Hurricane Victims and Consumers Information on Insulation - 10/25/2004 - House Energy Efficiency Insulation

Association Provides Hurricane Victims and Consumers Information on Insulation

A number of free resources and guides answering questions about insulation are available to aid consumers whose homes have been damaged in this year’s unusually severe hurricane season, according to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA).

Representing North American manufacturers of fiber glass, rock wool and slag wool insulation products, and headquartered in Alexandria, VA, NAIMA is a member of the National Council of the Housing Industry — the Supplier 100 of NAHB.

Click here, for information on recommended R-values by state, where to put insulation and finding a contractor. The association's "Simply Insulate" Web site provides free publications on: installing fiber glass batt and lose-fill insulation; comparisons of various insulation products; labeling and advertising of home insulation; insulation and fire safety; and insulation for noise control.

“As home owners clean up after the recent storms, it is important to remember that the decision you make today about insulation will last the life of your home,” said Ken Mentzer, president and CEO of NAIMA. “Insulation provides numerous benefits to your home, including energy conservation, comfort and acoustical advantages, and it is wise for most home owners to add insulation above the bare minimums required by local and state energy codes.”

NAIMA advises consumers to consider the following:

• Fiber glass insulation that has become wet from flood waters should be removed and replaced, since the water may have been contaminated. If fiber glass batt insulation is wet from a clean water source, however, such as a potable water pipe, it can be removed, dried out and reused. All loose-fill insulations that become wet should be removed and replaced, since they can lose their insulating properties, or R-value, when wet.
• Tax incentives or rebates for increasing the home’s energy efficiency through the use of products such as thermal insulation may be available from a state or local utility.
• As an investment, insulation pays for itself many times over. The initial installation costs are typically recouped in three to seven years, and fiber glass insulation continues to save energy and help lower bills for the life of the home.
• Adding more insulation to an unfinished attic can be done at ay time, but adding insulation to walls and conditioned spaces is somewhat more difficult. The best time to think about adding insulation is when you are doing new construction or renovations. 

This feature is solely for educational and informational purposes. Nothing on this page should be construed as policy, an endorsement, warranty or guaranty by the National Association of Home Builders of the featured product or the product manufacturer. The National Association of Home Builders expressly disclaims any responsibility for any damages arising from the use, application or reliance on any information contained on this page.