How can I insulate my attic in southern California?

What is the best attic insulation for Southern California?

In the Southern California climate, the recommended total attic insulation is a rating of up to R60. For homes with an existing 3-4 inches of insulation, that means adding about 12-15 inches of insulation (R30-R38). Selecting the right R-value will reduce your energy costs the most.

Do you need attic insulation in California?

Sacramento and most of California are in Zone 3, which requires attic insulation with an R-value between 30 and 60. On this chart, each part of the country is divided into different zones and each zone has a recommended R-value.

How much does it cost to insulate an attic in California?

The average cost to insulate an attic is between $1 and $7 per square foot. This equates to a typical price range of up to $1,500 per project including labor and materials. For attics with smaller square footage, costs can be as low as $500 while insulation for larger attics can cost up to $4,000.

What is the California code for attic insulation?

minimum R-22 attic insulation Unvented attics must be air-sealed at roof deck, eaves, gables and penetrations. Gables to be insulated as exterior walls. Any attic insulation not listed under “Prescriptive” must use Performance options (e.g., unvented attics, or attics with foam board above the roof deck).

Which is better cellulose or fiberglass blown-in insulation?

At 3.5 per inch of material, the R-value of blown-in cellulose is 23% better per inch than fiberglass batts! According to research done at the Oak Ridge National Lab, fiberglass loses up to 50% of its R-value in very cold conditions; making cellulose a better choice for homes in northern climates.

Is R 19 insulation Good for attic?

Most homes only have R19 in attics. To give you an idea that’s only 5 1/2 inches of insulation. That’s ok for your walls. But remember heat rises right.

Is R30 insulation good for attic?

The average recommended level is 14 inches of R49. In Zone 2, the average minimum requirement for attic insulation is 9 inches of R30 fill. The average recommended level is 17 inches of R60. In Zone 3, the average minimum requirement for attic insulation is 9 inches of R30 fill.

Can you over insulate an attic?

Can you over insulate your attic? The answer is yes! Past a certain point, insulation in a vented attic will do more harm than good. In most of the United States, achieving an R-Value of 38 is more than sufficient.

What R-value do I need in California?

Again, the type of ceiling you have will play a role in determining the R-value that will be most efficient and cost effective, but you will always want an R-value of at least R-38 for a residential home in California.

Do you need a vapor barrier in California?

We need vapor barriers in California Climate Zones 14-16. In some climate zones, an air barrier allows currents of air to help prevent water vapor from forming. A vapor barrier is likely required if the building is cladded with absorptive material and if the structure is in United States climate zones 4C, 5 through 8.

Is radiant barrier required in California?

Can you explain the following statement in California’s Title 24? “The Title 24 prescriptive compliance approach requires a radiant barrier in climate zones with significant cooling loads (zones 2-15). The performance approach does not require a radiant barrier in any climate zone.”

What R-value is best for attic insulation?

The absolute minimum for attic insulation R-values across the country is R-30, with upper recommended ranges between R-49 and R-60 for zones 1 through 3.

How many inches is R38?

Fiberglass Chart

Is R 13 insulation good?

R13 often does a good job of reducing cold temperatures in many of the country’s southern regions. Since many homes have 2×4 wall framing, particularly in their basements, R13 insulation is typically the primary choice for many property owners.

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.

How much does blown attic insulation cost?

Home Advisor estimates that installing blown-in attic insulation costs anywhere from $600 to $1,200 for attics about 1000 square feet in size. The average home should need an R-value of about 30, which means 10 to 14 inches of total insulation.

Is blown in insulation worth it?

Unless your home is relatively new, you will almost certainly benefit from installing blown insulation in your attic. It will make your home a more comfortable place to be in summer and winter, decrease the cost of your energy bills, and increase the value of your home.

How much difference does attic insulation make?

One of the places in your home where a little bit of attention can make a big difference in your comfort — and heating bill — is the attic. According to the Department of Energy, properly insulating the attic can save 10 to 50 percent on a typical heating bill.

Can I insulate my attic myself?

For DIY attic insulation, you’ve got two choices: loose fill or batt (the common term for blanket insulation). Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. Once you’ve decided which type is best for you, examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.

Should you remove old attic insulation before adding new?

Your insulation needs to be removed along with the droppings, as it’ll carry some of its toxicity if left in your attic. Removing old insulation and replacing it with new ones will not only rid your home from any rodent infestation and mold, but also improve its energy efficiency and overall air quality.