If you think you’re among the 90% of US homes that are under-insulated,1 performing a simple insulation inspection will help you determine your insulation needs. Having the correct amount of attic insulation can help you maintain a comfortable temperature throughout your home and help save money on your energy bills.
How to calculate the R-value of your insulation
- Measure the thickness of your attic insulation. The depth in inches is half of the information you need to determine your insulation’s R-value.
- Find out what type of insulation you have.
- Multiply your insulation depth by your insulation’s R-value. Each type of insulation has its own R-value per inch. Use this table to finish calculating your R-value
| Insulation type | R-value |
| Fiberglass batts | 2.9 – 3.8 |
| Fiberglass loose fill | 2.2 – 2.9 |
| Cotton batts | 3.0 – 3.7 |
| Cellulose loose fill | 3.1 – 3.8 |
| Rockwool batts | 3.3 – 4.2 |
| Rockwool loose fill | 2.2 – 3.3 |
How much insulation should you install?
The amount of insulation recommended for your home will vary depending on a number of factors:
Where you live—Different climates require different insulation R-values.
Your home’s age—If your home is more than 15 years old, you likely need more insulation.
DIY or Pro?
Once you determine your attic is due for an upgrade, you can certainly complete this task on your own and can save on extra labor costs. However, it is hard to beat hiring an expert!
Our energy consultants have the skills and knowledge needed to not only determine the upgrade that is right for you, but they can also identify potential problem areas such as a roof leak, mold, asbestos, etc. Insulating your attic with improper air sealing and attic ventilation can be counterproductive and possibly cause long-term havoc to your home.
Streamline Energy Solutions is licensed and insured to provide quality installations that are guaranteed to save you energy and money. For a more holistic approach, we recommend completing an energy audit to pinpoint areas your home can benefit most.
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