Attic R Value Requirements
To give you a quick example if you blow in 18 of insulation into your attic with an r value of 3 0 per inch you ve got an effective r value of 3 x 18 54.
Attic r value requirements. R value measures how well certain building insulation materials can resist heat. 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. All r values are insulation only tested labeled per ftc rule16 cfr 460. The r value indicated on the packaging tells how much thermal resistance the insulation provides per inch.
Most computer programs allow the user to calculate gross wall areas and subtract window and door areas. The higher the r value the greater the insulation performance. Recommended insulation levels for retrofitting existing wood framed buildings. Light weight yellow pink or white.
Insulation is rated in terms of thermal resistance called r value which indicates the resistance to heat flow. Fiberglass 2 5 x depth. If you look at the chart above you can see that the attic should achieve an r value between r 38 and r 60 depending on the current insulation levels. R values of framing members concrete blocks gypsum board etc.
Add insulation to attic. With an r value of 4 0 to 5 1 per inch depending on the manufacturer pre expanded injection foam provides a higher r value than fiberglass or cellulose and it seals the building from air leakage at the same time. Small gray flat pieces or fibers from newsprint cellulose 3 7 x depth. Annual heating savings should range from around 5 percent if insulation is being added to present insulation to as much as 30 percent if the attic had no insulation at all.
Of course this number is merely the nominal r value. When determining how much insulation you need don t guesstimate calculate. Blown in cellulose insulation can carry an r value of 3 2 3 8 per inch of thickness. Existing 3 4 inches of insulation.
Know exactly how much you need with our project calculators. Insulation r value requirements for usa. Dense gray or near white may have black specs. Vermiculite or perlite 2 7 x depth.
Walls are entered by the type of assembly and the r value of insulation. The higher the r value the greater the insulating effectiveness. Rock wool 2 8 x depth. Batts light weight yellow pink or white.
In addition to climate r value also depends on the age of your home. The recommended r value for attic insulation in our area of the country minnesota is 49.