Is R38 Attic Insulation Enough?
Is R38 Attic Insulation Enough?
A standard attic has about R-38 attic insulation, but you may wonder whether this level is sufficient. R-value is a measurement of insulation’s resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better, so you’ll want to invest in at least R-38 attic insulation if you live in a cold climate. However, if you live in a warm climate, then R-38 is enough, which is about one inch thick.
R-38 attic insulation will provide protection against winter heat gain but will allow some heat to escape during hot summers. R-49 insulation will slow the flow of heat and will be adequate during fall and winter.
It will provide some heat gain during the summer months but will have a negative impact during fall and spring. To get a good ROI, you should choose insulation with an R-value of at least R-38.
Fiberglass batts
Choosing the right fiberglass batts for your attic is a significant step in making your attic as energy efficient as possible. The R-value of your ceiling will determine how much energy can escape through it. R-values of 38 and 49 let about 1/38 of that energy through per square foot.
For more efficient insulation, consider installing R-49 insulation. While batts are the most common choice for attic insulation, there are many other types of loose-fill available. You can choose from mineral wool, cotton, or fiberglass. If your attic has tight voids or awkward framing, you may prefer blown-in fiberglass.
The R-value of attic insulation reflects the resistance of heat flow through the attic. The higher the R-value, the better insulation it provides per inch. Ideally, you should install at least R-38 in your attic if you live in a cold climate.
However, in warmer climates, R-38 attic insulation is sufficient. If you have a high-end home, you should also consider installing R-49 attic insulation.
Mineral wool
Many homeowners wonder if mineral wool attic insulation is sufficient for their attic. Fortunately, it’s a material that is both fire-resistant and environmentally friendly. The R-value of mineral wool is determined by its thickness and type.
Rock wool, for example, is made of rock, furnace slag, and various organic materials. Its qualities make it useful in a variety of construction types and climate zones.
Among the advantages of mineral wool attic insulation are its consistency. Fiberglass insulation is prone to poor installation, and it’s easy to compress it accidentally, greatly decreasing its R-value.
Mineral wool is already compressed, so there’s no need for compression or kraft paper face. In addition to this, mineral wool is fire-resistant, and it doesn’t absorb water like fiberglass. It also prevents mold and mildew growth, two features that make it the perfect choice for attics.
Spray foam
The R-value of your attic insulation is a critical component of its energy-saving potential. This number is measured in “per-inch” units, and a higher R-value means more insulation. But how much does R38 attic insulation really help?
This is where spray foam comes in. It is also known as closed-cell insulation. Because it is sprayed on a home, it fills all the nooks and crannies, creating the perfect air barrier. This is the best way to keep heat from transferring through conduction, which is the main cause of excessive heat transfer.
The main drawback of cellulose insulation is its tendency to trap moisture. As a result, it can cause mildew, mold and rotting. This happens because the boric acid used to treat cellulose becomes corrosive when it gets wet.
Another major drawback of cellulose is that it sags and settles over time. Spray foam also fills empty spaces in walls, making it better for attics than cellulose.
Cathedral ceilings
When installing R38 attic insulation for cathedral ceilings, you’ll want to use a bulletproof air barrier in the attic space. Most attic moisture problems are related to air leaks, so making sure your roof assembly includes a bulletproof air barrier is essential.
Make sure to seal any electrical boxes as well properly. Lastly, make sure your lighting is track or Insulation Contact rated.
Consider using R-38C EcoTouch Thermal Batt insulation if you have a cathedral ceiling. It is dimensionally stable and provides one-inch of ventilation air space between the insulation and the roof deck.
Unlike kraft-faced insulation, R-38C EcoTouch is easy to handle and install. In addition, it is easy to cut to fit into odd-shaped cavities, such as around switches and outlets.
Cost of R38 Attic Insulation
The cost of R38 attic insulation will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of insulation, the amount of insulation, the size of the attic, and the climate. In general, however, R38 attic insulation will cost between $0.50 and $3.00 per square foot.
A few things to consider when determining how much insulation is necessary for an attic space with an R38 rating. The first is the R-value of the insulation itself. This is a measure of the material’s ability to resist heat flow.
The higher the R-value, the better the insulation will be at resisting heat flow. The second thing to consider is the thickness of the insulation. The thicker the insulation, the more effective it will be at resisting heat flow.
The third thing to consider is the type of insulation. There are two common types of insulation: fiberglass and cellulose. Fiberglass insulation is more effective at resisting heat flow than cellulose insulation.
The average minimum requirement for attic insulation is about 10 to 14 inches.
How much attic insulation is required for Zones 1-4?
The typical minimum required for attic insulation in Zone 1 is 9 inches of R30 fill. The average suggested level of R49 is 14 inches. The typical minimum required for attic insulation in Zone 2 is 9 inches of R30 fill. The average suggested level of R60 is 17 inches.
The typical minimum required for attic insulation in Zone 3 is 9 inches of R30 fill. The average suggested level of R60 is 17 inches.
The typical minimum required for attic insulation in Zone 4 is 11 inches of R38 fill. The average suggested level of R60 is 17 inches.
How much insulation in the attic for Zones 5-7?
The typical minimum required for attic insulation in Zone 5 is 11 inches of R38 fill. The average suggested level of R60 is 17 inches.
The typical minimum required for attic insulation in Zone 6 is 14 inches of R49 fill. The average suggested level of R60 is 17 inches.
The typical minimum required for attic insulation in Zone 7 is 14 inches of R49 fill. The average suggested level of R60 is 17 inches.
