Insulation

To verify whilst insulation work is underway

• Check that a joint sealant (pitch) has been applied between the doubled trusses to avoid air infiltration between the stringpiece (at the top of the wall) and the 2" x 6" acting as the nailer to the ceiling jackets and in each joint of the stringpieces.
• Check that there is a 14'' space free at the end of the trusses to enable air to circulate, otherwise you will have to hold back the wool using a styrovent or special cardboard.
• Make sure that polythene sheeting is stapled permanently to the ceiling, with the edges coming 4" down the sides of the walls.
• Holes in the polythene must be sealed with red tape.
• Make sure that a tar seal is applied between the blocks and their beams so as to prevent air infiltration.
• Make sure that the R-20 wool as well as a vapor barrier are installed at the ends of the joists or beams, before the carpenter works on the ceiling.
• The wool in the cantilever must be put in place before the carpenter closes the cantilever from the outside.
• The firebox must be insulated before the box is installed (gypsum fire code panels must also be installed)
• Make sure that the wool and the vapor barrier at the back of the shower and the bathtub podium are installed before the carpenter has built the podium.
• Make sure that the windows are insulated with urethane. (If wool is used, check that stuffing is not too tight)

Urethane and blown wool

• Make sure that all pipes, electrical wires and all ducts have been laid before the insulation work.
• If needed, check that all stoppers have been sprayed with urethane.
• Make sure that all metal beams giving on exterior walls and cantilevers have been sprayed with urethane
• Make sure that the blown wool supplier repairs holes in the polythene after carrying out his work
   

To include in the contract

Specify where you will install the following insulation:

• Urethane: Beams and pillars, beam belt, foundation wall
• Blown wool (Cellulose) : Roof, floor

Practical tips

Before calling out the insulation company, make sure that your polythene is well sealed over the entire area the blown wool (cellulose) will be going.