Residential Insulation Checklist

1. 1. Is the newly constructed area dried in with roofing complete and exterior moisture barriers installed ?

2. 2. Is insulation installed on the roof, walls, and floors at the specified thickness according to prescriptive requirements or the approved plans?

3. 3. Are the prescriptive insulation requirements for residential occupancies as per WSEC Table? • Ceilings (1) •Vaulted Ceilings •Walls Above Grade: • Wall Interior Below Grade (2): • Wall Exterior Below Grade (2): • Floor: • Floor Slab-on-Grade (2): Note: 1. For single rafter or joist vaulted ceilings the insulation may be reduced to R-38 2. Below-grade walls shall be insulated either on the exterior to a minimum level of R-10, or on the interior to the same level as walls above grade. Exterior insulation installed on below-grade walls shall be water-resistant material, manufactured for its intended use, and installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

4. 4. Does insulation with facings, vapor barriers, or breathable papers installed within floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assemblies, walls, crawl spaces, under-stair voids, or attics have a flame spread rating of less than 25 and a smoke density not exceeding 450 (R302.10.1)?

5. 5. Exception: Limits don’t apply when the facing is installed in substantial contact with the unexposed surface of the ceiling, floor, or wall. Unfaced insulation is okay when concealed in areas previously mentioned.

6. 6. Is insulation securely installed in floors, walls, and ceilings that are not fully enclosed (fireplaces, crawl space walls, etc.) ?

7. 7. Do insulation materials display the R-rating on a side visible for inspections?

8. 8. Are all recessed light fixtures IC (insulation contact) rated or enclosed within a sealed assembly?

9. 9. Is floor insulation installed securely in substantial contact with the surface being insulated?

10. 10. Are insulation supports installed at a maximum of 24 inches on center, with crawl space insulation typically checked at the final inspection ?

11. 11. Is insulation not blocking the foundation vents? Note: The permanent baffle may be installed at 30 degrees from horizontal to divert airflow below the lower surface of the insulation. Typically checked at final inspection.

12. 12. Is slab insulation, if installed inside the foundation wall, extending down from the top of the slab for 24 inches or to the top of the footing, whichever is less, or extending down from the top of the slab and horizontally beneath the slab for a total of 24 inches? Is it ensured that no insulation is required for slabs installed 2 feet minimum below grade?

13. 13. Is the entire area of a radiant slab thermally isolated from the soil with a minimum of R-10 insulation and is the insulation approved for use? Is a mechanical rough-in inspection approved before the slab/foundation pour when a radiant heat system is used?

14. 14. Is exposed above-grade insulation protected from physical and ultraviolet damage ?

15. 15. Is the insulation installed on the cold side of a wall extending from the top of the below-grade wall to the top of the footing?