Insulation Pro's(New home construction)

[Lone Sailor]

Looking through all the insulation and energy efficiency stuff and I have no clue what I'm looking at. Here are some things that are listed and I guess I'm just wondering if they are essentially "builder grade" or if it is worth a shit, etc.


Wall insulation - Fiberglass batt R-13 & R-22

Attic insulation - Blown fiberglass R-38

Exterior doors, exterior base plate, pipe, & wiring holes in walls/ceiling - Polyseal foam sealant

Carrier 14.5 Seer heat & A/C units (Natural gas heat)

Low-E energy efficient windows (no brand or model numbers given)


Also, is 7/16" OSB standard these days for subflooring? What about 3/8" carpet pad?


Thanks for any tips and/or advise.

[Vertnut]

Everything listed is pretty much required to meet most city codes, and will probably meet "Energy Star" requirements. The windows need to be vinyl and finding a manufacturer should be as simple as asking. Production builders use the same supplier for all their houses. The lower the rating numbers on windows, the better, unlike R-factors for insulation (which is better the higher the number).

[Lone Sailor]

You know what, it actually does say vinyl windows on all of them, they just have it listed in another column and I overlooked it.

What about the 7/16" OSB? I have been told by afriend of mine that works for a builder up north that I shouldn't settle for less than 3/4" plywood for subflooring.

[Vertnut]

You know what, it actually does say vinyl windows on all of them, they just have it listed in another column and I overlooked it.

What about the 7/16" OSB? I have been told by afriend of mine that works for a builder up north that I shouldn't settle for less than 3/4" plywood for subflooring.

I'm not a big fan of OSB, because as soon as water hits it, it begins disintigrating. Try to hold out for 1/2" anyway.