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Home insulation
My new home (2 weeks old) is very chilly in certain areas and I discovered that the contractor did not totally complete the insulation in the attic; (used R-13 in the rest of it) and that he used R-11 in the garage ceiling (area below cold zones), with none on the walls. I thought R-30+ was needed in the attic area and similar in the unheated garage. I called him and he said he would complete the attic. With no local code enforcement, how can I tell that he is insulating all the required areas and using the correct R-value? What recourse, if any, do I have if he refuses to insulated the untreated areas? I have 11 months left on my 1 yr warranty. Local county/city has no code enforcment and the state only does industrial... Can I use the 2003 Energy Conservation Code for anything?
PS I live in Ohio and it was 8 deg. F. outside this a.m. :eek: |
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I don't know if you can do much besides try to understand the code and point out the problems and ask him to correct things. I wonder how well he took care of details like the space between the windows and the rough opening and other hidden places? In the end, you can sue him for code violations, but collecting may be tough. In my area, one of the leading builders is well connected politically and does as he pleases.
My house was built in 1970 when there wasn't any inspection in the area, and is full of shortcuts difficult to fix now. |
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According to the International Residential Bldg Code, depending what county you live in, Ohio has climate zones 11-14. Basically your attic should have no less than R30, walls R19 & floors R19. (floors rarely get insulated unless above crawlspaces or unheated areas) The garage walls do not have to be insulated unless there is living space on the other side of the wall. Then you should have R19 w/ 1/2" (5/8" is the norm.) drywall on the garage side of the wall. Note: if your exterior walls are 2x4, then you will only have R11 or R13.
You can also go to www.energycodes.gov/rescheck. The Rescheck will show different variations of insulating the structure so you can meet the minimun requirements. Click on rescheck*web when you get there and follow the instructions. You may want to contact Labor & Industry and/or the attorney general if this contractor jerks you around. |
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