The R-value is a measure of the insulation's ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The Department of Energy (DOE) recommends that most attics should be insulated to R-38 or approximately 10 to 14 inches, depending on the type of insulation. With blown fiberglass insulation, this means a minimum of 12 inches of attic insulation and up to 20 inches of fiberglass insulation.
Attic insulation tends to stabilize over time, so it no longer provides the necessary insulating strength for your area. Uncoated insulation is ideal to complement existing attic insulation, but paper-coated insulation is better for new spaces. When determining what degree of attic insulation is sufficient for those living in the extreme south of the United States, the DOE recommends that attics in southern homes be insulated with insulation of 13 to 14 inches, or R-38, as a minimum. To find out if you have enough insulation in the attic, measure the thickness of the insulation from top to bottom with a ruler.
Insulating the attic also requires complex machines to effectively reach every nook and cranny, and unless you're already familiar with these tools, you may be using them incorrectly. Loose fill insulation is introduced into the attic through a long tube and system that are quite patented and are often best left to professionals. Most homeowners never add more insulation to the attic, although most new home builders install the absolute minimum amount of attic insulation required by the code. Adding adequate attic insulation can pay for itself in just four years by reducing your heating and air conditioning bill by 10 to 50 percent.
How Much Attic Insulation Do You Need?
To ensure that your home is properly insulated, it's important to understand what type of insulation is best for your area and how much you need. Improvised “depth gauges” made from scrap wood can help you determine how much attic insulation is necessary for your home.It's also important to remember that the amount of attic insulation needed and the recommended R value for a homeowner are based on geographical location.
