Refinance

Glossary

FmHA Rural Development Loans 

Existing Dwelling Thermal Requirements

Rural Development loans require that the home you are purchasing meets the following thermal minimum standards:

1. Attic insulation must meet R-38 or greater for flat ceilings.  If the home has vaulted ceilings with 2x6 rafters it must meet R-19 or greater.

2. The box sills (this is the area where the floor joist rest on the foundation sill plate) must meet R-19 or greater.  Click here for a detailed drawing of insulation applied to a box sill..

3. The homes windows must be either insulated double or triple pane glass or single pane glass  with storm windows.

4. Exterior doors must meet either of the following requirements;    

      Solid core wood doors require that a storm unit is applied.

      A steel insulated door is acceptable no storm door is required for this type of unit.

      Hollow core doors are not acceptable. 

View a chart of typical R-Values

View Box Sill Insulation