fiberglass batts and the tops of the rafters are visible. The one on the right is well-insulated with blown-in cellulose. The savings difference will be huge for the house with the cellulose insulation!

Unfortunately, many older homes with fiberglass batts in the attic look like this photo. If the tops of the rafters are visible like in the photo the home is under insulated. The good news, in most cases, homeowners can blow in cellulose insulation to top off their attic and achieve the Department of Energy recommended R-Value. In the Midwest, R49 is generally considered a quality insulation amount for every zone. In addition, cellulose insulation will seal the attic space better than figerglass batts for even more energy efficiency.

FTI has several insulation products that are suitable for attics. ATTIC PLUS and ATTIC PLUS PRO are specifically designed for dry blow-in attic installation projects. Contact Fiberlite or a local insulation contractor to learn more about topping off the attic to save on energy bills.

Home Insulation Can Minimize Stack Effect

Posted on September 20, 2019 by Pat Grubb

Learn About Stack Effect To Improve Home Insulation

Research has shown that approximately 30% to 50% of energy used for heating and cooling is lost due to air leakage. One of the primary driving forces for air leakage loss is a phenomenon where air flows within and through the building called stack effect.[i]

Stack effect is generated by the difference in the air pressure created by temperature variation. For example, during the winter, warm air is less dense and lighter than cold air outside, so the warm air inside the building rises up and exits the building while drawing the cold air into the building through the leaks near the bottom of the building. During the summer, hot exterior air enters through the same air gaps near the bottom of the building and forces the air-conditioned air up through the ceiling and out of the building.[i] [ii]

Compared to fiberglass, properly installed products, such as FTI’s FIBER-LITE, function as a more efficient and cost-effective method to prevent the stack effect within a building. FIBER-LITE can be applied in both wall and attic applications to create a seamless insulated layer throughout the building.

Contact FTI to learn more about Stack Effect and how to control it in homes and buildings.

[i] Straube, J. (2012). PA-1203: Air Leaks-How They Waste Energy and Rot Houses. Building Science Corporation. Retrieved from: https://buildingscience.com/documents/published-articles/pa-air-leaks-how-they-waste-energy-and-rot-houses/view.

[ii] Assured Insulation Solutions. (2018). Stop Stack Effect For A More Comfortable Home. Assured Insulation Solutions, LLC. Retrieved from: https://www.assuredinsulationllc.com/blog/stop-stack-effect-more-comfortable-home.

[i] Straube, J. (2007). BSD-014: Air Flow Control in Buildings. Building Science Corporation. Retrieved from: https://buildingscience.com/documents/digests/bsd-018-the-building-enclosure_revised

Fiberlite Names Pat Grubb GENERAL Manager

Posted on July 1, 2019 by Pat Grubb

Fiberlite Technologies has promoted long-time employee Patricia Grubb to head the company’s production plant in Joplin, Missouri as General Manager. She is the first woman to hold such a position within the company, and one of only a few ever within the Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association member companies.

Grubb came to Fiberlite as a temp some 33 year ago and worked her way up through the ranks. Prior to appointment as GM she served as vice president of sales and administration.

“I was shocked when they told me of the promotion but it’s a really exciting opportunity at this time for our company,” said Grubb. “We are planning an expansion to our building and purchasing new equipment next year as we continue to improve and grow the business.”

According to Shan Maitra, FTI President, it was an easy decision.”Pat knows our business, and the cellulose insulation manufacturing process as well as anyone in the industry, and she has always embraced the company standards of producing premier products and providing the highest customer service possible.”

Learn more about Grubb in this recent Joplin Globe newspaper article.

Fiberlite Tech Turns 45

Posted on July 1, 2019 by Pat Grubb

What was life like in 1974? The price of gas was $.39 a gallon. In fact, it was the first year that UNLEADED gas was offered! One of the top bands in the world was led by a young 16 year old singer named Michael Jackson. That year, Richard Nixon also resigned from office.

Fiberlite Tech Founder P.K. Maitra Photo

FTI’s cellulose insulation division has expanded dramatically since those early years. FTI has always remained on the cutting edge of technology, research and innovation. In the 1990s, FTI implemented new fiberization technology, which improved the density and quality of the insulation. As the concerns over mold grew in the 2000s, scientists researched and published two scientific articles demonstrating that FTI cellulose insulation (1) activity prevented the growth of mold, and (2) provided sporicidal activity against mold spores.

More recently, FTI developed a two-hour firewall product (FTI 2H Firewall) to address the growing concerns about fire safety. As contractors sought a low dust product, FTI introduced ATTIC PLUS and ATTIC PLUS PRO in orger to address their needs. Currently FTI is working with industry leaders to develop a new Environmental Product Delcaration (EPD), which will demonstrate the positive sustainable aspects of our product.

Although times have changed, 45 year later the philosophy of the company has never wavered. FTI continues to focus on manufacturing a quality product with value added benefits and providing excellent customer service.

Thanks to all our customers, and the many homeowners and businesses, who have made it possible for the company to grow and prosper while making homes and buildings more energy efficient.

FIBER-LITE Cellulose Insulation the Perfect Solution for Cathedral Ceilings

Posted on May 12, 2019 by Pat Grubb

Cathedral ceiling construction is more susceptible to moisture damage than open attic construction. The construction of a cathedral ceiling creates air spaces in rafter cavities. Filling the cathedral ceiling with FIBER-LITE Cellulose Insulation is a very effective way to block the air movement.

Application Procedure

Dry Pack:

Construction of a barrier by using reinforced poly webbing (spray mesh) or sheetrock is required. FIBER-LITE Cellulose Insulation is applied by inserting the hose into the cavity starting at the top to about 12″ to 18″ from the soffit area. The material is blown into the cavity at a density of 3.0 lbs./ft.³ or greater. As the material slows almost to a stop the hose is extracted and the procedure is repeated until the cavity is filled. We recommend the dry pack procedure for residential construction.

Spray Applied:

The procedure is much the same as cavity spray for walls except a liquid adhesive must be used to retain the FIBER-LITE Cellulose Insulation in the cavity. Encotec 10X Adhesive is used with the following water to adhesive dilution ratios:

6″ to 8″ – 6 to 1

8″ to 10″ – 5 to 1

10″ to 12″ – 4 to 1

After the FIBER-LITE Cellulose insulation cures, the sheetrock may be installed. We recommend the spray application on metal roof systems.

Scientific research has found the use of vent chutes is not necessary when cellulose insulation is properly installed.

Arkansas Announces Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Loss Reserve Program

Posted on July 31, 2014 by Pat Grubb

On Wednesday, July 11 the Arkansas Energy Office, a division of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission announced the launch of the Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Loss Reserve Program. The program will provide funds to participants offering residential on-bill re-payment or on-bill financing programs to their customers for energy efficiency improvements such as insulation, duct sealing and HVAC replacement.

Program participants include municipal utility districts, electric cooperatives of Arkansas, investor-owned utility providers and any credit union or other capital providing working with program participants.

The program has four goals:

For energy providers to encourage residential investment in energy efficiency upgrades or improvements that reduce energy consumption.
Reduce fossil fuel emissions while maintaining service level and delivery to ratepayers, and maximize benefits for local and regional communities.
Reduce required energy production in the region through implements of demand side management.
Improve energy efficiency of ratepayer’s residential building stock.

The initial program has $475,000 available. Funds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applications will be reviewed based on responses to the application questions. Due to limited funding available, participants will be awarded access to funds on a competitive basis.

“We are very excited in the Arkansas Energy Office about this program,” said Sara Telano, AEO’s contracts and grant manager. “There is no question that Arkansans benefit from implementing residential energy efficiency measures and this program will offer resources to help make that happen even more. “

For more information and an application, visit www.arkansasenergy.org or call 800-558-4567.

Cathedral Ceilings vs. Vaulted Ceilings

Posted on June 30, 2014 by Pat Grubb

As all insulation contractors know, not all attic spaces are created equal. The insulator’s idea of the perfect attic would be above a level ceiling with lots of headroom. However, this is not always the case. Many builders and homeowners use vaulted and cathedral ceilings as part of their home designs. In order to properly insulate these areas, the most important step is correctly identifying the ceiling type.

A cathedral ceiling is part of the roof system and thermal envelope. The underside, or sheet rock facing, is directly exposed to the living area of the home. The outside, or roof cladding, is exposed to the outdoor environment. These two components run parallel to one another and are separated only by the roof rafters. To properly insulate a cathedral ceiling with cellulose insulation, Fiberlite recommends completely filling each rafter cavity. Ventilation is not necessary for this application.

A vaulted ceiling is not part of the roof system. The ceiling does not usually run parallel to the roofline, and is not attached directly to the roof rafters. This type of construction is treated as a standard attic space. To proper insulate a vaulted ceiling, a backer board should be installed at the bottom ends of the vault as well as on the sides. This effectively creates a box to contain the insulation so that it remains in place. If the peak of the ceiling rises above the level of insulation, additional containment measures may be necessary.

As you can see, while these two ceiling types may have similar appearances inside the home, they are vastly different in construction. They cannot be insulated in the same way and still be thermally efficient. If you have any questions about how to identify vaulted and cathedral ceilings or how to properly insulate them using FIBER-LITE Cellulose Insulation, please give us a call.

Fiberlite Technologies, Inc.

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