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 R-value do I need for attic in Texas?
Texas, which is in zone 2, has an R-Value recommendation of R30 to R60 for attics.
What R-value is required for roof insulation?
between 30 and 60
That’s where this nifty EnergyStar chart comes in handy. Sacramento and most of California are in Zone 3, which requires attic insulation with an R-value between 30 and 60.
What is an R-value and what value should be in the attic?
Recommended insulation levels for retrofitting existing wood-framed buildings
| Zone | Add Insulation to Attic | |
|---|---|---|
| Uninsulated Attic | Existing 3–4 Inches of Insulation | |
| 1 | R30 to R49 | R25 to R30 |
| 2 | R30 to R60 | R25 to R38 |
| 3 | R30 to R60 | R25 to R38 |
What type of insulation should be used in an attic?
Loose-fill fiberglass attic insulation still experiences convection, but not nearly as much as old fiberglass used to. If you check with the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, they’ll assure you that fiberglass or mineral wool is definitely your best choice for attic insulation.
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.
Can you put too much insulation in 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.
How thick is R49 attic insulation?
16.25”
Fiberglass Chart
| R-Value | Thickness | Bags / 1000 Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|
| R49 | 16.25” | 22.6 |
| R44 | 14.75” | 20.1 |
| R38 | 12.75” | 16.8 |
| R30 | 10.25” | 13.0 |
Is r19 good for attic?
Attics. Unless you add additional layers, R-19 insulation is not recommended for use in attics.
Can you over insulate a house?
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.
How thick should the insulation be in your attic?
about 10 to 14 inches
The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type.
Does stacking insulation increase R-value?
DIY Frequently Asked Questions / Can I stack insulation to get a higher R-value? Yes. For example, two R-19 batts can be stacked on each other to create R-38 insulation. You also can add loose-fill insulation on top of a bottom layer of batts.
Should attic insulation be faced or unfaced?
Attic Floor Insulation
Unfinished or uninsulated attics need a layer of protection to keep hot or cold air from migrating to the rest of your home. If you install batting between your attic floor joists, the material should be faced.
What is the most efficient attic insulation?
Fiberglass, cotton, and mineral wool can all work as loose-fill insulation material, but the far and away top choice for blown-in insulation is fiberglass. Contrary to batts insulation, blown-in fiberglass insulation is perfect for filling in tight voids around wiring, pipes, or any area with awkward framing.
Is spray foam insulation better than blown insulation?
Between spray foam and blown-in cellulose, which is better? Both spray foam and blown-in cellulose insulation have their advantages. Spray foam has a higher R-value, so it’s the more effective insulator.
What energy code does Texas use?
In 2002, Texas adopted ASHRAE 90.1 as the energy code for commercial and multi-family residential. Since 2002, Texas has continued to adopt the latest ASHRAE 90.1 Standard.
Are Texas homes insulated?
Texas homes built before the 1980s typically have little to no insulation. New residential construction from 2001 to the present falls under the IECC code adopted in 2001 and subsequently replaced by the IRC code in 2009 that mandates the installation of insulation.
How do you calculate insulation for a ceiling?
Multiply the wall’s length by the wall’s height and don’t forget to write down the spacing of the studs so you can then determine what type of the insulation will be purchased. You will need this as insulation normally comes in precut lengths or standard rolls designed to fit exactly into between studs.
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 lay new insulation over old?
You can absolutely new insulation over old insulation… as long as it isn’t wet. Energy Star advises as follows: “If it… appears that the insulation [is wet or] has previously been wet, you should look for the cause and repair the problem to prevent a reoccurrence. Remove any wet insulation.
Is R60 attic insulation worth it?
Recommended R-Value Varies by State
You need exactly as much as the area you live in determines. Here, where temps get pretty hot for much of the year, attics should have from R30 to R60 (average is R38). Those living up north want anything from R49 to R60. This helps insulate against the extreme cold weather.