Recommended Attic Insulation R Value

If you think you re among the 90 of us homes that are under insulated 1 performing a simple insulation inspection will help you determine your insulation needs.

Recommended attic insulation r value. 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. The main factors that impact the cost are. Contractor or insulation installer s fee.

Sacramento and most of california are in zone 3 which requires attic insulation with an r value between 30 and 60. The r value of the insulation for every inch of thickness depends on the type of insulation. R values of common types of insulation the two distinct types of attic insulation are loose fill material also commonly known as blown in insulation and batting. 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.

But newer homes in central and southern arizona are insulated to ratings of r 30 to r 38 while newer homes in northern arizona generally have attic insulation at r 60 because of colder winters. The correct amount can help maintain a comfortable temperature and save money. On this chart each part of the country is divided into different zones and each zone has a recommended r value. Square footage of your attic.

R values vary based on. According to home advisor insulating your attic can cost between 1700 to 2100. In general an attic s r value should be between r 30 and r 49. Achieving greater r values in exterior walls.

Add insulation to attic. 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. It refers to a particular insulation s ability to resist heat flow. The higher the value the more insulating ability the product has.

In particularly cold climates you might go up to r 60. That s where this nifty energystar chart comes in handy. Type and material of your insulation. See the department of energy s doe ranges for recommended levels of insulation below.

R value is an efficiency rating for insulation. Existing 3 4 inches of insulation. Recommended insulation levels for retrofitting existing wood framed buildings. Inspecting your attic insulation will help you determine your insulation needs.