Adequate Attic Insulation R Value

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Adequate attic insulation r value.

Where you live different climates require different insulation r values. The recommended r value for attic insulation in our area of the country minnesota is 49. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow.

Your home s age if your home is more than 10 year old you likely need more insulation. Blown in cellulose insulation can carry an r value of 3 2 3 8 per inch of thickness. When calculating the r value of a multilayered installation add the r values of the individual layers. Get an estimate and calculate the payback.

You can achieve better thermal performance in your attic by adding an additional layer of insulation. Houses in a cold climate should have a minimum of r 49 in the attic which is equivalent to approximately 16 of fiberglass insulation. You will need a higher r value of insulation if you live in the northeast than if you live in southern california. To give you a quick example if you blow in 18 of insulation into your attic with an r value of 3 0 per inch you ve got an effective r value of 3 x 18 54.

The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Add the right kind of insulation. Recommended insulation levels for retrofitting existing wood framed buildings. 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.

There are many ways to retrofit a home with fiberglass and. Achieving greater r values in exterior walls. But on average a home needs 10 14 inches r 38 of insulation as you can see from this image from energystar go v georgia is a combination of zones 2 3 and 4. R value is a measurement of thermal resistance and measures the ability of heat to transfer from one side of an object to another.

The r value depends on the type of insulation its thickness and its density. The r value of some insulations also depends on temperature aging and moisture accumulation. According to the u s. Fiberglass and cellulose insulation have r values of 2 9 to 3 8 per inch while sprayed foam insulation can go as high as 8 0 per inch.

Department of energy it s recommended that attics have an r 38 to r 49 or about 12 to 15 of fiberglass or cellulose insulation. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type. As a benchmark one inch of solid wood has an r value of 1.