Optimal Insulation For Attic

First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation.

Optimal insulation for attic.

If installed properly radiant barriers can be of benefit in. Plan to pull up the flooring and layer new insulation on top of the old. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. A better choice is insulation that comes in smaller chunks.

Insulation level are specified by r value. Among commonly used types of insulation there are mineral wool or fiberglass rolls and batts rigid fiberglass board loose fill materials cellulose mineral wool etc. The installer taking his best firefighter pose holds a large hose and blows the chunks into the attic. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.

See the department of energy s doe ranges for recommended levels of insulation below. 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. But if the floor is covered in plywood you can t stuff enough insulation beneath it to do the job sufficiently not even in warm climates. It s available in fiberglass mineral wool plastic fibers and natural fibers.

Rolls and batts are produced of mineral wool and fiberglass. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. 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. Typical recommendations for exterior walls are r 13 to r 23 while r 30 r 38 and r 49 are common for ceilings and attic spaces.

A large machine outside churns the chunks and uses air to blow them up through the hose. If your home is in a warmer climate you require an r 38 or higher or about 12 more. Blanket insulation modern technology of blanket insulation today is considered the best insulation for attic. Radiant barrier insulation makes use of reflective materials often foil to keep heat from entering through the roof into your attic.

This type of insulation. Because the simplest and cheapest way to insulate an attic is to add material to the floor.