What R-value insulation do I need in Michigan?
Michigan is in climate zones 5 through 7. For an uninsulated attic, it would require an R-Value between R49 to R60. If you have an existing 3- to 4-inches of insulation in your attic, you will need between R38 to R49. You don’t always have to hit that prescribed R-Value.
What kind of insulation should I use in my attic in Michigan?
In Michigan, the recommended insulation level for an attic is R-60. A typical attic in an older home, with approximately two inches of fiberglass batt (R-Value of 2.2/in), has an R-Value of only around 5 — not nearly enough for a cold Michigan winter!
What is the insulation required in the roof?
The International Energy Conservation Code determines the energy-efficiency requirements for commercial building roofs. The minimum requirement for insulation installed entirely above the roof deck is R-25 for Climate Zone 3, R-30 for Climate Zone 5.
What is code for insulation in Michigan?
The minimum ceiling insulation R-values shall be R-24 in zones 5 to 7. The minimum wall R-value shall be R-13 in all zones. New wall or walls separating a sunroom from conditioned space shall meet the building thermal envelope requirements.
Should you insulate your roof rafters?
Insulating between rafters will do no good, because the attic should be ventilated, and the rafter insulation would be between two unheated spaces. You can add insulation to the floor; the more the merrier. Moisture buildup in the attic is a concern because it can condense into water, often causing mold.
What is the recommended R-value for roofs?
Depending on where you live and the part of your home you’re insulating (walls, crawlspace, attic, etc.), you’ll need a different R-Value. 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.
How thick does my roof insulation need to be?
Current government recommendations are for loft insulation to achieve a depth of between 250mm and 270mm but some new properties are increasing their level of loft insulation to 300mm. Again, as long as the loft has adequate ventilation, this is fine.
What is code for insulation in an attic?
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 is the best insulation for Michigan?
In Michigan, where winters get quite cold and windy, you’ll want a high R-value to ensure proper insulation. The Department of Energy recommends R-49 for attics in cold climates and the Michigan code for attic insulation calls for a minimum rating of R-24.
What is the R-value of 18 inches of insulation?
Warm Climates (R-30 to R-49): Fiberglass (blown): 14” – 18” Fiberglass (batts): 11” – 14”
What are the requirements for insulation in Michigan?
Michigan also requires more shielding on the home for wind, whereas a state like Arizona doesn’t. A very generic rule of thumb is the colder your state can get, the more R-Value will be required to insulate your home. Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota will have higher building code insulation requirements than let’s say Tennessee.
How to get foam insulation for your home in Michigan?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, so your dream home is a comfortable and energy-efficient space. If you decide you want foam insulation in your home and live in Michigan’s lower peninsula, give us a call at 866-900-3626 or fill out the form on our website.
When did insulation become a requirement for homes?
In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, only 20 percent of the houses built before 1980 are considered well insulated. Many homes have no insulation at all because building codes didn’t even require insulation prior to the mid-1970’s.
What’s the difference between IBC and building code in Michigan?
For example, the Michigan building code doesn’t lean in favor of air sealing, while the IBC states that air barriers seal the envelope of the home, which is important to energy efficiency. Each state’s building code will supersede the IBC because those codes are climate-specific. What is Michigan’s Climate Zone?