How Thick Should Insulation Be In Your Attic

Add the right kind of insulation when adding additional insulation you do not have to use the same type of insulation that currently exists in your attic.

How thick should insulation be in your attic.

Typically houses in warm weather states should have an r 38 insulation in the attic whereas houses in cold climates should have r 49. The insulation in your attic should be at least 12 thick. Typical fiberglass batt insulation has an r value between 2 9 and 3 8 per inch of thickness. Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

It is not uncommon to see 15 to 20 of insulation in a well insulated attic. These insulation levels will keep heated air from migrating out in winter. The most common form that insulation comes in is a batt or blanket. Inspecting your attic insulation.

Recommended insulation levels for retrofitting existing wood framed buildings. Batt spray and blown. Existing 3 4 inches of insulation. Add insulation to attic.

The thicker the better. 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. In the baltimore area the u s. Department of energy recommends r 49 attic insulation.

Different types of insulation take up different amounts of space to insulate effectively. However building codes only require an r 38. These are large rolls of insulation that are easy to cut into usable shapes. If your attic insulation is only a few inches thick or if you can see the ceiling joists you re wasting money on your heating and cooling bills.

First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation. 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. Attic insulation is measured by an r value which indicates how insulation controls the flow of heat and cold through your home. This flexible insulation material is most often packaged in rolls that come in various thicknesses and standard widths usually 16 inches and 24 inches to fit between joists or studs in a house s framing.

They range from around 1 to 3 inches in thickness and can be used in multiple applications ranging from walls to attics. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type.