Fiberglass is the most popular type of insulation in Texas. It is the most effective and perfect for filling in tights nooks and crannies. It is installed around pipes, wiring, and hard-to-reach areas. Some are also using batts, blown-in, or spray foam to a certain extent.
What is the required attic insulation in Texas?
Attics and Ceilings
Residents of southern and central Texas should insulate their attics to at least R-30, or about 9.5 inches of conventional fiberglass batt insulation. If you live in the Texas Panhandle, consider increasing your insulation level to at least R-38.
What is the most efficient way to insulate an attic?
You can use rigid foam panels or do as Tom Silva does with nearly all houses these days: Hire a pro to install spray foam insulation. Foam blocks airflow needs no vapor barrier and has a higher R-value per inch than loose fill or batts, so you’ll get more protection with less depth.
What R-Value do I need in Texas?
Our area of North Texas falls in climate zone three in which attics are recommended to have an R-Value between 38-49. With blown in fiberglass insulation, this means a minimum of 12 inches of attic insulation, up to 20 inches of fiberglass insulation.
How do you insulate attic in hot climate?
There are two main types of insulation used in attics. In a hot climate zone like southern Arizona, for example, we typically recommend blown-in fiberglass and radiant barrier. Blown-in fiberglass insulation provides a dense, effective barrier against heat loss that is also among the greenest insulation options.
Is extra attic insulation worth it?
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.
Should you insulate attic rafters?
In unfinished attic spaces, insulate between and over the floor joists to seal off living spaces below. If the air distribution is in the attic space, then consider insulating the rafters to move the distribution into the conditioned space.
Which is better attic insulation blown or rolled?
The Differences Between Blown-in and Rolled Insulation
In terms of R-value, they tend to be equal, although you can choose rolled insulation with varying R-values depending on your needs and your budget. The lower the R-value is, the less effective it will be as insulation – although it will be cheaper as well.
Is it better to insulate attic ceiling or floor?
roof insulation is no-contest. The floor wins every time. Insulating the floor is standard practice for an unfinished attic space. The exception to this rule takes place when families opt to convert an unfinished attic space into something usable or livable.
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.
How many inches of insulation should be in my attic?
The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type.
Is insulation required by code in Texas?
The 2015 International Energy Conservation Code reviews the energy-efficiency requirements for commercial building roofs in Texas. The minimum requirement for insulation installed entirely above the roof deck is R-25 for climate zones 2 and 3, and R-30 for climate zone 4. This code became effective on November 1, 2016.
How thick should spray foam be in attic?
Now generically speaking, we usually recommend open cell spray foam to be 6- to 10-inches on a roof deck or ceiling and 3-inches in the walls. Closed cell spray foam should be 4- to 5- inches on the ceiling and 2- to 3-inches in the walls.
What is the best insulation to keep heat out?
Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass Insulation. Fiberglass is the most common insulation used in modern times. Because of how it is made, by effectively weaving fine strands of glass into an insulation material, fiberglass is able to minimize heat transfer.
Is it OK to insulate roof rafters?
You can use rigid insulation boards, carefully cut to size, or you can have foam insulation sprayed between the rafters. Whichever approach you use, you will need a specialist professional to insulate your roof – this is not a DIY job.
What does it cost to insulate an attic?
The average cost to insulate an attic is between $1 and $7 per square foot. This equates to a typical price range of up to $1,500 per project including labor and materials. For attics with smaller square footage, costs can be as low as $500 while insulation for larger attics can cost up to $4,000.
Can you put too much insulation in an attic?
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.
Should I 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.
Can you have too much insulation?
It is possible to over-insulate your house so much that it can’t breathe. The whole point of home insulation is to tightly seal your home’s interior. But if it becomes too tightly sealed with too many layers of insulation, moisture can get trapped inside those layers. That’s when mold starts to grow.
Should I insulate my attic walls?
A finished attic should be insulated much like the rest of the house, with insulation in the walls and ceiling. If your attic is already finished, it probably is at least partially insulated. However, most older attics are under-insulated so it’s a good idea to raise the R-value where possible.
Is spray foam in the attic worth it?
A properly done spray foam job not only insulates but also greatly reduces the air leakage of a home. But that only works if the installer can get it into the places where most of the air leakage happens. In an attic, the eaves are one of the most critical places to get good coverage with the foam.