For example if you have a type of insulation that has an r value of r 5 per inch of thickness you will need a depth of 6 inches of this insulation installed in your attic to reach r 30 if you live in zones 2 or 3.
Minimum r value for attic insulation.
Note from this chart that the ideal r value differs for each part of your home.
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.
The r value is the thermal efficiency of your product.
In a cold climate you need an r value of 49.
If your home is in a warmer climate you require an r 38 or higher or about 12 more.
Existing 3 4 inches of insulation.
Recommended insulation levels for retrofitting existing wood framed buildings.
Knowing where you stand with the recommended r value for attic insulation will ensure that you receive the right insulation for your home.
The higher the r value the better the insulation product overall.
However there is an exception.
Find out why in the seller s fact sheet on r values.
Pa302 1 ceilings with attic spaces n1102 2 1 r402 2 1.
The 2015 irc requires r 49 insulation for ceilings with attic spaces.
Under insulated here means when compared to the minimum prescriptive wall and ceiling insulation r values found in the 2006 international energy conservation code iecc savings vary.
R 38 shall be deemed to satisfy the requirement for r 49 wherever the full height of uncompressed r 38 insulation extends over the wall top plate at the eaves.
Attic insulation for homes that are situated in cold climates homeowners need to ensure that they have a minimum of r 49 in their attics this is equivalent to about 16 inches of fibreglass insulation.
However there is an exception.
While not part of the building regulations there is an unwritten rule of how high an r value you need.
See the department of energy s doe ranges for recommended levels of insulation below.
If you need in a hot climate an r value of 30 will be sufficient.
Add insulation to attic.