QA

Quick Answer: How Deep Should Blown In Insulation Be In Attic

The higher the R-Value, the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type.

Can you put too much insulation in your attic?

It’s possible to over-insulate an attic as too much will cause moisture buildup and eventually result in mold. Eventually, adding more insulation leads to diminishing returns in trapping heat as well.

How deep is R38 blown insulation?

Fiberglass Chart R-Value Thickness Bags / 1000 Sq Ft R49 16.25” 22.6 R44 14.75” 20.1 R38 12.75” 16.8 R30 10.25” 13.0.

How many inches of blown in cellulose insulation do I need?

With blown-in cellulose insulation, that would require insulation to a depth of 10 inches. If there is already insulation, measure the current depth and subtract to determine the amount needed to bring the attic to the recommended level for the desired R-Value.

Which is better attic insulation blown or rolled?

Rolled fiberglass insulation scores an R-value of 3.7. So overall, rolled fiberglass insulation is slightly more effective at blocking in and out heat than its blown counterpart.

How many inches of blown fiberglass insulation is r60?

If you have approximately 6″ of existing insulation, you’ll need to add an additional 17″ to reach R-60. If you have approximately 10″ of existing insulation, you’ll need to add an additional 13″ to reach R-60. If you have no insulation, you’ll need 23″ to reach R-60.

What is the thinnest R38 insulation?

An R-value of R38 is closer to the upper end of R-values and will reduce thermal conductivity by 97 percent related to no insulation.R38 Insulation Thickness For Different Insulation Materials: A Brief Guide. Insulation Material. R38 Thickness Required (Inch) Open Cell Spray-Foam 11.4” Closed Cell Spray-Foam 5.38”-7.6” Foam Board (Rigid Foam) Insulation 9.5”-10.5”.

How many bags of blown-in insulation will I need?

More on Calculating Insulation Needs Divide the measured square footage you obtained by 1,000 square feet to obtain the multiplication factor: 1,500 square feet/1,000 square feet = 1.5. Multiply the R-value chart number to obtain the number of bags (rounding up at the end): 40.8 * 1.5 = 61.2 or 62 bundles.

How good is R38 insulation?

In many colder areas of the US, R 18 is the recommended insulation for walls (its a 2×6 wall stuffed with standard fiberglass insulation), R 38 (14 inches of fiberglass) is recommended for ceilings/attics.

How many inches of cellulose are in an attic?

For loose-fill cellulose, this translates to a total depth ranging from 8 inches up to 16 inches. Fortunately, attic insulation can be upgraded simply by adding more to achieve the recommended total depth in inches, without removing existing insulation.

How do I walk in my attic with blown insulation?

Lay them on top of the insulation in the direction that you know where the rafters are. set one down in the direction you want to walk. Carry other one to end, set it down then pick up other one and continue to destination. On the way out do the opposite, using a rake to put back the insulation that you disturbed .

What is the R-value of 14 inches of blown insulation?

Warm Climates (R-30 to R-49): Fiberglass (blown): 14” – 18” Fiberglass (batts): 11” – 14” Cellulose (blown): 11” – 13”.

How thick should my attic insulation be?

The higher the R-Value, the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type.

Can you put new attic insulation over old?

According to ENERGY STAR®, you can put new insulation over old insulation, “unless it is wet. The vapor retarder on top of or between layers of insulation can trap moisture. Any existing batt or roll insulation in the attic should have the facing against the attic drywall floor or no facing at all.

Is it best to remove old attic insulation before adding new?

Expert contractors that specialize in insulation advise that removing old fiberglass insulation is best before installing new cellulose insulation because of possible mildew, mold, or rodent excrement. So, by have attic insulation removal service, you are getting rid of those possible issues.

Is batting or blown insulation better?

Generally, we don’t recommend installing batts in the attic—blown insulation can fill the space better for more energy-efficient performance. But this may not be the case for every single home.

How long does blown in insulation last?

How Long Does Blown in Attic Insulation Last? Regardless of what kind of insulation you choose, blown insulation is a permanent solution. Cellulose insulation lasts 20-30 years because it is made from recycled natural materials, whereas fiberglass materials will last much longer because it does not degrade.

Can I put rolled insulation over blown in?

Adding blown-in insulation over existing rolls is not a problem. It’s important to air seal the area before adding new blown-in insulation, so it works well to keep your home energy-efficient.

Is R60 too much insulation?

You need exactly as much as the area you live in determines. Here, where temps get pretty hot for much of the year, attics should have from R30 to R60 (average is R38). Those living up north want anything from R49 to R60. This helps insulate against the extreme cold weather.

How thick is R60 blown?

R 60: Thickness that oscillates between 19 and 22 inches.

How thick of insulation is R60?

R60 Required Thickness of Insulation Materials Insulation Material Thickness Required for R60 Spray foam (Open-cell) 10-14 inches Cellulose (Loose-fill) 15-20 inches Stone wool (Batts) 12-16 inches Stone wool (Loose-fill) 8-12 inches.