Residential Insulation Pre-Drywall Inspection

Inspection template for verifying residential insulation R-value, coverage, continuity, and air sealing before drywall installation.

Inspection Setup and Scope

• Inspection area identified and accessible
  Verify the inspected dwelling, floor, unit, or zone is clearly identified and all areas to be checked are safely accessible.
• Pre-drywall stage confirmed
  Confirm insulation and air sealing are being inspected before drywall installation closes the cavities.
• Plans, energy code, or approved insulation schedule available
  Verify the applicable plans, insulation schedule, or approved specification is available for comparison.
• Inspector notes project scope and weather conditions
  Record any conditions that may affect inspection visibility or access, such as lighting, moisture, or incomplete framing.

Insulation Type and R-Value

• Installed insulation matches specified type
  Confirm the installed insulation type matches the approved design or specification for each assembly.
• Installed thickness meets specified depth
  Measure installed insulation depth where applicable and compare to the required thickness for the assembly.
• Installed R-value meets or exceeds specification
  Verify the installed insulation R-value meets the approved design or local code requirement for the assembly.
• Insulation labeling or product documentation verified
  Confirm product labels, packaging, or documentation support the installed insulation type and R-value.
• Insulation installed without compression or voids
  Check that batts, blankets, or other insulation are not compressed, missing, or leaving voids that reduce effective R-value.

Coverage, Continuity, and Fit

• Wall cavities fully insulated
  Check that designated wall cavities are fully filled with no missing sections, gaps, or exposed framing where insulation is required.
• Ceiling or attic insulation coverage is continuous
  Verify ceiling or attic insulation is continuous across the required area, including corners and transitions, without significant gaps.
• Floor insulation is secure and properly supported
  Confirm floor insulation is secured, supported, and not sagging, falling, or detached from framing members.
• Rim joists, band joists, and similar transitions insulated
  Verify insulation coverage at rim joists, band joists, and other transition areas where thermal bridging is common.
• Penetrations and obstructions do not leave uninsulated voids
  Check around pipes, wiring, ducts, blocking, and other obstructions for uninsulated voids or missed areas.

Air Sealing and Thermal Envelope Details

• Open penetrations sealed at top plates, bottom plates, and framing gaps
  Inspect for sealed gaps at framing penetrations, plate lines, and other openings that connect conditioned and unconditioned spaces.
• Window and door rough openings air sealed
  Verify rough openings around windows and doors are sealed to reduce air leakage before drywall is installed.
• Attic access, chases, and utility penetrations sealed
  Check attic hatches, mechanical chases, plumbing penetrations, electrical penetrations, and similar openings for proper air sealing.
• Air barrier continuity maintained at envelope transitions
  Confirm the air barrier is continuous at transitions between walls, ceilings, floors, and other envelope assemblies.
• Blower door test result recorded, if available
  Record the measured air leakage result when blower door testing has been completed. Use the project requirement or local code threshold for acceptance.

Installation Quality and Deficiencies

• Visible deficiencies documented
  Record any missing insulation, gaps, compression, damaged material, or incomplete air sealing observed during the inspection.
• Corrective action assigned for non-conformances
  Document the corrective action required for each deficiency, including responsible party and target completion date if applicable.
• Reinspection required
  Indicate whether a follow-up inspection is required before drywall installation can proceed.