Attic Insulation Material Ratings

The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

Attic insulation material ratings.

R values vary based on the type thickness and density of the material being used. From schools to businesses to family homes our insulation works everywhere. Insulation materials run the gamut from bulky fiber materials such as fiberglass rock and slag wool cellulose and natural fibers to rigid foam boards to sleek foils. According to home advisor insulating your attic can cost between 1700 to 2100.

Bulky materials resist conductive and to a lesser degree convective heat flow in a building cavity. The most effective places to add insulation to older homes are exterior walls attics basements and crawl spaces. First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation. Fiberglass insulation rated at r 15 to fit a standard 4 inch wall costs around 0 50 per square inch as of 2013 according to fine.

Inspecting your attic insulation. Rock wool generally costs more than fiberglass insulation. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. Its expert engineering lets you create the most comfortable environment without compromising your design.

Rigid foam boards trap air or another gas to resist conductive heat flow. Square footage of your attic. Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Insulation level are specified by r value.

The main factors that impact the cost are. Insulation with a higher r value will perform better than insulation with a lower rating. Gary ombler getty images. Now that you ve air sealed your attic and basement check your attic insulation levels and add more if necessary.

Insulation our building science makes insulation br smarter. Contractor or insulation installer s fee. You ll need about 12 inches of insulation material. The attic is the easiest place to add insulation to improve your comfort and the energy efficiency of your home.

Type and material of your insulation. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.