Defining Attic Insulation Levels in Delaware and Maryland

Knowing if your attic is properly insulated in the Delmarva area can be tricky. All homes need to be insulated when they are built to pass inspection. But how many people know how much insulation their attic should have? I didn’t know and I was shocked to learn that most attics are under insulated. Under insulated attics can cause homes to be uncomfortable and costly. This is especially true in the hottest and coldest parts of the year.

How do you know if your attic is under insulated?

You can check your attic insulation by learning the proper levels of insulation for the Delaware and Maryland area and comparing it to the insulation you have.

Insulation is measured by an “R-value”. The R stands for “resistance to heat flow”. It is measured by the level of heat resistance per inch. The higher the R-value the more the heated and conditioned air you pay for stays in your home.

The R-value correlates to the thickness of insulation; however, there is not a standard thickness that applies to all insulation types. Dr. Energy Saver inspectors will provide homeowners with an insulation ruler that shows proper R-values for blown and batted insulation.

Since all homes must pass inspection before anyone can move in, most homeowners would think that the attic insulation provided is sufficient. This is especially true for brand new homes that are custom built. Truth is, to pass, homes only need the attic insulated to an R-19.

If you lived in southern Mexico, this might be sufficient. Here in the Delmarva area, you should have at least R-38 in your attic. Dr. Energy Saver recommends R-49 to make sure the home is most comfortable and energy efficient.

The map below is provided to Dr. Energy Saver by the Department of Energy to show how the United States is divided into regions based on their insulation needs.

This should be used by anyone as an attic insulation guide for retrofitting an attic to make a home more comfortable and energy efficient. Our inspectors will work with you to determine the best insulation for your attic and your budget, while making sure to install the appropriate R-Value.

Contact us today to schedule your free attic insulation estimate! We proudly serve throughout the Delmarva area including Dover, Centreville, Salisbury, Hockessin, Harrington, and more!