Required Insulation In The Attic

First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation.

Required insulation in the attic.

The average recommended level is 17 inches of r60. The attic is the easiest place to add insulation to improve your comfort and the energy efficiency of your home. In zone 7 the average minimum requirement for attic insulation is 14 inches of r49 fill. Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

Find your zone on the map and then use the chart to determine the level of insulation you need to properly insulate your attic walls floors and crawlspaces. You should consider attic or roof radiant barriers in hot climates reflective insulation and foundation insulation for new home construction. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. While federal and in some cases state guidelines for insulation levels are merely recommendations the local building code is the true authority over insulation requirements.

The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Unlike fiberglass insulation installed in roll out batts on the attic floor. Now that you ve air sealed your attic and basement check your attic insulation levels and add more if necessary. Insulation level are specified by r value.

In general to optimally isolate an attic on average an r value of the insulation is required ranging from r 50 to r 60. Consider products that provide both insulation and structural support such as structural insulated panels sips and masonry products like insulating concrete forms. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home.

For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. Inspecting your attic insulation. The insulation levels of an attic or of any part of a house are understood through the r value that is the value with which the insulating material is resistant to heat flow. Loose fill cellulose insulation is composed of pulverized paper and fabric material treated with a flame retardant.

Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.