"When it comes to attic insulation, R-value is a critical term to understand.
It's the measure of a material's ability to resist heat flow.
In simpler terms, R-value indicates how well insulation can keep heat from moving through it."
What Does R-Value Measure?
R-value specifically measures thermal resistance.
A higher R-value means the insulation provides greater resistance to heat transfer.
This resistance is crucial in both winter and summer:
In Winter, higher R-value insulation prevents heat from escaping your warm home to the cold outdoors, reducing your heating costs.
In Summer, it works in reverse, preventing external heat from entering your cool home, which lowers your air conditioning expenses.
Why is R-Value Important?
R-Value is important for several reasons:
Recommended R-Values for the Great Lakes Home Remodeling Area
The ideal R-value for attic insulation varies depending on the climate.
In the Great Lakes Home Remodeling region, including Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana, we experience cold winters and hot summers.
For attic insulation in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan, the recommended R-values are largely consistent due to their similar climate zones (primarily Climate Zone 5, with parts of Michigan in Zones 6 and 7).
Here are the specific recommendations based on recent codes and expert guidance:
Attic Insulation R-Value
Details by State:
Additional Notes
Existing Insulation: If your attic already has some insulation (3–4 inches), you should add enough to reach at least R-49.
Material Types: Common attic insulation materials include fiberglass batts, blown-in cellulose, and fiberglass
loose-fill, with R-values per inch ranging from 2.9 to 3.2 for fiberglass and about 3.2 for cellulose.
Energy Efficiency: Higher R-values (up to R-60) are recommended for maximum energy savings and comfort, especially in northern Michigan and for homes seeking above-code performance.
In summary, homeowners in the GGreat Lakes Home Remodeling region should aim for attic insulation with an R-value between R-49 and R-60 for new or uninsulated
attics to ensure good thermal performance and energy savings.
Important Considerations:
It's important to note that the total R-value of your attic insulation depends on factors beyond just the insulation material itself:
Want to talk? Let's do it!
Get a no-obligation estimate for your roofing, siding, window, or gutter project.
Phone
(800) 715-ROOF (7663)Business hours
9 am to 5 pm ET
Corporate Office: 1602 W Bancroft St, Toledo, OH 43606
Detroit Branch Office: 1395 Wheaton Drive, Suite 700, Troy, MI 48083
Dayton Branch Office: West 2nd St, Dayton, OH 45804
Cleveland Branch Office: Cleveland, OH 44114
Fort Wayne Branch Office: Fort Wayne, IN 46809