Requirements For Attic Insulation In Louisiana

The r value of thermal insulation depends on the type of material its thickness and its density.

Requirements for attic insulation in louisiana.

How can you tell if a home needs more attic insulation. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. The higher the r value the greater the insulating effectiveness. Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

It will require a much larger vent space than with natural attic ventilation. Attic fans and roof turbines are mainly used in existing structures as a last resort. The doe recommends the louisiana region be insulated to r 49 r60. Insulation is rated in terms of thermal resistance called r value which indicates the resistance to heat flow.

To get an r 60 rating the home s attic will require 19 20 inches of blown in insulation. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. Insulation level are specified by r value. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.

Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. Your attic should have a certain amount of insulation in it and the recommended level of insulation for your attic is dependent on where you live. Inspecting your attic insulation. While federal and in some cases state guidelines for insulation levels are merely recommendations the local building code is the true authority over insulation requirements.

Insulation has the property of heat storage which provides a time lag for heat penetration. For new construction an appropriately designed attic will not require either turbines or an attic fan. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Find your zone on the map and then use the chart to determine the level of insulation you need to properly insulate your attic walls floors and crawlspaces.

So it s time to pay close attention to what s happening up there. The amount of heat passing through the assembly will vary due to the heat applied and the time interval. However if a fan is used make sure the proper inlet vent space is accommodated. Proper attic insulation is the best way to prevent heat loss in the winter and retain cool air in the summer.

Insulation r value requirements for usa. How much attic insulation is needed in the louisiana region. First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation. The choice of insulation material to be used in a building envelope assembly is limited by the thickness of the cavity and the required r value.