How Much Attic Insulation R Value

R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.
How much attic insulation r value. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and. You will need a higher r value of insulation if you live in the northeast than if you live in southern california. Recycled glass or sand that s melted and spun into fibers. How much is enough.
Lighter in weight than cellulose or mineral wool but it settles more than those materials so you ve got to put in a thicker layer to get the protection you need. The amount of insulation recommended for your home is dependent on where you live but here are some general guidelines. Recommended home insulation r values. Insulation level are specified by r value.
The r value of some insulations also depends on temperature aging and moisture accumulation. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type. Attic insulation r value 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.
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 your attic to reach r 30 if you live in zones 2 or 3. The amount of insulation recommended for your home will vary depending on a number of factors. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Warmer climates only require an r 38 or higher or about 12 or more.
Note from this chart that the ideal r value differs for each part of your home. In general to optimally isolate an attic on average an r value of the insulation is required ranging from r 50 to r 60. Where you live different climates require different insulation r values. How much insulation should you install.
Houses in a cold climate should have a minimum of r 49 in the attic which is equivalent to approximately 16 of fiberglass insulation. For example if your home has cellulose insulation at a depth of 8 inches between the joists the attic insulation has an r value of 3 7 times 8 or 29 6. 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. Insulation levels are specified by r value.
When calculating the r value of a multilayered installation add the r values of the individual layers.