How Much R Value Do I Need In My Attic
Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.
How much r value do i need in my attic. Learn more about insulation r values however the real answer is a bit more complex. 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. 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. Existing 3 4 inches of insulation.
You will need a higher r value of insulation if you live in the northeast than if you live in southern california. There are many ways to retrofit a home with fiberglass and. Input length width and desired r value of the area to be insulated. There are two factors to consider when planning to insulate your attic.
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. The short answer is as much as you can get and a good rule of thumb is to have a r value of 38 in your attic. 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. This will allow you to add the needed insulation.
Recommended insulation levels for retrofitting existing wood framed buildings. Where you live different climates require different insulation r values. 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. See the department of energy s doe ranges for recommended levels of insulation below.
R value of insulation by type. I ll also make sure to have an r 25 rating for my floor insulation. Here are the r values per inch of the most common types of insulation. Add insulation to attic.
Click the button to calculate the depth in inches and pounds of total insulation required for this job.