R Value Insulation In The 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.

R value insulation in the attic.

Let s say the insulation you ve selected has an r value of three per inch and. In particularly cold climates you might go up to r 60. 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. Attic insulation is measured by an r value which indicates how insulation controls the flow of heat and cold through your home.

Department of energy recommends r 49 attic insulation. 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. In the baltimore area the u s.

The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type. The higher the insulation r value the greater the insulating power. R stands for resistance to heat flow. Insulation is identified and labeled by r value.

You can achieve better thermal performance in your attic by adding an additional layer of insulation. Achieving greater r values in exterior walls in exterior walls add insulating sheathing to achieve a greater r value in your wall system. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Add the right kind of insulation.

However building codes only require an r 38. Existing 3 4 inches of insulation. Recommended insulation levels for retrofitting existing wood framed buildings. Often manufacturers stamp r values on the paper side of.

In general an attic s r value should be between r 30 and r 49. 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. An r value is a measure of a given material s thermal resistance or its ability to inhibit warm air movement toward colder spaces.