What Are R-Values of Attic Insulation?
Attic insulation is the most important thing that you can do to your attic in order to make it energy efficient, which in turn creates cost efficiency. There are different attic insulation r values that can be applied, depending on the zone you are living in, mainly its climate.
For example, an R-38 attic insulation value is very well suited to warm climates. This is the type of insulation that will keep the overall temperature inside your house lower and your air conditioning costs down. On the opposite end, if you live in a colder climate, an R-49 attic insulation value would be appropriate for you. This will prevent the hot air from escaping outside your house. The most important ways in which you can do the attic insulation are: using cellulose, fiberglass batts or loose fiberglass.
So what really is the R factor of your attic insulation? It represents the resistance to heat flow, and it is a measurement of the thermal performance. The important thing to note here is the fact that blown in fiberglass and fiberglass batts offer diff
erent R values, with an advantage for the batts. In the case of batts, one inch of material will offer you an R factor of 3.1 to 4.2, while in the case of fiberglass those two values are 2.3 and 2.8.
Now, the overall r value needed for your house, as already mentioned, will vary depending on the zone you are living in. R-22, R-38 and R-49 are the most important r values for attic insulation. New Midwestern houses usually have an attic insulation value of R-44.
If you know your way around the house, you can install the insulation yourself. If that’s not the case, you need to call a professional. In the eventuality that you decide to do it yourself, make sure that you wear a long sleeve shirt, eye protection, a mask and gloves. Also, you should avoid doing this in the heat of the summer.