It is not uncommon to see 15 to 20 of insulation in a well insulated attic.
How many inches of insulation is needed in attic.
The average recommended level is 17 inches of r60.
First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation.
Once you ve determined the r value of insulation you need to decide which type of insulation you will use.
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.
Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.
Depending on type you will need somewhere between 10 and 18 inches of insulation to meet the recommended insulation values.
The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type.
Add the right kind of insulation when adding additional insulation you do not have to use the same type of insulation that currently exists in your attic.
In zone 5 the average minimum requirement for attic insulation is 11 inches of r38 fill.
For loose fill cellulose this translates to a total depth ranging from 8 inches.
If your attic insulation is only a few inches thick or if you can see the ceiling joists you re wasting money on your heating and cooling bills.
In temperate coastal areas such as zone 3 attic insulation of at least r30 up to a maximum of r60 is recommended.
In zone 6 the average minimum requirement for attic insulation is 14 inches of r49 fill.
Inspecting your attic insulation.
Input length width and desired r value of the area to be insulated.
The thicker the better.
The insulation in your attic should be at least 12 thick.
The average recommended level is 17 inches of r60.