R Value Insulation In The Attic

Existing 3 4 inches of insulation.

R value insulation in the attic.

R stands for resistance to heat flow. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. However building codes only require an r 38. You can achieve better thermal performance in your attic by adding an additional layer of insulation.

Let s say the insulation you ve selected has an r value of three per inch and. The higher the insulation r value the greater the insulating power. 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. Add insulation to attic.

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. Recommended insulation levels for retrofitting existing wood framed buildings. In the baltimore area the u s. In general an attic s r value should be between r 30 and r 49.

The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type. Attic insulation is measured by an r value which indicates how insulation controls the flow of heat and cold through your home. Often manufacturers stamp r values on the paper side of. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow.

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. An r value is a measure of a given material s thermal resistance or its ability to inhibit warm air movement toward colder spaces. Insulation is identified and labeled by r value. 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.

Achieving greater r values in exterior walls in exterior walls add insulating sheathing to achieve a greater r value in your wall system. Add the right kind of insulation. Department of energy recommends r 49 attic insulation.