Insulation Ratings For Attic

Proper attic insulation is the best way to prevent heat loss in the winter and retain cool air in the summer.

Insulation ratings for attic.

First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation. An r value tells you how well a type of insulation can keep heat from leaving or entering your home. Insulation materials run the gamut from bulky fiber materials such as fiberglass rock and slag wool cellulose and natural fibers to rigid foam boards to sleek foils. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.

Bulky materials resist conductive and to a lesser degree convective heat flow in a building cavity. Insulation level are specified by r value. The lining offers 6mm thickness material to reflect radiant heat. Inspecting your attic insulation.

If your current insulation is only 5 inches deep you ll need to add seven inches of insulation to achieve the 12 inch r 38 rating. 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. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. Calculate additional insulation needed.

The attic is the easiest place to add insulation to improve your comfort and the energy efficiency of your home. Insulation ratings are measured in r values per inch of thickness. Measure the depth of your current insulation. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.

While there are additional considerations such as venting and moisture problems to take into account when you insulate under floors the united states department of energy recommends an r 25 rating in cold climates and an r 11 in warmer parts of the country. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. The reflective outer layer creates a moisture and humidity resistant barrier to allows the users to lead a comfortable life even in extreme weather conditions. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home.

R 38 is the industry standard and the minimum thickness for r 38 is 12 inches. Rigid foam boards trap air or another gas to resist conductive heat flow. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material.

The r value per inch for different types of insulation varies depending on the. The attic stairs insulation cover by miloo feature a double air bubble lining. Insulation r values vary based on the type thickness and density of the insulation material.