DEPTH NEEDED FOR INSULATING ATTICS

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DEPTH NEEDED FOR INSULATING ATTICS
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Whether you live in a warm-weather state, as I
do, or in a cooler northern climate, its hard to
stay comfortable and keep your energy bills in
check if you dont have adequate insulation in
the attic. But many homeowners I talk with dont
know how much is enough. The answer depends on
where you live. 
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Typically, houses in warm-weather states should
have an R-38 insulation in the attic, whereas
houses in cold climates should have R-49. These
insulation levels will keep heated air from
migrating out in winter. In a cooling climate, a
good blanket of attic insulation helps keep the
house cooler and reduces the load on
air-conditioning equipment.
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Most attics are insulated with blown-in loose
cellulose (R-3.5 per inch), blown-in loose
fiberglass (R-2.5 per inch) or fiberglass batts
(R-3.2 per inch). Cellulose is recycled newsprint
treated with a fire retardant. Fiberglass is just
thatthin fibers of glass that trap air. To
determine if you need more insulation, measure
whats in place with a ruler or tape. 
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The chart included below shows you the
approximate thickness of each type of insulation
you should ideally have in the attic. When you do
the measuring, make sure you have plenty of light
to work by, and work on a cool day. And be
careful not to step through the ceiling.
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• You can install fiberglass batts yourself right
  over existing insulation, but follow these
  precautions
• Wear a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, eye protection
  and a dust mask.
• Make sure you use an unfaced batt (one without a
  paper or foil layer) so the insulation does not
  trap moisture in the ceiling.

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• Lay the batts perpendicular to the joists so they
  do not compress the insulation below.
• Dont cover can lights unless they are rated for
  contact with insulation. Its safer to build a
  small enclosure with hardware cloth or plywood to
  keep loose insulation away from lights and
  exhaust fans.

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• Use cardboard or rigid-foam baffles to keep
  soffit vents open.
• Fill all cracks between the living area and the
  attic with caulk or expanding foam.

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A tightly sealed house is just as important as
insulation. If you decide on loose-fill
fiberglass or cellulose, consider hiring a pro to
install the material. The equipment pros use
blows in material at the correct density. Dont
be concerned if it seems they are installing more
insulation than necessary the material will
settle to the right thickness.
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