How to Estimate Batt Insulation Needs for an Attic

Contributor

By eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (3 Ratings)

Attic insulation comes in two forms--batt or blown in insulation. Blown in insulation needs to be installed by a professional. With time and patience, you can install batt insulation yourself. First, you need to estimate how much Batt insulation it will take to insulate your attic.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Tape measure

Step 1

Check local building code to see what their attic insulation requirements are. Every area is different but there is a minimum R-value requirement. The R-value refers to the insulation's resistance to heat flow, with a larger number representing greater resistance.
Step 2

Measure the length and width of the attic area you are insulating.
Step 3

Multiply the attic length by the width to determine the total square footage.
Step 4

Determine the space between the joists to determine the insulation width needed. It should be either 15 or 23 inches. Width between joists doesn't matter if you are laying the new insulation over existing insulation. It will lay across the tops of the joists rather than in between them.
Step 5

Decide which Batt insulation you need and note the square footage per package.
Step 6

Divide the total square footage of the area that you want to insulate by the total square footage in the each package. Round up to the next package when purchasing your insulation.
Step 7

Use an online site to do the math for you, such as OwensCorning.com (see Resources section below).

Comments

macgyver35 said

Flag This Comment

on 2/11/2009 A properly insulated home will often save homeowners as much or more money as purchasing a newer, more efficient HVAC system. Also, insulation has no recurring or maintenance costs, and the improved efficiency lessens the workload of your HVAC system, extending its lifespan, in addition to lowering utility bills. Our company has been serving the Dallas / Fort Worth area for over 10 years. We have a wide range of insulation products, as well as fireplaces and garage doors. Feel free to visit our site at www.tdsupplytexas.com or call us at 972-242-4106.

AtticGuys said

on 12/30/2008 Most attics have been neglected for years and have suffered from remodeling, re-roofing, or rodent contamination. In these cases homeowners should consider hiring a professional to remove old insulation and install new insulation. Especially in cases of rodent infestations, even the CDC recommends to "Take precautions before and during clean up of rodent-infested areas." http://www.cdc.gov/rodents/cleaning_up/index.htm

Attic Guys is a professional Cleaning and Decontamination Service. We are experts at any type of attic cleanup that homeowners may need. Give us a call for a free inspection 949-585-9300 or visit our website http://www.atticguys.com for more information on Cleaning your attic.