Cellulose Attic Insulation R Value
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.
Cellulose attic insulation r value. For example if you have a type of insulation that has an r value of r 5 per inch of thickness you will need a depth of 6 inches of this insulation installed your attic to reach r 30 if you live in zones 2 or 3. Once the current r value is estimated check the recommended r value based on the region of the country. Square feet of house or area to be insulated current and desired r value for insulation and type and cost of your energy. Loose fill cellulose insulation can settle around and conform to most of the obstructions found in walls and attics.
Input depth of existing blown in insulation in inches. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Cellulose insulation comes from recycled newsprint where waste paper from nationwide landfills is taken through several industrial chemical processes to make it suitable for home insulation use. As a benchmark one inch of solid wood has an r value of 1.
Average ratings 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. So for example a home in kansas is recommended to have a minimum r38 for attic insulation. How much is enough. These r values are a sum meaning this should be the total r value once you add up the entire depth of insulation.
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. This calculator is to be used as an estimating tool only. By today s standards most homes built more than 10 years ago can be considered under insulated. Use this insulation savings calculator to measure the financial impact of increasing your insulation performance.
Click the button to calculate the approximate r value for this job. Achieving greater r values in exterior walls. Cellulose insulation has a baseline r value of 3 8 per inch. Enter your data into the fields where indicated.
The common denominator among varieties of insulation is the r value. With blown in cellulose insulation that would require insulation to a depth of 10 inches.