About Attic R-Value Improvement

Upgrading attic insulation to the recommended R-value improves the home’s energy efficiency. It keeps indoor air conditioned during summer and prevents warm outdoor air from penetrating the living space during winter. The higher R-value helps minimize air loss and lowers utility bills, month after month.

Attic Temperature Control Methods

The R-value represents the material’s resistance to thermal flow and differs by application, climate, and building code requirements. Recommended R-values range from R-13 in walls to R-60 in ceilings and attics. The higher the R-value, the thicker the insulation and the more effective it is.

R-value selection also depends on the home’s existing attic space and desired comfort improvements. For example, a Minneapolis home spending $2,400 annually on heating might save $300 to $500 by installing R49. R60 costs slightly more but offers measurable performance gains in extreme climates and for homes with specific performance goals.

Walls

Wall insulation isn’t a do-it-yourself project, but it can make the home more comfortable and lower its utility bills. Heat escapes through exterior walls just like ceilings and roofs, but wall insulation is often inadequate to keep conditioned air in. Increasing the R-value in the wall and sealing air leaks can help maximize energy savings.

316 Insulation of Seattle
2420 E Union St Seattle WA 98122
253-332-7606