Determine Need For Attic Insulation

If your insulation level is at or below the top of the floor joists you probably need to add more insulation but remember to seal the air leaks before you insulate.

Determine need for attic insulation.

The correct amount can help maintain a comfortable temperature and save money. If you notice one or more of these occurring you probably need to take action. If you think you re among the 90 of us homes that are under insulated 1 performing a simple insulation inspection will help you determine your insulation needs. In particularly cold climates you might go up to r 60.

Input length and width of area to be insulated. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Insulation levels are specified by r value. Department of energy it s recommended that attics have an r 38 to r 49 or about 12 to 15 of fiberglass or cellulose insulation.

However there are a few easy things you can do to see if your attic is properly insulated. In general an attic s r value should be between r 30 and r 49. To view the next video in this series click here. Let s say the insulation you ve selected has an r value of three per inch and.

Common signs of problems with insulation. There are four especially common signs of problems with attic insulation. Loose fill insulation fibers are packaged in bags and blown in place to the desired depth and density using special. Inspecting your attic insulation will help you determine your insulation needs.

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. This calculator is to be used as an estimating tool only. Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow.

If you can t see the joists because the insulation is above them then you should measure the insulation depth with a ruler to see if you have enough. Use unfaced insulation when adding more insulation to an attic that already has some insulation laying the rolls or batts at right angles to the floor joists. Choose your insulation type and material 1. According to the u s.