Insulation May Help To Control Moisture Too (NAPSA)—Used properly, insulation plays a helpful role in just about any homeowner’s personal energy improvement policy. In addition to saving energy by helping keep a house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, it can also help make a home quieter by reducing noise. Some insulation may even help to prevent mold and mildew. Here are sometips from the Department of Energy (DOE) and CertainTeed, a leader in Building Science, on selecting and using insulation: Determine where you need insulation, what type is needed and what R-value and thickness you need in various parts of your home. The higher the R-value, the better your walls and roof will resist the transfer of heat. The DOE recommends ranges of R-values based on local heating and cooling costs and climate conditions in different areas of the nation. Check with your local insulation contractor or retailer to learn the recommended R-value for your region. Check the insulation in your attic, ceilings, exterior and base- ment walls, floors, and crawl spaces to see if it meets recom- mended levels. For example, if your attic has six inches or less of fiber glass insulation, it should likely be upgraded to meet local standards. Or, if your exterior walls feel cold to the touch in winter or hot in summer, they may need more insulation. Insulate pipes to keep the hot water flowing through them hotter. In the winter, insulation helps prevent pipes exposed to the cold =—__= or7} Lz! soration> _— wn, wo 2 2 z= OF ei > DP cafeAl "A 4 Insulation is ranked by R-value. The higher the R-value, the better your walls and roof will resist the transfer of heat whenit’s installed. from freezing. * Insulate air ducts to increase the energy efficiency of the overall heating and cooling system. If mold is a concern, espe- cially in parts of the country where humidity fluctuates seasonally, a new insulation productis available to help control moisture within wall cavities. Called DryRight Fiber Glass Insulation, it provides exceptional thermal and acoustical benefits while helping to control moisture. DryRight is fiber glass insulation faced with a patented vapor retarder that changes molecular permeability under varying humidity conditions to allow wall cavities to stay dry and help reduce the risk of damaging mold and mildew. Essentially, DryRight breathes to help keep walls dry. To learn more about proper insulation for your home, visit www.certainteed.com or call 800782-8777.
