Cellulose Attic Insulation R Value

As a benchmark one inch of solid wood has an r value of 1.

Cellulose attic insulation r value.

The r value of loose fill cellulose is r 3 2 3 8 per inch. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Enter your data into the fields where indicated. Loose fill cellulose is relatively inexpensive yet still has an r value of about 3 5 per inch of thickness compared to fiberglass r value between r3 to r4 per inch.

R value is a measurement of thermal resistance and measures the ability of heat to transfer from one side of an object to another. Your home s age if your home is more than 10 year old you likely need more insulation. Cellulose has an r value of 3 5 3 7 per inch where fiberglass has around 2 1 2 7 r per inch. Where you live different climates require different insulation r values.

So for example a home in kansas is recommended to have a minimum r38 for attic insulation. You can achieve better thermal performance in your attic by adding an additional layer of insulation. Once the current r value is estimated check the recommended r value based on the region of the country. With blown in cellulose insulation that would require insulation to a depth of 10 inches.

There are many ways to retrofit a home with fiberglass and. You will need a higher r value of insulation if you live in the northeast than if you live in southern california. Cellulose insulation comes from recycled newsprint where waste paper from nationwide landfills is taken through several industrial chemical processes to make it suitable for home insulation use. In comparison an inch of blown fiberglass insulation has an r value of 3 1 3 4 and an inch of blown cellulose in an attic has an r value of 3 2 3 7.

Loose fill cellulose insulation can settle around and conform to most of the obstructions found in walls and attics. When tested at 110 cellulose will retain 97 of the listed r value while fiberglass loses 12 or more. Achieving greater r values in exterior walls. When adding insulation r value is one of the first considerations.

Use this insulation savings calculator to measure the financial impact of increasing your insulation performance. Square feet of house or area to be insulated current and desired r value for insulation and type and cost of your energy. Cellulose retains more of its r value through a wider range of temperatures compared to fiberglass.