R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow.
Attic insulation basics.
The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.
Here the insulation can be blown right over top of existing insulation to any depth or r value.
It s a fast and easy diy project that two people can do in an afternoon.
It simply is blown in to the depth required to meet the r value specified by local code.
Conduction is the way heat moves through materials such as when a spoon placed in a hot cup of coffee conducts heat through its handle to your hand.
For attics cellulose insulation is blown in parallel to the joists.
To estimate costs for your project.
In frigid areas experts recommend 12 of fiberglass insulation between the living space and attic giving you an r value of 38.
The more heat you can prevent from escaping into your attic the healthier your attic and roof will be.
Blanket insulation is available as batts or rolls and is the easiest diy insulation material.
This type of insulation.
The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type.
Check your attic insulation.
Sounds excessive but it isn t.
You should do this in the planning and design phases of your home.
Insulation levels are specified by r value.
Batt insulation is a type of insulation made of loosely matted fibers fashioned into a blanket like form.
It s available in fiberglass mineral wool plastic fibers and natural fibers.
We all know that insulation makes our homes more energy efficient.
How insulation works to understand how insulation works it helps to understand heat flow which involves three basic mechanisms conduction convection and radiation.
The installation process for dry cellulose insulation looks like this.
Now that you know the basics about how insulation works and why it s critical in your home start talking with your builder about the insulation strategy they re choosing for your home and why.
Blowing insulation into an attic the most popular project for using blown in insulation is adding insulation to attics.
Create your own price list in homewyse lists for a basic project in zip code 47474 with 500 square feet the cost to insulate an attic starts at 1 68 3 25 per square foot.
If the cost to heat and cool your home is getting you down don t worry.
Actual costs will depend on job size conditions and options.
But even if you re lucky enough to have insulation in your home you heating and cooling bills might be out of control.
