Best R Factor For Attic Insulation

Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.

Best r factor for attic insulation.

Check the attic walls and floors adjacent to an unheated space like a garage or basement. Houses in a cold climate should have a minimum of r 49 in the attic which is equivalent to approximately 16 of fiberglass insulation. Note from this chart that the ideal r value differs for each part of your home. You ll see insulation r values indicated on product packaging and often on the product itself.

The ideal attic insulation r value is different than the ideal wall insulation r. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.

In general increased insulation thickness will proportionally increase the r value. Inspecting and evaluating your insulation. The structural elements are usually exposed in these areas which makes it. Recommended home insulation r values.

In particularly cold climates you might go up to. Warmer climates only require an r 38 or higher or about 12 or more. R stands for resistance to heat flow. This material costs less than other rigid foam boards but still offers an r value of.

The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and. In comparison an inch of blown fiberglass insulation has an r value of 3 1 3 4 and an inch of blown cellulose in an attic has an r value of 3 2 3 7 along with knowing the r value of a particular insulation it is also important to calculate the r value of a total system. In general an attic s r value should be between r 30 and r 49. Installing more insulation in your home increases the r value and the resistance to heat flow.

R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. However as the installed thickness increases for loose fill insulation the settled density of the product increases due to compression of the insulation under its own weight. Insulation is identified and labeled by r value. 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.

Insulation level are specified by r value. The higher the insulation r value the greater the insulating power. Expanded polystyrene eps or beadboard serves as the best insulating rigid foam for homeowners on a budget. Thickness must not be used as the sole factor in determining the r value of loose fill insulation particularly for attic insulation.