How Much Attic Insulation Should I Use

Attic hatch or door.

How much attic insulation should i use.

These r values are a sum meaning this should be the total r value once you add up the entire depth of insulation. First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation. This will save you around 4 to 9 percent in water heating costs. Also keep in mind that it is possible to use a hybridized approach by combining.

In general an attic s r value should be between r 30 and r 49. Affix rigid foam insulation to the attic side of the hatch or door. The amount of insulation that you use in your attic will vary mostly on the region you live in. Use quality pipe insulation wrap.

In particularly cold climates you might go up to r 60. Use a zippered insulated tent to keep the enclosure draft free attic tent at 7 attic cover insulator 120. Adding insulation to your water heater can reduce standby heat losses by 25 to 45 percent. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. 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. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow. I will tell you that it is very difficult to have too much insulation in your attic but it is easy to have too little.

Expect to pay an attic insulation installer about 70 per hour. In some cases you may also need the expertise of an electrician to safely insulate around junction boxes or cables. Insulation levels are specified by r value. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

Wrap hot water pipes with tubular insulation to prevent freezing and help keep water hot. Add weatherstripping around the perimeter and a sweep to the door of a walk up attic. How much should i add. Now here s a situation where a homeowner what looks like many years ago added insulation they added a three inch layer but it has facing on it and that could create a.

For example if you have a type of insulation that has an r value of r 5 per inch of thickness you will need a depth of 6 inches of this insulation installed in your attic to reach r 30 if you live in zones 2 or 3. I ve always said adding insulation to your attic is some of the best money you can spend to make your house more energy efficient but whether to use faced or unfaced insulation is a great question. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. Expect to pay an additional 85 per hour for this service.

How much insulation should i use in my attic. Inspecting your attic insulation. Insulation level are specified by r value.