How many inches of insulation should I have in my attic?

The higher the R-Value, the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type.
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Can you have too much attic insulation?

It's possible to over-insulate an attic as too much will cause moisture buildup and eventually result in mold. Eventually, adding more insulation leads to diminishing returns in trapping heat as well.
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How do I know if my attic needs more insulation?

Looking across your attic, if the insulation is level with or below the attic floor joists, you probably need to add more insulation. Assumes R-3/inch. If you cannot see any of the floor joists because the insulation is well above them, you probably have enough, and adding more insulation may not be cost-effective.
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Is 6 inches of attic insulation enough?

Most joists are six to seven inches tall, and if they are completely filled with material, they are insulated at R-21. However, the DOE recommends that attics in Southern homes be insulated with 13 to 14 inches, or R-38, of insulation at minimum.
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Does adding extra insulation in the attic help?

Installing attic insulation this winter is a worthwhile long-term investment because it can significantly decrease your heating bills. As an added benefit, when the hot D.C. temperatures come back, the attic insulation will also minimize your air conditioning bills.
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How Much Insulation Do I Need in My Attic? | Foam University



What R-value should I have in my attic?

R-Value is a measure of insulation's ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type.
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Should you remove old attic insulation before adding new?

Expert contractors that specialize in insulation advise that removing old fiberglass insulation is best before installing new cellulose insulation because of possible mildew, mold, or rodent excrement.
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Is R 30 insulation Good for attic?

Typical recommendations for exterior walls are R-13 to R-23, while R-30, R-38 and R-49 are common for ceilings and attic spaces. See the Department of Energy's (DOE) ranges for recommended levels of insulation below.
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Is R30 insulation good for attic?

The average recommended level is 14 inches of R49. In Zone 2, the average minimum requirement for attic insulation is 9 inches of R30 fill. The average recommended level is 17 inches of R60. In Zone 3, the average minimum requirement for attic insulation is 9 inches of R30 fill.
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What is the R-value of 4 inch insulation?

For areas with 3-4 inches of existing insulation, you will need an R-value of 38-49. For insulating flooring, you will need an R-value of 25-30.
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What type of insulation is best for attic?

Many people consider fiberglass batt to be the best attic insulation. It consists of plastic reinforced by small glass fibers. The batt version comes in blanket form — i.e., small, pre-cut sections that you can lay down wherever you need to.
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Is it better to insulate ceiling or roof?

If you are deciding between insulating the roof deck or the ceiling, Insulating your ceiling should be the priority. Not only is it easier but ceiling insulation is beneficial in a number of ways: Keeps the temperature in the building regulated. Saves on energy costs.
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Which is better attic insulation blown or rolled?

Rolled fiberglass insulation scores an R-value of 3.7. So overall, rolled fiberglass insulation is slightly more effective at blocking in and out heat than its blown counterpart.
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Can too much insulation cause mold?

Although insulation helps to reduce moisture, it can also trap it, particularly in basements, leading to mold growth between insulation and walls.
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Can R-value be too high?

The greater the R-value, the more effectively that piece of insulation will resist the conductive flow of heat. In other words, insulation with high R-value provides better thermal insulation. So highly thermal insulation is very good for your home.
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Is R-38 insulation Good for attic?

As of 2016, the standard building code for attic insulation in L.A., Orange, Ventura and surrounding counties is R-38.
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Is R19 good for attic?

Most homes only have R19 in attics. To give you an idea that's only 5 1/2 inches of insulation. That's ok for your walls. But remember heat rises right.
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Which is better R19 or R30 insulation?

The bigger the R value, the better the insulation is at slowing down the heat transfer. So R19 is better insulation than R13, and R30 is better than R19. The larger the R value, the better the insulation value.
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Is R30 insulation good for ceiling?

When insulating your home, it is important to consider all sides of a room, including the ceiling. R-values measure the resistance to heat flow across a material. For ceilings, R-30 insulation is the recommended minimum.
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What is r10 insulation used for?

OVERVIEW. For use as general purpose insulation for roofing, wall and foundation applications.
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Do mice nest in insulation?

Both rats and mice tend to make nests in the insulation around the ducting and the floor registers because that area tends to be warmed by the heat from the furnace.
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How often should attic insulation be changed?

As a general rule, insulation should be replaced or retrofitted every 15 to 20 years. However, it may need replacing or retrofitting sooner depending on the type of insulation installed, the R rating of the original insulation, compression and movement over time, and whether any damage has occurred.
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Can you vacuum fiberglass insulation?

If removing blown-in insulation, use a HEPA or ULPA vacuum cleaner only, available at equipment rental services and home improvement centers, to suck the insulation out of the wall or cavity it is in. Regular vacuum cleaners will only blow the fiberglass fragments throughout the structure you are working in.
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