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.

As a benchmark one inch of solid wood has an r value of 1. Input depth of existing blown in insulation in inches. Polystyrene loose fill or bead insulation typically has a lower r value compared to the foam board. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

So for example a home in kansas is recommended to have a minimum r38 for attic insulation. Once the current r value is estimated check the recommended r value based on the region of the country. The thermal resistance or r value of polystyrene foam board depends on its density. R value is an essential factor to consider when selecting an insulation material for your premises.

Along with knowing the r value of a particular insulation it is also important to calculate the r value of a total system. Where you live different climates require different insulation r values. You can achieve better thermal performance in your attic by adding an additional layer of insulation. Insulation materials come in many forms.

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. The choices can be difficult to sift but cellulose insulation passes as a strong contender. Click the button to calculate the approximate r value for this job. This calculator is to be used as an estimating tool only.

You will need a higher r value of insulation if you live in the northeast than if you live in southern california. Your home s age if your home is more than 10 year old you likely need more insulation. R value measures conductive resistance. It measures the ability of a material to impede the flow of heat along a continuous solid mass.

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. Most of your home s heat is lost through conduction where blown in cellulose insulation r value read more. The term used to define an insulation material s resistance to heat loss. Achieving greater r values in exterior walls.

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 are sprayed stapled blown nailed or simply laid in place. With blown in cellulose insulation that would require insulation to a depth of 10 inches.