Insulation terms, defined
Plain definitions of the insulation words that come up on estimates, inspections and supplier calls, written for insulation contractors. Each term says where it matters on the job and links the Koira calculator, cost guide or template that goes with it.
A
InsulationAir barrierAn air barrier is any combination of materials, sealed at the joints, that stops air from leaking through the building envelope.InsulationAir sealingAir sealing is closing the gaps where air leaks in and out of a house, such as around chimneys, wiring and plumbing holes, top plates, rim joists and attic hatches, with foam, caulk and blocking.InsulationAttic baffleAn attic baffle is a foam or cardboard chute stapled between rafters at the eaves.Shared with RoofingAttic ventilationAttic ventilation is the planned flow of outside air through an attic, in at the soffits and out near the ridge, to carry off heat and moisture.
B
InsulationBatt insulationBatts are pre cut pieces of fiberglass or mineral wool sized to fit between studs, joists and rafters, with or without a paper facing.InsulationBlower door testA blower door test uses a calibrated fan in a doorway to pressurize or depressurize a house and measure how leaky it is.InsulationBlown-in attic insulationBlown-in attic insulation is loose fiberglass or cellulose blown across the attic floor to a set depth to reach a target R-value.Shared with HVACBTUA BTU, or British thermal unit, is a unit of heat.
C
InsulationCellulose insulationCellulose is loose fill insulation made mostly from recycled paper treated with fire retardant.InsulationContinuous insulationContinuous insulation is a layer of insulation that runs unbroken across studs and framing, usually foam or mineral wool board on the outside of the sheathing.
R
InsulationR-valueR-value is how well a material resists heat flowing through it.InsulationRigid foam boardRigid foam board is insulation sold in sheets of expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene or polyisocyanurate.Shared with CarpentryRim joistThe rim joist is the board around the outside edge of a floor frame, capping the ends of the joists and sitting on the sill plate.
S
Shared with DrywallSoundproofingSoundproofing is building walls, floors and ceilings to cut down sound passing between rooms, by adding mass, separating framing, filling cavities and sealing gaps.InsulationSpray foam insulationSpray foam is insulation sprayed as a liquid that expands and hardens in place.
More for insulation contractors: free insulation tools, templates and guides and how the trade runs on Koira. Or browse the whole glossary.