Cellulose Attic Insulation R Value

The r value for cellulose insulation in an attic depends on several factors including the size shape and construction of your attic typical weather conditions where you live any air leaks and.

Cellulose attic insulation r value.

In comparison an inch of blown fiberglass insulation has an r value of 3 1 3 4 and an inch of blown cellulose in an attic has an r value of 3 2 3 7. It measures the ability of a material to impede the flow of heat along a continuous solid mass. Along with knowing the r value of a particular insulation it is also important to calculate the r value of a total system. The term used to define an insulation material s resistance to heat loss.

So for example a home in kansas is recommended to have a minimum r38 for attic insulation. Loose fill cellulose is relatively inexpensive yet still has an r value of about 3 5 per inch of thickness compared to fiberglass r value between r3 to r4 per inch. The thermal resistance or r value of polystyrene foam board depends on its density. Polystyrene loose fill or bead insulation typically has a lower r value compared to the foam board.

Insulation materials come in many forms. As a benchmark one inch of solid wood has an r value of 1. Input depth of existing blown in insulation in inches. Click the button to calculate the approximate r value for this job.

This calculator is to be used as an estimating tool only. Once the current r value is estimated check the recommended r value based on the region of the country. The choices can be difficult to sift but cellulose insulation passes as a strong contender. Achieving greater r values in exterior walls.

Over time the r value of xps insulation can drop as some of the low conductivity gas escapes and air replaces it a phenomenon is known as thermal drift or ageing. Loose fill cellulose insulation can settle around and conform to most of the obstructions found in walls and attics. Your home s age if your home is more than 10 year old you likely need more insulation. There are many ways to retrofit a home with fiberglass and.

Most of your home s heat is lost through conduction where blown in cellulose insulation r value read more. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. You will need a higher r value of insulation if you live in the northeast than if you live in southern california. Where you live different climates require different insulation r values.

The common standard by which insulation is measured r value is the level of resistance to heat flow. They are sprayed stapled blown nailed or simply laid in place. R value measures conductive resistance. You can achieve better thermal performance in your attic by adding an additional layer of insulation.