The recommended average level is 14 inches of R49. In zone 2, the average minimum requirement for attic insulation is 9 inches of R30 infill. Notice in this table that the ideal R value is different for each part of your home. The ideal R value of attic insulation is different from the R value of ideal wall insulation. Make sure your home is properly insulated in all of these places.
We recommend the best products through an independent review process, and advertisers have no influence on our selections. We may receive compensation if you visit the partners we recommend. Read our statement for advertisers for more information. Having enough insulation in the attic is one of the best ways to save energy both on heating and cooling your home. The performance of a particular insulation is expressed by the R value, which ranges from 2.0 to 8.0 per inch of insulation.
The higher the R value, the better the insulation does to prevent heat transfer. Fiberglass and cellulose insulation has R values of 2.9 to 3.8 per inch, while sprayed foam insulation can go up to 8.0 per inch. In the US, it is recommended that attics have insulation of R-38 to R-49, or about 12 to 15 of fiberglass or cellulose insulation. Use uncoated insulation when adding more insulation to an attic that already has some insulation, placing the rolls or blocks at right angles to the floor beams.
If the attic does not have any type of insulation, use coated insulation and place it in the space between the beams with the paper face down, in the direction of the heated living room. When installing fiberglass insulation, it's also a good idea to spray baby powder on exposed skin to reduce irritation caused by glass fibers. Now, some things to know when buying insulation to add to an existing attic. Make sure you don't have the backing paper, as it can create a moisture trap, so this is what we call uncoated.
In that case, you'll need all the right equipment. You know, glasses like these look a little silly, but they're really good at keeping fibers away from your eyes. And, of course, the dust mask, the gloves, you need a good sharp knife. And what does baby powder do here? Well, you have to wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and all that, but you might still have some exposed skin.
Put some of this on your wrist, maybe on the back of your neck and a little bit around it. You know, you're going to smell pretty good, but you'll also keep fiberglass from irritating your skin. After that, all you have to do is trim it, extend it perpendicular to your joist and you'll start saving money on your energy bill. Subscribe and receive exclusive home improvement guides How to insulate a finished attic floor Considerations when installing aerosol foam attic insulation What you need to know about attic ventilation for metal roofs The problem of insulation in the attic was solved how to apply a vapor barrier to the attic insulation.
Once you find the area of your house on this map, you can use the table of R values for insulation shown below to determine the minimum R value your insulation should have. Just like in attics or anywhere else in the house, adding more layers of insulation to exterior walls is essential for a higher R value and better thermal performance. Search for your area on the map and then use the table of R values for insulation above to determine the level of insulation you need to properly insulate the attic, walls, floors and the mezzanines. In general, the method of installing insulation can give you an idea of how it compares to other types of insulation.
For example, if your attic already has fiberglass insulation blankets installed, you can improve its R value by installing blown cellulose insulation in the top of the blankets.
