Best R Factor For Attic Insulation

Your home s r value score will guide you toward the type of insulation you need.

Best r factor for attic insulation.

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 along with knowing the r value of a particular insulation it is also important to calculate the r value of a total system. 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. In general increased insulation thickness will proportionally increase the r value. However as the installed thickness increases for loose fill insulation the settled density of the product increases due to compression of the insulation under its own weight.

Check the attic walls and floors adjacent to an unheated space like a garage or basement. Installing more insulation in your home increases the r value and the resistance to heat flow. These r values are a sum meaning this should be the total r value once you add up the entire depth of insulation. Expanded polystyrene eps or beadboard serves as the best insulating rigid foam for homeowners on a budget.

Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. Warmer climates only require an r 38 or higher or about 12 or more. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. This material costs less than other rigid foam boards but still offers an r value of.

R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. Insulation is identified and labeled by r value. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and. You ll see insulation r values indicated on product packaging and often on the product itself.

Recommended home insulation r values. The higher the insulation r value the greater the insulating power. In particularly cold climates you might go up to. Inspecting and evaluating your insulation.

For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. Houses in a cold climate should have a minimum of r 49 in the attic which is equivalent to approximately 16 of fiberglass insulation. Insulation level are specified by r value.

Note from this chart that the ideal r value differs for each part of your home. The ideal attic insulation r value is different than the ideal wall insulation r. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. In general an attic s r value should be between r 30 and r 49.