How Much Attic Insulation Should I Use

The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

How much attic insulation should i use.

Insulation levels are specified by r value. In some cases you may also need the expertise of an electrician to safely insulate around junction boxes or cables. These r values are a sum meaning this should be the total r value once you add up the entire depth of insulation. 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.

I ve always said adding insulation to your attic is some of the best money you can spend to make your house more energy efficient but whether to use faced or unfaced insulation is a great question. Insulation level are specified by r value. Expect to pay an additional 85 per hour for this service. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home.

Attic hatch or door. How much insulation should i use in my attic. If your attic insulation covers your joists and is distributed evenly you probably have enough. This will save you around 4 to 9 percent in water heating costs.

Also keep in mind that it is possible to use a hybridized approach by combining. Use quality pipe insulation wrap. The amount of insulation that you use in your attic will vary mostly on the region you live in. How much should i add.

In general an attic s r value should be between r 30 and r 49. Now here s a situation where a homeowner what looks like many years ago added insulation they added a three inch layer but it has facing on it and that could create a. Pull down stair or ladder. Affix rigid foam insulation to the attic side of the hatch or door.

Add weatherstripping around the perimeter and a sweep to the door of a walk up attic. Your home s r value score will guide you toward the type of insulation you need. First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation. In particularly cold climates you might go up to r 60.

Expect to pay an attic insulation installer about 70 per hour. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. Inspecting your attic insulation. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow.

Use a zippered insulated tent to keep the enclosure draft free attic tent at 7 attic cover insulator 120. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Adding insulation to your water heater can reduce standby heat losses by 25 to 45 percent.