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Single family residential construction in Texas must meet International Residential Code (IRC) stipulations for energy efficiency, and insulation is a key component. Homeowners are required by law to have insulation that satisfies the code for safety; they benefit even further because proper insulation allows for savings of both energy and energy costs when their homes meet these regulations.
Choosing the appropriate type of insulation depends on where you are planning to put it. Whether you want to install it yourself or plan to hire a contractor, it is important to understand what the different types of insulation are and how they are used. There are several different types of insulation with specific R-values, which tell how much the insulation material can reduce heat flow. Certain types with specific R-values are suited for specific insulation projects.
Attics and ceilings are important areas that should be well insulated to avoid heat loss; if these areas go uninsulated or under-insulated, it can result in significant losses since heat rises. In Texas, homeowners are required by the provisions in the code to insulate their attics with conventional fiberglass batt insulation between R-30 and R-38 if adding to an existing home and up to R-60 in a newly built home or if no insulation was put in place at the time of original construction. The type and R-value of the insulation depends on where a homeowner lives in the state.
If a homeowner happens to have a finished basement, those walls should also be insulated. Basement walls need insulation to keep heat from escaping as well; the current code requires basement wall insulation between R-10 and R-15. Often, Texas homeowners choose to install rigid foam insulation instead of fiberglass batting in basement walls if moisture is an issue–batting can develop mildew and mold in damp spaces. Of course, the floors and walls in the main areas of a home should be insulated so heat remains inside individual rooms as well. Homeowners should insulate walls to between R-13 and R-19, and floors to R-25.
Insulating a home to the standards set out by the residential construction code provides excellent protection against heat loss and allows for significant energy savings. Learning about the insulation requirements for residences in the state is extremely beneficial to Texas homeowners who are considering how to maintain the best possible heating and cooling efficiency in their homes.
WEICHERT, REALTORS® – The Place of Houses is a top real estate agency located in Corpus Christi, Texas, on the Texas Gulf Coast. The team of licensed real estate professionals at WEICHERT, REALTORS® – The Place of Houses are ready and willing to assist you with buying or selling coastal property in Corpus Christi and the surrounding area. The group of real estate specialists is committed to providing quality service and advice as you search for properties and navigate the current real estate market. If you are looking for real estate guidance, please contact WEICHERT, REALTORS® – The Place of Houses online or by phone at 361-882-5588.