Attic Insulation Basics

In frigid areas experts recommend 12 of fiberglass insulation between the living space and attic giving you an r value of 38.

Attic insulation basics.

To estimate costs for your project. It simply is blown in to the depth required to meet the r value specified by local code. It can be used by itself to fill in joist cavities that have no insulation or laid as a thick layer over the top of existing batts of fiberglass insulation. Create your own price list in homewyse lists for a basic project in zip code 47474 with 500 square feet the cost to insulate an attic starts at 1 68 3 25 per square foot.

Batt insulation is a type of insulation made of loosely matted fibers fashioned into a blanket like form. Here the insulation can be blown right over top of existing insulation to any depth or r value. This type of insulation. We all know that insulation makes our homes more energy efficient.

It s a fast and easy diy project that two people can do in an afternoon. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow. Insulation levels are specified by r value. For attics cellulose insulation is blown in parallel to the joists.

It s available in fiberglass mineral wool plastic fibers and natural fibers. If the cost to heat and cool your home is getting you down don t worry. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Attic most building codes also require insulation in the attic.

The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type. Blown in dry cellulose insulation is commonly used in this area of the home. The more heat you can prevent from escaping into your attic the healthier your attic and roof will be. How insulation works to understand how insulation works it helps to understand heat flow which involves three basic mechanisms conduction convection and radiation.

Sounds excessive but it isn t. You should do this in the planning and design phases of your home. Check your attic insulation. Blowing insulation into an attic the most popular project for using blown in insulation is adding insulation to attics.

Conduction is the way heat moves through materials such as when a spoon placed in a hot cup of coffee conducts heat through its handle to your hand. Actual costs will depend on job size conditions and options. Blanket insulation is available as batts or rolls and is the easiest diy insulation material.