Do I Need Sidewall Insulation In Attic

For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices.

Do i need sidewall insulation in attic.

In general an attic s r value should be between r 30 and r 49. Insulation level are specified by r value. While wearing dust mask and gloves carry r 38 batts of unfaced fiberglass insulation into the attic. First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation.

R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. Your home s r value score will guide you toward the type of insulation you need. After confirming that your attic is air sealed you need to select insulation.

Handy homeowners can install blown in insulation in the attic. In this video this old house general contractor tom silva and host kevin o connor explain how to insulate an attic. Lay the batts across the ceiling joists covering the existing insulation. Standard sidewall widths of both 15 and 23 are available.

There are many types to choose from including blown in cellulose batt such as fiberglass mineral wool or cotton. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. We offer our review of the three most popular types of attic insulation with a look at each one s pros and cons. 16 and 24 widths are available for steel stud construction in many parts of the country building codes today call for insulation levels of r 19 or higher in sidewall assemblies.

You should deduct for these areas blowing side walls. Your attic should have a certain amount of insulation in it and the recommended level of insulation for your attic is dependent on where you live. Your options for attic insulation range from radiant barriers to sheets of mineral wool but most homeowners stick with products made from cellulose or fiberglass. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.

Today s insulation products are manufactured to fit in both 2 x 4 and 2 x 6 construction. Inspecting your attic insulation. Blown in spray foam batts and blankets. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

Divide the side wall square footage by the coverage per bag as indicated by the sidewall coverage chart. In particularly cold climates you might go up to r 60. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home.