We are building an Energy Star Home for a client at work (you can follow the house construction). This house will use wet applied cellulose insulation in order to create a very energy efficient and "tight" home.
Prior to installing the insulation Energy Star Homes must be inspected by an independent third party qualified Energy Star inspector. The inspections serve several purposes from giving the home owner piece of mind from a neutral party to ensuring that hidden details are properly addressed to provide the best thermal and air infiltration performance.
In the photo above you can see the attention to detail that is needed with an Energy Star certified home. As you can see the typical proper vent is installed along the roof eaves to allow proper ventilation for the roof. However, what is not all that typical for normal construction is the detail of the foil faced insulation dam above the exterior walls. The dam is used to ensure that a full depth of insulation is installed above the wall plate out to the exterior edge of the wall. Then that dam is sealed to the framing and proper vent with spray foam.
In addition to this the inspector will be checking to make sure that all penetrations between the attic and living space and basement and living space are properly sealed. This includes all holes made by electricians, plumbers and other mechanical trades. As one inspector told me, build it tight, ventilate it right. It's best to seal up the house really well and then control the ventilation to achieve the final environment.
Once the pre-insulation inspection is completed I'll share some of the findings. The real issue for people building/insulating their own homes is to take your time. Buy a case of spray foam insulation and seal ever little crack, hole and crevice you can find.
Tags: Home Improvement, Home Improvement Blog, Home Improvement Advice, Energy Star Home
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