The higher the r value the better job the insulation does at preventing the transfer of heat.
How much attic insulation is enough.
Loose fill insulation is usually less expensive to install than batt insulation and provides better coverage when installed properly.
Having enough insulation in your attic is one of the best ways to save energy on both heating and cooling your home.
R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.
Insulation levels are specified by r value.
If your attic insulation covers your joists and is distributed evenly you probably have enough.
Having the correct amount of attic insulation can help you maintain a comfortable temperature throughout your home and help save money on your energy bills plus prevent major issues like ice dams in the winter.
The main factors that impact the cost are.
So when you ask how much attic insulation is enough be sure to consult the chart below to understand where your state sits with respect to the recommendations for r value.
To see how to add insulation out to the eaves see installing rafter vents.
Support our advertisers for example those in the southernmost part of the us attics should have from r30 to r60 average is r38.
To make insulating an attic easier grab a helper and set aside two days.
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.
How well a particular insulation works is expressed by the r value which ranges from 2 0 to 8 0 per inch of insulation.
For example if you install r 19 fiberglass batts in 2x6 frame walls with the studs 16 inches on center double top plates and other elements of standard framing the actual r value of the whole wall with the r 19 insulation will be about r 15.
R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow.
Loose fill or batt insulation is typically installed in an attic.
Even yoda won t live long enough to get a return on investment for that much insulation so it s pretty much pointless.
To find out if you have enough attic insulation measure the thickness of the insulation.
You can do it yourself for about 500.
Adding one inch of insulation to a wall that has 30 inches of insulation makes sense nowhere.
These recommendations are for true r values not the nominal values listed on insulation packaging.
According to home advisor insulating your attic can cost between 1700 to 2100.
See more on different types of insulation.
Insulation level are specified by r value.
Type and material of your insulation.
One for attic prep and the second to actually blow the insulation.
How much should i add.
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.
How much does attic insulation cost.
The pros charge 1 500 to 2 000 to do a 1 200 sq ft.
Contractor or insulation installer s fee.
Square footage of your attic.