Read the spec first
Start with 07 21 00 Thermal Insulation. List each product: batt, board, spray foam and loose fill. Note the thickness or the thermal value for each. Then check the other sections. Roof insulation is often with the roofer. Sound batts are often with the drywall contractor.
Sheets and schedules that carry the count
- The wall sections. They show the insulation in each exterior assembly.
- The wall type legend. It shows which interior partitions get sound batts.
- The roof and ceiling details.
- The foundation details, for perimeter and underslab insulation.
- The exterior elevations and the floor plans, for wall area.
- The energy code sheet, if the set has one.
Steps in order
- List every insulated assembly from the wall sections and details.
- Mark which assemblies belong to your section.
- Measure the exterior wall area for each assembly. Subtract large openings.
- Measure attic, ceiling and roof deck insulation by area.
- Measure the interior partitions with sound batts by type.
- Measure foundation and slab edge insulation.
- Work out spray foam and loose fill from the area and the thickness.
- Add vapor retarders, fasteners and any thermal barrier over foam.
Count, length, area or volume
- Count: seldom used. Count access hatches and other single items to insulate.
- Length: slab edge insulation, sill sealer and safing at floor edges.
- Area: batts, boards, vapor retarders and continuous insulation.
- Volume: spray foam and loose fill. Area times thickness gives the quantity.
Conflicts to find, and what to exclude
- The wall section shows one thermal value. The spec or the energy sheet states another.
- The stud depth cannot hold the batt thickness the spec names.
- Sound batts appear in 07 21 00 and in the gypsum board section.
- Cavity wall insulation appears in your section and in the masonry section.
- The details show spray foam with no thermal barrier where one may be required.
Scope overlap is the main risk in this trade. State each assembly you include. Exclude roof insulation above the deck, underslab insulation and pipe and duct insulation unless they are in your section. Qualify air barrier and firestopping work.
Trade takeoffs · Updated 11 Nov 2026