How Much Attic Insulation Should I Use

Insulation level are specified by r value.

How much attic insulation should i use.

Attic hatch or door. Now here s a situation where a homeowner what looks like many years ago added insulation they added a three inch layer but it has facing on it and that could create a. Inspecting your attic insulation. How much insulation should i use in my attic.

The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. For example if you have a type of insulation that has an r value of r 5 per inch of thickness you will need a depth of 6 inches of this insulation installed in your attic to reach r 30 if you live in zones 2 or 3. These r values are a sum meaning this should be the total r value once you add up the entire depth of insulation. In particularly cold climates you might go up to r 60.

Your home s r value score will guide you toward the type of insulation you need. Use quality pipe insulation wrap. Pull down stair or ladder. Adding insulation to your water heater can reduce standby heat losses by 25 to 45 percent.

If your attic insulation covers your joists and is distributed evenly you probably have enough. First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. I will tell you that it is very difficult to have too much insulation in your attic but it is easy to have too little.

Also keep in mind that it is possible to use a hybridized approach by combining. Affix rigid foam insulation to the attic side of the hatch or door. How much should i add. Expect to pay an additional 85 per hour for this service.

In some cases you may also need the expertise of an electrician to safely insulate around junction boxes or cables. This will save you around 4 to 9 percent in water heating costs. I ve always said adding insulation to your attic is some of the best money you can spend to make your house more energy efficient but whether to use faced or unfaced insulation is a great question. Add weatherstripping around the perimeter and a sweep to the door of a walk up attic.

The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Insulation levels are specified by r value. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. In general an attic s r value should be between r 30 and r 49.

R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow. 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. The amount of insulation that you use in your attic will vary mostly on the region you live in.