Attic Insulation Over Blown In

There are two main types of insulation.

Attic insulation over blown in.

When adding additional insulation you do not have to use the same type of insulation that currently exists in your. Insulation level are specified by r value. Input length width and desired r value of the area to be insulated. Any new batt or roll insulation installed over existing insulation in the attic needs to be without a vapor retarder face.

Faced insulation should not be placed on top of existing insulation in the attic. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. See install batt and roll insulation for details.

Add the right kind of insulation. A bag of cellulose runs about 11 50 and will cover 36 7 square feet at a. Cellulose insulation has an average thermal value of r 3 7 so you d need just over five inches to equal an r 19 batt. In a cooling climate a good blanket of attic insulation helps keep the house cooler and reduces the load on air conditioning equipment.

Your options for attic insulation range from radiant barriers to sheets of mineral wool but most homeowners stick with products made from cellulose or fiberglass. Blown in spray foam batts and blankets. The vapor retarder on top of or between layers of insulation can trap moisture. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.

Batt and roll insulation and loose fill sometimes known as blown in insulation. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Batt and roll insulation works well between joist and stud spaces or if you have a wide open space or a crawlspace.

Blown in cellulose has a higher r rating and is less expensive than either blown insulation like fiberglass attic insulation or fiberglass batts. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. Cellulose blown in ceiling insulation is a good choice for diyers. Most attics are insulated with blown in loose cellulose r 3 5 per inch blown in loose fiberglass r 2 5 per inch or fiberglass batts r 3 2 per inch.

Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. Blown in cellulose is an environmentally friendly material made from recycled newspaper so it s easier on your skin and lungs. This calculator is to be used as an estimating tool only. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.

Click the button to calculate the depth in inches and pounds of total insulation required for this job.