Minimum Attic Insulation

R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.

Minimum attic insulation.

The department of energy recommends these minimum r values for unfinished unconditioned attics. Inspecting your attic insulation. Recommended home insulation r values. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

However there is an exception. The greater the number the greater the resistance to heat movement. As mentioned please check your local codes and requirements before attempting anything on your own or simply call terminix for a free insulation inspection. The numbers are based on your house s location and climate zone.

Insulation levels are specified by r value. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow. Residential requirements for insulation are divided by the location in the home. Insulation level are specified by r value.

R values identify insulation levels. The 2015 irc requires r 49 insulation for ceilings with attic spaces. 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. Ceiling insulation must be much higher at r 30 and a raised floor must be at least r 13.

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. Framed wall insulation must meet or exceed r 13. In zone 7 the average minimum requirement for attic insulation is 14 inches of r49 fill. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

The insulation s ability to resist heat flow determines its r value. These are changes made in order to increase the energy efficiency of the home and thus also save energy. Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type.

R 38 shall be deemed to satisfy the requirement for r 49 wherever the full height of uncompressed r 38 insulation extends over the wall top plate at the eaves. The recommended r value has been raised from r 50 to r 60 in order to increase the insulation of the attics. The main factors that impact the cost are. For block walls interior insulation must meet or exceed r 7 8 and exterior insulation must be r 6.

The average recommended level is 17 inches of r60. First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation. Pa302 1 ceilings with attic spaces n1102 2 1 r402 2 1.