What Insulation For Attic Ceiling

Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.

What insulation for attic ceiling. Proper attic insulation is the best way to prevent heat loss in the winter and retain cool air in the summer. Look for insulating pre cut jackets or blankets with an insulating value of at least r 8. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. So it s time to pay close attention to what s happening up there.

These r values are a sum meaning this should be the total r value once you add up the entire depth of insulation. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Find your zone on the map and then use the above insulation r value chart to determine the level of insulation you need to properly insulate your attic walls floors and crawlspaces. Ensure ends of insulation are butted together and flush to underside of framing.

Air migrates from warmer spaces toward colder spaces and insulation is designed to help prevent or at least slow that migration. Insulate your attic outer walls and crawl space first as these areas have the most heat transfer. Ensure conditioned attic insulation strategy is compliant with local. Ensure insulation extends to the outside edge of the exterior top plates and to the peak of the cathedral ceiling.

Before you ever get insulation anywhere near the attic though make sure that you get the air leakage sites sealed up. That means insulating the attic floor only not the walls and having vents in the roof. In finished attic rooms with or without dormer insulate 2a between the studs of knee walls 2b between the studs and rafters of exterior walls and roof 2c and ceilings with cold spaces above. How to insulate a finished attic.

Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. A finished attic should be insulated much like the rest of the house with insulation in the walls and ceiling. Insulation level are specified by r value. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.

With a finished attic insulation must help keep the attic areas comfortable. Adding insulation to your water heater can reduce standby heat losses by 25 to 45 percent. Friction fit insulation between and parallel to the attic framing members. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home.

If you put an air permeable insulation material over a hole in your ceiling you may have comfort indoor air quality durability and efficiency problems. 2d extend insulation into joist space to reduce air flows.