Budget Solar Retrofitting

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Third: Increase insulation values. The concept here is to upgrade the R value (resistance to energy flow) of various parts of your home's outside surfaces. The most popular type of insulation is fiberglass, but without proper installation techniques, its performance at mid-winter is one-half or less of the claimed value. Evidence of this is starkly visible in all northern locales as you observe the huge icicles and roof ice dams. This often occurs despite fiberglass insulation with R24 or R30 claims. You must become aware of the proper installation methods involving an understanding of ventilation and moisture movement in tight spaces. The "correct job" is often hard or impossible to achieve in retrofitting. My general advice is to use one of the foam sheet insulations (2' x 8' - 4' x 8' etc.) purchased on the unit pricing principle of cost per installed R value. Generally foil faced urethanes (polyisocyanurate) or Styrofoam are best.

One would first retrofit the north roof, paying particular attention to making sure the roof covering (whether it is shingle, tile, slate, or any other surface) is secure and contains no openings to the insulation housing beneath. Next in priority would be the northern wall(s), and final the south roof and walls. As you proceed, replace all windows with modern units having R values of at least 3 to 4, which usually have their perimeter cracks foamed with a non-expanding spray foam. Remember, the most essential part of insulating is the attendant sealing of all gaps, wires and other penetrations with a high quality caulk.

One must at the same time insulate the portions of the walls or foundation below the siding typically left undone in the past. Why would you want your house to be barefoot in winter? One should dig up the foundation as far down as possible and install the foam insulation (at least R8-19) with an outside-quality waterproof membrane before backfilling. This may offer a highly recommended opportunity to install better drainage to daylight than the typical home received at its origination. You can complete this foundation insulation job by covering the outside surface from 6" - 8" below grade up to the bottom of the siding with 3/8" pressure-treated plywood or other weatherproof skirting material.

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