Attic Insulation Levels

So we have between r36 and r56 in the attic.

Attic insulation levels.

Inspecting your attic insulation first things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation. Measure your attic s square footage. Add the right kind of insulation. Existing 3 4 inches of insulation.

The levels of attic insulation recommended today by energy star are substantially higher than those used earlier so it s worth checking out what s recommended in your geographic area. Existing 3 4 inches 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. In most cases the best type of attic insulation will be blown fiberglass or blown cellulose insulation.

For loose fill read labels. For uninsulated attics for attics with existing 3 4 inches of insulation for uninsulated basements or crawlspaces. For batts or rolls calculate the number based on the width and length of the product you re using. When adding additional insulation you do not have to use the same type of insulation that currently exists in your attic.

Cellulose insulation has an r value of approximately 3 to 3 5 per inch. Each bag lists the required depths for a range of r values and the number of bags needed to cover 1 000 square feet at those depths. Where we re lacking a bit is in the attic. Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

Add the following insulation levels to your attic floor. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow. Find your zone on the map and then use the chart to determine the level of insulation you need to properly insulate your attic walls floors and crawlspaces.

The depth varies quite a bit because we have attic trusses and a floor in the attic. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Either read the r value printed on the batts of your existing insulation or use a measuring tape ruler to measure the depth of the insulation inches. Looking across your attic if the insulation is level with or below the attic floor joists you probably need to add more insulation.

You will want to record your measurement so you can determine how much more insulation you need to achieve the recommended levels. Add insulation to attic. Insulation levels are specified by r value.