Best Attic Insulation Rating

Now that you ve air sealed your attic and basement check your attic insulation levels and add more if necessary.

Best attic insulation rating.

Handy homeowners can install blown in insulation in the attic. So it s time to pay close attention to what s happening up there. Insulation with a higher r value will perform better than insulation with a lower rating. Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

Other considerations may include indoor air quality impacts life cycle costs recycled content embodied energy and ease of installation especially if you plan to do the. Proper attic insulation is the best way to prevent heat loss in the winter and retain cool air in the summer. The big disadvantage with spray foam is cost. I d blow insulation on the attic floor after air sealing of course.

The most effective places to add insulation to older homes are exterior walls attics basements and crawl spaces. Some installations can yield a higher r value than traditional batt insulation for the same thickness and can fill even the smallest cavities creating an effective air barrier. 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. R values vary based on the type thickness and density of the material being used.

Foam in place insulation can be blown into walls on attic surfaces or under floors to insulate and reduce air leakage. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. To choose the best insulation for your home from the many types of insulation on the market you ll need to know where you want or need to install the insulation and what r value you want the installation to achieve. It s generally 3 to 4 times what you ll pay for blown cellulose or fiberglass.

Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.

If you don t have hvac and ducts in the attic spray foam on the roofline isn t really necessary. Blowing insulation into walls is best left to the pros because it involves drilling into stud spaces that may contain electrical. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.