General

Proper insulation is key to maintaining an energy-efficient home, and special attention should be given to your attic. Because hot air rises, your attic – the highest point of your home – is the primary area where heat loss can occur. But, how much insulation is enough to minimize heat loss from your attic?

There are different factors to consider, including how old your home is (the older the home, the more insulation it will require), but the primary factor is where you live. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) divides the country up into eight zones, each representing a unique climate. Each of these zones has a range of recommended R-values, which are measurements of resistance to heat flow, for home insulation. For instance, southern states in zone one have a lower R-value than northern states in zone six where winters are much colder.

No matter where you live, the recommended minimum R-value is 38, or 10–14 inches of insulation. There should be enough insulation in your attic to cover your floor joists – if you can still see the floor joists in the attic, then you likely do not have enough insulation. Additionally, the insulating materials should be evenly distributed from eave to eave with no low spots.

If you’re concerned that your attic is not properly insulated, turn to the home renovation experts at BELDON®. We offer lightweight, fiberglass insulation that is guaranteed to last for years to come. Our expert installers use a specialized blowing machine to maximize the R-value of the insulation and to ensure it is evenly distributed across your attic. Help your home become more energy efficient by contacting BELDON® today.

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