How it Works: Fiberglass-Batt Insulation

While fiberglass batts continue to be a widely used form of insulation, they don't always perform to their rated R-value. In this "How It Works" department, associate editor Rob Yagid looks at some of the ways you can avoid common mistakes that prevent fiberglass batts from performing well. To get the most out of your fiberglass batts, avoid these installation mistakes: torn vapor retarders, sloppy detailing around utility boxes, compression, gaps between framing and batts, and incorrect fastening. Also be aware that an Oak Ridge National Laboratory study indicated that the real-world performance of fiberglass batts is frequently lower than the labeled R-value.

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