R Value Insulation In The Attic

Insulation is identified and labeled by r value.

R value insulation in the attic.

Existing 3 4 inches of insulation. R stands for resistance to heat flow. Add insulation to attic. In general an attic s r value should be between r 30 and r 49.

An r value is a measure of a given material s thermal resistance or its ability to inhibit warm air movement toward colder spaces. Often manufacturers stamp r values on the paper side of. Add the right kind of insulation. Recommended insulation levels for retrofitting existing wood framed buildings.

Recommended insulation by climate by dividing the recommended r value for your area by the r value of your particular type of insulation you find that an attic should have on average. 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. The higher the insulation r value the greater the insulating power. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow.

The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. You can achieve better thermal performance in your attic by adding an additional layer of insulation. Attic insulation is measured by an r value which indicates how insulation controls the flow of heat and cold through your home. Let s say the insulation you ve selected has an r value of three per inch and.

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. In the baltimore area the u s. 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. Department of energy recommends r 49 attic insulation.

Depending on where you live it s recommended that attics have a minimum r value of r 30 in warm climates to r 60 in cold climates. However building codes only require an r 38. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type.