1997 Attic Insulation Requirements

The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home.

1997 attic insulation requirements. Insulation r value requirements for south carolina what is r value. Climate zone 6 and 7 r20 or r13 5 instead of r20 or r13 10 and first value is cavity insulation second is continuous insulation or insulated siding so 13 5 means r 13 cavity insulation plus r. Climate zone 5 r38 instead of r49 wood framed walls. The r in r value stands for resistance.

The majority of the requirements related to attic ventilation have not changed much from the previous editions. Table n1102 1 1 r402 1 1 insulation and fenestration table amendments ceilings. 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. Amendments are contained in the latest update to the 2018 kentucky residential code.

The average recommended level is 17 inches of r60. While federal and in some cases state guidelines for insulation levels are merely recommendations the local building code is the true authority over insulation requirements. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. Basement foundation wall insulation must be insulated from top of the basement wall to design frost depth 24 33 model 2009 sates must be insulated to 10 ft below grade or to basement floor.

As mentioned please check your local codes and requirements before attempting anything on your own or simply call terminix for a free insulation inspection. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Homeowners availing of the attic or rafter insulation grants under the seai better energy homes programme are required to install insulation achieving the minimum required u values of 0 16 w m2k for ceiling level insulation or 0 20 w mk for. See the department of energy s doe ranges for recommended levels of insulation below.

In zone 7 the average minimum requirement for attic insulation is 14 inches of r49 fill. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. Amendments additional state code information. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.

A common differentiating criteria between different types of insulation is the amount of r value they provide when. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. Resistance to the movement in temperature through walls ceilings and floors in your home or commercial building. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material.