Adequate Attic Insulation
To do so inspect the condition of the insulation in your attic.
Adequate attic insulation. Add insulation to attic. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow. Whether you want to add additional soundproofing and insulation between levels or you need to add a barrier between the attic and the rest of the house ceiling insulation is a smart choice. You can determine yourself if your home has adequate attic insulation or is indeed under insulated.
In almost any climate if you can see the tops of your attic floor joists when you venture up there you ll need to add more insulation. Having enough insulation in your attic is one of the best ways to save energy on both heating and cooling your home. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation.
Depending on whether you live in a warm or cold climate home in the u s. Existing 3 4 inches of insulation. How well a particular insulation works is expressed by the r value which ranges from 2 0 to 8 0 per inch of insulation. Recommended insulation levels for retrofitting existing wood framed buildings.
Insulation levels are specified by r value. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type. A typical dark shingle roof can easily reach 170 degrees and the air temperature inside the attic can reach 140 degrees without adequate ventilation. More than 90 percent of homes in america lack adequate attic insulation and wall insulation which can increase monthly energy bills and reduce comfort.
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. Even with enough insulation on the attic floor this extreme radiant heat transfers through the insulation to the ceiling below. Inspecting your attic insulation. It should lay evenly across your attic with no gaps ridges or bumps.
Adding house insulation with the right r value can make a big difference in summer and winter months. Should have between an r 38 and r 49 in the attic that s about 12 to 15 of insulation.