Inspect and measure the thickness of any insulation you find there. It will most likely be a fiberglass batt, so multiply the thickness in inches by 3.2 to find out the R-value (or the R-value might be visible on a product label).
How do I know what R-value I need?
Depending on where you live and the part of your home you’re insulating (walls, crawlspace, attic, etc.), you’ll need a different R-Value. Typical recommendations for exterior walls are R-13 to R-23, while R-30, R-38 and R-49 are common for ceilings and attic spaces.
How do you know what R rating for insulation?
R-Values. An insulating material’s resistance to conductive heat flow is measured or rated in terms of its thermal resistance or R-value — the higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. The R-value depends on the type of insulation, its thickness, and its density.
What R-value insulation is best for attics?
Attics. 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 do I measure my attic for insulation?
- Take your ruler and push it down through your insulation. Simply take your ruler and push it down through or next to your attic’s insulation. …
- Repeat the first step at several different spots in your attic. …
- Multiply the depth of your attic’s insulation by it’s corresponding R-value.
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.
How thick is R38 insulation?
The R-38 high-performance batts are 10˝ to 10-1/4˝ thick as opposed to stan- dard R-38 fiber glass insulation batts of 12˝.
What size is my attic?
To determine the size of your attic, multiply the width by the length of the attic floor in feet. For a single story house, this is usually the same as the square footage of the house itself, plus any attached garage area.
How thick is R60 insulation?
R60 Required Thickness of Insulation Materials
| Insulation Material | Thickness Required for R60 |
|---|---|
| Fiberglass (Loose-fill) | 16-20 inches |
| Spray foam (Closed-cell) | 6-10 inches |
| Spray foam (Open-cell) | 10-14 inches |
| Cellulose (Loose-fill) | 15-20 inches |
What is the average attic size?
The average size of an attic is typically between 1600 sq. ft and 1800 sq. ft, but that can vary depending on the building’s design.
Does a finished attic count as square footage?
In general, areas like staircases and closets count as finished square footage. Spaces like garages, three-season porches and unfinished basements or attics are not included in the square footage of a house.
How are attics ventilated?
Attic Ventilation Basics
Intake vents are located at the lowest part of the roof under the eaves, high on the sides of the house within a gable, or as shingled intake vents that are installed on a low part of the roof. These vents allow cool air to enter the attic.
What is considered livable square footage?
When house plan sellers refer to Total Living square feet, they are referring to the “living area” of the home. This can be thought of as the area that will be heated or cooled. It is called the living area because this is where you spend your time. An attic, while a useful storage area, is not living space.
Is a finished garage considered living space?
Due to the housing crisis, California now allows homeowners to convert their garages to a living space. Living in a garage in California is only legal if the garage has been converted to a habitable space through the proper channels.
What is the average square footage of a 3 bedroom house?
Three-bedroom homes in the United States range in size from 976 square feet to over 2,600 square feet, according to House Plans. The average three-bedroom, two-bath American home now is 1,200 to 1,400 square feet, which is much less than the 2,164 square foot average home size in 2009.
Does a garage count towards square footage?
The garage does not count towards the square footage of a house, as that is considered an unfinished space. A garage will only count towards the square footage of a home is if it has been legally converted into a living space.
How many square feet is the average 2 car garage?
360 square feet
Standard **two-car garages are about 18 feet wide and 20 feet deep or 360 square feet. While that is enough for two cars, extra storage might be hard to come by.
Do closets count as square footage?
Stairways and closets will usually be included in the square footage length. When it comes to porches and other outdoor spaces, they’re usually only included if they use the same heating system as the rest of the house.
