How Much Attic Insulation Should I Have

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.

How much attic insulation should i have.

Insulation level are specified by r value. Spray foam while the most expensive is best for noise reduction and new construction. The zone you live in will determine how much insulation you need in your attic. If your insulation doesn t measure up and you need more installation can be done as a weekend diy project or you can call a professional installer to handle the job.

It can cost anywhere from 1 700 to 2 100 or between 1 50 and 3 50 per foot to insulate an attic depending on what insulation material you choose. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. Contractor or insulation installer s fee.

In an attic a 12 inch fiberglass blanket can provide an extra r value of 34 8 to 45 6. Blown in insulation is the least expensive option and ideal for older attics. When combined with whatever insulation might already be in the joist cavities a 12 inch additional blanket will very likely meet the energystar recommendations for even very cold climates. That said air resistance and interference such as vent grates reduces the area of true ventilation.

According to home advisor insulating your attic can cost between 1700 to 2100. This range varies from a low of 30 for homes with heat pumps or natural gas furnaces in zone 3 i e. Fiberglass and cellulose insulation have r values of 2 9 to 3 8 per inch while sprayed foam insulation can go as high as 8 0 per inch. This calculator is to be used as an estimating tool only.

Square footage of your attic. Most of ga al ar sc ok etc to a high of 49 for zones 6 8 i e. The main factors that impact the cost are. According to the u s.

Input length width and desired r value of the area to be insulated. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Without exception you should talk to a professional to determine what your home requires.

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. Generally speaking you need a ratio of 1 300 where for every 300 square feet of ceiling space you need 1 square foot of attic ventilation. 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.