Optimal Insulation For Attic
Attic insulation for homes that are situated in cold climates homeowners need to ensure that they have a minimum of r 49 in their attics this is equivalent to about 16 inches of fibreglass insulation.
Optimal insulation for attic. It s available in fiberglass mineral wool plastic fibers and natural fibers. A large machine outside churns the chunks and uses air to blow them up through the hose. First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation. See the department of energy s doe ranges for recommended levels of insulation below.
Plan to pull up the flooring and layer new insulation on top of the old. But if the floor is covered in plywood you can t stuff enough insulation beneath it to do the job sufficiently not even in warm climates. Blanket insulation modern technology of blanket insulation today is considered the best insulation for attic. A better choice is insulation that comes in smaller chunks.
The installer taking his best firefighter pose holds a large hose and blows the chunks into the attic. 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. Rolls and batts are produced of mineral wool and fiberglass. If your home is in a warmer climate you require an r 38 or higher or about 12 more.
Radiant barrier insulation makes use of reflective materials often foil to keep heat from entering through the roof into your attic. 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. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. Insulation level are specified by r value.
R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. 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. If installed properly radiant barriers can be of benefit in. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.
This type of insulation. Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.