Building a new home, any advice on best insulation methods?

[GUT_TRAIL]

I'm leaning towards using closed cell sprayed insulation in the rafters In the attic and in the exterior walls. Thanks for any info.

[curtintex]

I'll be following this. Considering same for upcoming lake house build.

[jtbrock179]

Good choice

[txfireguy2003]

I think foam is the way to go these days. It's more expensive, but it pays for itself. The only construction method I know of that gives better insulation is the styrofoam blocks filled with concrete. Only caveat is that you need to make sure you have your insulation guy and A/C guy get together or choose and A/C guy who has experience with foamed houses. It takes a smaller A/C system. If you use a unit sized for a fiberglass insulated house, it won't run enough and you have humidity and mold problems.

[TallTexan]

In

[cattlelackranch]

I think foam is the way to go these days. It's more expensive, but it pays for itself. The only construction method I know of that gives better insulation is the styrofoam blocks filled with concrete. Only caveat is that you need to make sure you have your insulation guy and A/C guy get together or choose and A/C guy who has experience with foamed houses. It takes a smaller A/C system. If you use a unit sized for a fiberglass insulated house, it won't run enough and you have humidity and mold problems.

Definitely get these two on the same page. If you go gas then furnace will need to at least 90% efficient.

Make sure your low voltage and romex wires are secured more than normal. The foam will push them out and when they cut your foam flush with the studs they can cut your wires. Big pain in the rear and expensive to fix.

Have your framer familiar with it. Your hot walls in the attic will change around the garage and other areas your not going to heat and cool. Very different from batt insulation framing. Usually your insulation salesman will walk your framing with you early to help you if he is worth anything.

Up front costs are a lot more. Make sure you will stay in the home long enough to recoup your investment. You may be surprised on how long it is until you break even.

Personally I don't think it's worth it YET. In a couple years I think it will be.

[tigerscowboy]

Lower unit sizes required, but if you ever want to be typically comfortable in your home with this set-up in the South...

Install a dehumidifier.

[txoutdoorsman24]

I'm leaning towards using closed cell sprayed insulation in the rafters In the attic and in the exterior walls. Thanks for any info.

Good choice. Most attics I went into on a/c service calls were around 90 degrees. Way more comfortable than 140

[Cabela]

How far along is the house?

[mjhaverkamp]

I will be following this, I have been told by more than one builder that the foam insulation takes a very long time to pay for itself, not too mention a couple of other small issues that come with the foam. I am going to build a lake house hopefully this fall, this is one of our big concerns on what to use for insulation.

[GUT_TRAIL]

We just got the house in the dry.

[TXHUNT3R]

We had the spray in insulation done in the exterior walls and the white spray in done in the attic, I bet it is 18" at least thick in there. So far, we have been happy with our utility bills and the temp the house stays at, even with nothing on. It will hold the cool evening temps well into the morning before kicking on the A/C

[kmlj9491]

Spray the roof and exterior walls with insulation. But make sure you also insulate your ceiling. If not you'll be heating and cooling your attic. My BIL didn't do it and now he feels like a dummy because everyone told him to do it in the first place.

[Cabela]

We just got the house in the dry.

My advice at this point would be if you are going to stay in the home more than 5 years I would foam it.

[GUT_TRAIL]

No doubt we will be in this home for a long time. Or plan to anyway, never know what greater powers have planned.