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The effectiveness of insulating your attic depends on the proper R-value for your home (depending upon where you live) and how you insulate the attic.
R-Factor
The R-factor is a scale that goes from low to high, with higher numbers meaning better insulation effectiveness. Most attics need an R-38 but my attic needs an R-49. There are even proposed energy codes that would increase that number to over R-50. Calculate your home's R-Value.
Effectiveness of the R-Factor
The effectiveness of an insulated attic, wall or floor depends on how and where the insulation is installed.
Here are some important tips on installing insulation to remember:
- Do not compress the insulation.
- Insulation should cover the tops of the joists.
- If you can, use insulative sheathing on walls.
So even though an R-Factor is important to properly insulating your attic, it is important to properly insulate the joists and walls.
Source: US Department of Energy Consumer Savings Guide.
