2006-11-02 05:16:59 · 9 answers · asked by Sweetpea 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
I put r38 in my attic. It already had some insulation, but my utility bill averages $100/month to air condition and heat 1826 square feet. It is all electric. Our weather averages from 20 degrees to 100.....more or less-. Arkansas weather--cold today--really hot tomorrow!
2006-11-02 15:45:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As building codes vary in every state and county, I have included some words for thought below...
When considering adding insulation in an existing home many factors must be considered for safety reasons (e.g. blocking/batting around heat producing and certain electrical devices and keeping insulation away from the attic venting to allow for proper air-flow). It is best to leave attic insulation up to an experienced contractor to avoid safety (e.g. fire) and sustainability (e.g. mold/mildew issues) pitfalls.
The proper r-value, or insulating value is based on the type of insulation (the formula is existing insulation r-value + additional insulation r-value), for insulation varies depending on the climate in which you reside. For example, existing redwood bark provides an r-1 per inch of insulation and new loose-fill cellulose provides an r-3.5 per inch of insulation. So, if you have 2 inches of redwood bark existing and plan to install 4 inches of cellulose on top of it, then (after installing the loose-fill cellulose) you will have a total r-value of 16.
In a moderate climate (rain in the winter), a r-30 is generally considered energy efficient. Whereas, in a severe climate (snow in the winter), a r-36 to an r-40 is generally considered energy efficient.
2006-11-02 06:19:33 · answer #2 · answered by steinmancloud9 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
code has little to do with the amount of insulation. New construction generally R11 or R13 in the walls R19 in the attic is a good minimum. If you adding insulation "recommendations" is to get your attic to R25-R38, while is many climates this is overkill in northern climates if you do this your gas bill will be less. If has nothing to do with the building code.
2006-11-02 06:39:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Location, Location, Location... in Wisconsin we must build to a energy standard, before we can even get a permit we must do a energy load calculation, I insulate attics to R-40 and in my own home I insulated to r-60 (about 400.00 more) 5000 sq ft, propane heat 600.00 yr, average 15.00mo for air when in use.
2006-11-05 12:32:12 · answer #4 · answered by boss2002_us 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a general rule of thumb is R13 for 2x4 walls, R19 for 2x6 walls, and R 30 for floors and attics. I am a builder for 20 years. do not use anything less than R30 in your attic. The reason Bonno's insulator said anything higher is a waste is because he lives n Texas, it doesn't get cold enough to require it in Texas. Trust me you will notice a large difference with R30 in your attic
2006-11-02 10:54:36 · answer #5 · answered by gojets126 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Code wildly varies throughout the United States. Talk to your local city or county officials.
2006-11-02 05:57:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
egads there IS NO CODE for insulation....its up to the homeowner! Just as there is no code for the color you paint your house
2006-11-02 11:40:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
WHAT EVER YOU WANT...
INSULATION GUY TOLD ME ANYTHING THICKER THAN R-30 IS A WASTE OF MONEY!
TEXAS
2006-11-02 09:01:42 · answer #8 · answered by Bonno 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
blown or rolled? typical is 14-16"
2006-11-02 08:06:13 · answer #9 · answered by catsovermen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋