How Much Insulation Should I Have In Attic

R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow.

How much insulation should i have in attic.

The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. How much does attic insulation cost. The structural elements are usually exposed in these areas which makes it easy to see what type of insulation you have and to measure its depth or thickness inches. 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.

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. Blowing attic insulation isn t hard but it s dusty sweaty work. According to the u s. The short answer is as much as you can get and a good rule of thumb is to have a r value of 38 in your attic.

But how much insulation is enough for the attic. Learn more about insulation r values. To see how to add insulation out to the eaves see installing rafter vents. According to home advisor insulating your attic can cost between 1700 to.

R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. If your attic insulation covers your joists and is distributed evenly you probably have enough. One for attic prep and the second to actually blow the insulation. It is not uncommon to see 15 to 20 of insulation in a well insulated attic.

But if you can t afford to shell out a few hundred bucks for this service never fear. Expect to pay an additional 85 per hour for this service. Check the attic walls and floors adjacent to an unheated space like a garage or basement. 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.

The insulation in your attic should be at least 12 thick. 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. To make insulating an attic easier grab a helper and set aside two days. However the real answer is a bit more complex.

Insulation levels are specified by r value. First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation. The pros charge 1 500 to 2 000 to do a 1 200 sq ft. How much should i add.

In some cases you may also need the expertise of an electrician to safely insulate around junction boxes or cables. Expect to pay an attic insulation installer about 70 per hour. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. To prevent heat loss the attic space should be well insulated.

Inspecting your attic insulation. You can do it yourself for about 500. Keep reading for the details. How much insulation do i need in my attic.

We ve rounded up all the most important know how about attic insulation costs products prep work and installation right here.