Recommended Attic Insulation R Value

The two distinct types of attic insulation are loose fill material also commonly known as blown in insulation and batting.

Recommended attic insulation r value.

You can achieve better thermal performance in your attic by adding an additional layer of insulation. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and. The transfer of heat by contact with solid objects such as the ceiling walls or floor is called conduction see figure 1. In particularly cold climates you might go up to r 60.

Your home s r value score will guide you toward the type of insulation you need. 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. The r value of the insulation for every inch of thickness depends on the type of insulation. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type. Find your zone on the map and then use the above insulation r value chart to determine the level of insulation you need to properly insulate your attic walls floors and crawlspaces. Insulation level are specified by r value. A good thermal barrier along a building envelope such as high r value insulation in the walls attic and raised floors as well as multi paned glass help to reduce conduction.

See the department of energy s doe ranges for recommended levels of insulation below. You will need a higher r value of insulation if you live in the northeast than if you live in southern california. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow.

R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. Where you live different climates require different insulation r values. Recycled glass or sand that s melted and spun into fibers. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

Insulation levels are specified by r value. R values of common types of insulation. Recommended home insulation r values. The amount of insulation recommended for your home will vary depending on a number of factors.

These r values are a sum meaning this should be the total r value once you add up the entire depth of insulation. Lighter in weight than cellulose or mineral wool but it settles more than those materials so you ve got to put in a thicker layer to get the protection you need. In general an attic s r value should be between r 30 and r 49.