Attic Insulation Cellulose Thickness

The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home.

Attic insulation cellulose thickness.

R 38 is the industry standard and the minimum thickness for r 38 is 12 inches. You d need a thickness of. The cellulose insulation method creates lots of dust but it gets the job done. It is pulverized into a fine powder that adheres and remains a part of the insulation.

Insulation level are specified by r value. If you hire a pro they use wet spray cellulose which adds a small amount of water to help control the dust and to slightly increase the insulation value per inch. The cellulose product home comfort insulation uses is treated with 100 borate fire retardant formula. Cellulose provides an r value of approximately 3 5 per inch.

R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. When blown into attics and wall spaces loose fill fiberglass offers an average r 2 5 thermal value per inch the higher the number the greater the insulating effect. The two main least expensive and most commonly used residential insulation materials is cellulose and fibreglass. Loose fill cellulose insulation can settle around and conform to most of the obstructions found in walls and attics.

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. They come with or without a paper or foil facing that acts as a vapor barrier. Unless you opt for spray foam then the insulation choices normally come down to cellulose and fibreglass. This flexible insulation material is most often packaged in rolls that come in various thicknesses and standard widths usually 16 inches and 24 inches to fit between joists or studs in a house s framing.

For loose fill cellulose this translates to a total depth ranging from 8 inches. Measure the area needing insulation. So what are the advantages and disadvantages of each of these. If your current insulation is only five inches deep you will need to add seven inches of insulation to achieve the 12 inch r 38 rating.

Your attic should have a certain amount of insulation in it and the recommended level of insulation for your attic is dependent on where you live. Cellulose will settle after installation creating a dense continuous layer helping to block air transfer through any holes into your attic. First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation. In temperate coastal areas such as zone 3 attic insulation of at least r30 up to a maximum of r60 is recommended.