Table of Contents
Is attic insulation necessary in California?
Sacramento and most of California are in Zone 3, which requires attic insulation with an R-value between 30 and 60. On this chart, each part of the country is divided into different zones and each zone has a recommended R-value.
Is insulation required by code in California?
Prescriptive options for attics have been simplified. The mandatory minimum insulation in 2×6 framed walls is R-20. Quality Insulation Installation (QII) is now a prescriptive requirement.
Is insulation required in attic?
Without insulation, your attic is losing precious heat in winter and gaining a lot of heat in summer. Insulation in your roof space will not only help your home better regulate temperatures, it’ll make your heating and cooling more energy efficient and lower your power bill.
What is the code for attic insulation?
Recommended insulation levels for retrofitting existing wood-framed buildings
| Zone | Add Insulation to Attic | |
|---|---|---|
| Uninsulated Attic | Existing 3–4 Inches of Insulation | |
| 1 | R30 to R49 | R25 to R30 |
| 2 | R30 to R60 | R25 to R38 |
| 3 | R30 to R60 | R25 to R38 |
What insulation is required in California?
1. Using the climate zone map to the right, match the jurisdiction to the appropriate IECC climate zone. Use the simplified table of IECC building envelope requirements (below) to determine the basic thermal envelope requirements associated with the jurisdiction. 2.
What is code for insulation in ceilings?
Typical recommendations for exterior walls are R-13 to R-23, while R-30, R-38 and R-49 are common for ceilings and attic spaces. See the Department of Energy’s (DOE) ranges for recommended levels of insulation below.
When was insulation required in homes in California?
The first state building standards were implemented in 1975, with substantial upgrades in 1978 and 1983. These can be clearly seen in the levels of R-19 ceiling insulation and the presence of wall insulation.
What is the recommended R-value for attic?
R-38
Insulation levels are specified by R-Value. R-Value is a measure of insulation’s ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type.
How much insulation do you need in your attic?
In Zone 6, the average minimum requirement for attic insulation is 14 inches of R49 fill. The average recommended level is 17 inches of R60. In Zone 7, the average minimum requirement for attic insulation is 14 inches of R49 fill.
What is the current International Code for insulation?
Residential Insulation Codes and Standards The International Code Council develops model residential energy codes every three years, referred to as the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The model code currently in effect is the 2018 IECC. Model codes are adopted by most states and municipalities and frequently amended.
How does insulation help with energy code compliance?
Ducts Buried Within Ceiling Insulation: Deeply buried ducts in attics is an easy way to lower energy code compliance costs for builders using the simulated energy performance path. Homeowners can benefit from energy savings realized from lower-capacity, lower-cost HVAC systems.
What does it mean to have Grade I insulation?
Proper Installation of Insulation: Grade I installation delivers superior energy efficiency and is increasingly required by state energy codes. Insulation installation jobs that fail to meet Grade I criteria can mean construction delays due to callbacks, HERS rating penalties, and failed code inspections.