Proper R Value For Attic Insulation

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

Proper r value for attic insulation.

The higher the r value the greater the insulation performance. In general an attic s r value should be between r 30 and r 49. When calculating the r value of a multilayered installation add the r values of the individual layers. Reduced r value of insulation.

Your attic should have a certain amount of insulation in it and the recommended level of insulation for your attic is dependent on where you live. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. Installing more insulation in your home increases r value and the resistance to heat flow. Insulation levels are specified by r value.

The r value of thermal insulation depends on the type of material its thickness and density. Inspecting your attic insulation. Your home s r value score will guide you toward the type of insulation you need. Add the right kind of insulation.

This means the insulation can t maintain the internal temperature of the home as effectively as it should. Insulation level are specified by r value. When determining how much insulation you need don t guesstimate calculate. The transfer of heat by contact with solid objects such as the ceiling walls or floor is called conduction see figure 1.

The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and. Recommended home insulation r values. Recycled glass or sand that s melted and spun into fibers.

A home without proper attic insulation will have more moisture in the attic that will become trapped in the insulation and make it even less effective than it should be. Installing more insulation in your home increases the r value and the resistance to heat flow. In calculating the r value of a multi layered installation the r values of the individual layers are added. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type.

Know exactly how much you need with our project calculators. 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. The r value of some insulations also depends on temperature aging and moisture accumulation. 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. R value measures how well certain building insulation materials can resist heat.