How does a building inspector assess attic insulation?

A building inspector assesses attic insulation primarily by checking the insulation card. This card provides detailed information about the type and R-value of the insulation installed. The R-value is a critical factor as it measures the insulation's effectiveness in resisting heat flow; higher values indicate better insulation performance. The inspector uses the information from the insulation card to ensure that the insulation meets local building codes and energy efficiency standards.

In addition to verifying the information on the insulation card, inspectors often conduct visual inspections to assess the installation quality and identify any potential issues, but the card offers definitive data needed for an efficient evaluation.