New Attic Insulation Standards

One of the easiest ways to make a spray foam insulation more energy efficient is by adding attic insulation. Proper attic insulation reduces heating and cooling costs and improves comfort. But, with changing building codes and increasing energy prices, home insulation requirements are becoming more stringent.

The 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) specifies building envelope components and air sealing criteria to limit air leakage and improve energy efficiency in buildings. The IECC provides guidance for constructing a home’s thermal envelope, which includes walls, roof, floor, foundation and windows. The envelope prevents heat loss or gain by slowing conductive and convective heat flow, and by reducing radiant heat gain.

Insulation materials include cellulose, fiberglass and foam. They are available in a variety of thicknesses, or R-values. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. R-value recommendations vary by climate zone. For example, the R-value for wall insulation varies from R-13 to R-30 in northern climates, and from R-38 to R-49 in southern areas.

Insulation Options For Renovations

R-value recommendations also vary by how the insulation is installed. For instance, rolled fiberglass insulation requires precision rolling into framing bays. It has a relatively low R-value per inch, and it may require special tools to install properly. Foam insulation is more flexible, and it is much easier to install. However, it has a lower R-value per inch than cellulose and fiberglass.

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