R Rating Insulation In Attic

Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

R rating insulation in attic.

Warmer climates only require an r 38 or higher or about 12 or more. See the department of energy s doe ranges for recommended levels of insulation below. Inspecting your attic insulation. While some ceilings in the southwestern part of the united states require a minimum of r 19 insulation most attics or ceiling areas require a minimum of r 38 in the ceiling.

In general an attic s r value should be between r 30 and r 49. Insulation levels are specified by r value. Depending on where you live and the part of your home you re insulating walls crawlspace attic etc you ll need a different r value. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

Your attic should have a certain amount of insulation in it and the recommended level of insulation for your attic is dependent on where you live. Let s say the insulation you ve selected has an r value of three per inch and. Add insulation to attic. As a benchmark one inch of solid wood has an r value of 1.

Houses in a cold climate should have a minimum of r 49 in the attic which is equivalent to approximately 16 of fiberglass insulation. R value is a measurement of thermal resistance and measures the ability of heat to transfer from one side of an object to another. In comparison an inch of blown fiberglass insulation has an r value of 3 1 3 4 and an inch of blown cellulose in an attic has an r value of 3 2 3 7. R value insulation chart 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.

In particularly cold climates you might go up to r 60. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type. Typical recommendations for exterior walls are r 13 to r 23 while r 30 r 38 and r 49 are common for ceilings and attic spaces. Existing 3 4 inches of insulation.

The r value for cellulose insulation in an attic depends on several factors including the size shape and construction of your attic typical weather conditions where you live any air leaks and.