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If you live in the Southern part of the U.S., the recommended insulation level is a minimum of R-38 or about 13-14 inches of insulation. If you live in the Northern part of the U.S., the recommended insulation level is a minimum of R-49 or about 16-18 inches of insulation.
While loft insulation is an effective way to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs, over-insulating can lead to several potential issues. Firstly, over-insulation can lead to poor ventilation in the attic, which can cause moisture buildup and increase the risk of mould growth.
Warm loft insulation (Professional)
For the full recommended depth of 270mm, insulation must be installed between and beneath the rafters. You'll also need Building Regulations approval before work can begin.
Do I Have To Remove Old Insulation? Unless your insulation is wet, moldy or infested with pests, you don't need to remove it before adding insulation on top of it. ENERGY STAR® recommends that you inspect your insulation for signs of mold, mildew, moisture and pest infiltration before making this determination.
Blown fiberglass insulation scores an R-value of 3.2 to 3.8, making it slightly less likely than rolled fiberglass to prevent the flow of heat into and out of your house. That being said, though, blown fiberglass insulation isn't meant to cover huge areas like rolled fiberglass insulation.
If your home, or upper floor, is too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter it is likely that you have insufficient attic insulation. If a visual inspection of your attic identifies that the insulation is level with or below the attic joists – you need more insulation.
Proper attic insulation can also keep your roof in better condition by helping to prevent ice dams and condensation. Your building codes may require you to have a certain quality of insulation. However, installing even better insulation is to your advantage and your roof's advantage.
However, due to its construction with natural materials, eventually the product will lose effectiveness. Fiberglass insulation typically needs to be replaced 15-20 years into it's life, as it can easily become dirty, wet, moldy, and ineffective if there's a roof leak or water damage of any kind.
Also, when laying down additional insulation, work from the perimeter toward the attic opening. Never lay insulation over recessed light fixtures or soffit vents. Keep all insulation at least 3 inches away from recessed "can" lights, unless they are rated IC (Insulated Ceiling).
Can I put plywood over insulation in the attic? Yes you can install plywood subflooring directly over the floor joists and insulation on your floor. You need to install rigid insulation boards on top of the attic flooring joists and then install plywood over the top.
Increased AC wear and tear: The hot air that enters your home due to poor attic insulation increases the strain on your air conditioning system, leading to increased wear and tear, more frequent breakdowns, and costly repairs.
The recommended R-value for attic insulation can vary depending on the climate zone in which you live. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends attic insulation levels of R-49 to R-60 for most homes in colder climates, and R-30 to R-49 for homes in warmer climates.
On average, you can save up to 20% on your home's heating and cooling costs or up to 10% on its total energy costs by adding insulation to attics, floors, crawl spaces, and accessible basement rim joists, and by reducing unwanted air leaks all around your house.
Now that you've air-sealed your attic and basement, check your attic insulation levels and add more if necessary. The attic is the easiest place to add insulation to improve your comfort and the energy efficiency of your home.
How deep should cellulose insulation be in my attic? According to Energystar.gov, most attics' recommended cellulose insulation level is to insulate to R-38 (about 10 to 14 inches). However, homeowners in the Cincinnati area should take into consideration the climate and adjust accordingly.
Best Time of Year to Buy Insulation
In this case, the spring is the best time, because you will also start to see savings in the summer months. The same is true for warmer climates, just different times of year because you'll want the job finished before the heat sets in.
Should You Insulate the Attic Floor or Roof Deck? If you are looking for an insulation upgrade that you can see (on your energy bill) and feel (in a home that is more comfortable), we recommend insulating the attic floor, and using radiant barriers on the roof deck.
Walking in an Insulated Attic
Walking in an attic with insulation on the floor requires a careful balance between maintaining the insulation's effectiveness and modifying the space for safety and utility.
To do so, take the square footage of the space and divide it by either the depth or the desired R-value. Our blow-in insulation calculator can help take the guesswork out of scoping and pricing for your next cellulose insulation project.
Cellulose is an eco-friendly and cost-effective insulation for attics. Fiberglass and mineral wool are also popular choices because they are good at keeping heat in or out and resist moisture and pests. Special equipment blows the loose-fill material into the attic spaces, ensuring it covers everything evenly.
Signs That Your Attic Insulation Needs Improvement
On average, attic insulation can last 80 to 100 years; However, it is continually decomposing and losing energy efficiency. In order to maintain the same level of insulation, experts recommend adding attic insulation every 15 years.