Recommended Attic Insulation R Value

You can achieve better thermal performance in your attic by adding an additional layer of insulation.

Recommended attic insulation r value.

The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Lighter in weight than cellulose or mineral wool but it settles more than those materials so you ve got to put in a thicker layer to get the protection you need. Find your zone on the map and then use the above insulation r value chart to determine the level of insulation you need to properly insulate your attic walls floors and crawlspaces. Add the right kind of insulation.

Your home s r value score will guide you toward the type of insulation you need. In general an attic s r value should be between r 30 and r 49. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow. You will need a higher r value of insulation if you live in the northeast than if you live in southern california.

The r value of the insulation for every inch of thickness depends on the type of insulation. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. A good thermal barrier along a building envelope such as high r value insulation in the walls attic and raised floors as well as multi paned glass help to reduce conduction. These r values are a sum meaning this should be the total r value once you add up the entire depth of insulation.

The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and. In particularly cold climates you might go up to r 60. The transfer of heat by contact with solid objects such as the ceiling walls or floor is called conduction see figure 1. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.

The two distinct types of attic insulation are loose fill material also commonly known as blown in insulation and batting. The recommended r value for attic insulation in ontario is between r 50 and r 60. Recycled glass or sand that s melted and spun into fibers. Where you live different climates require different insulation r values.

Achieving greater r values in exterior walls. Insulation level are specified by r value. See the department of energy s doe ranges for recommended levels of insulation below. R values of common types of insulation.

The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type. Recommended home insulation r values. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.