Insulation, Radiant and Vapor Barriers - Determining the density and R-value of fiberglass batt insulation?

During the construction of our home, the General Contractor installed unfaced fiberglass insulation. Some of it was pink and some of it was white. He said the white was less irritating to the workers.

We're not getting along too well and have found some troubles in our home, due to the fact he didn't follow specifications.

And now I think about the insulation -- how do I know it is R-30 HD fiberglass? I never saw the bags, the insulation has no markings on it and I don't know the source. I do have a 3' x 3' sample of it.

One of our other workers said it compressed awfully easy for a high density product, that's what prompted my question.

Asking the GC isn't an option. Any suggestions?

You can search for "High Density Fiberglass Insulation" and get a list of manufacturers. What you are going to look for is product specifications. For example, Corning, the pink stuff, has a HD R-30 that specifies at 8 1/4 inch thick. Anderson makes one that is 9 1/2 inches thick. All of them specify weight. You can also ask the manufacturer questions about their product, like how to tell if it is their product, when there are no marking or packaging.

You can also check with your local building inspector office on the procedure for compliance to local building energy codes.

Thanks, resercon!

Before I delve into this a lot, I should know:
Is there a big difference insulation-wise between R-30 HD and R-30 standard?
Which is thicker?
Does HD cost more?

Thanks again.

There is a big difference in the thickness of a high-density insulation compared to regular batt insulation. For example, an R-30 HD would fit between a 2 x 10 with enough space for an air gap. To accomplish the same with a regular batt insulation you would need a 2 x 12. R-30 HD was specifically developed for Cathedral ceiling installations.