Wisconsin Attic Insulation Code

Department of energy doe and the international energy conservation code iecc.

Wisconsin attic insulation code.

Insulation level are specified by r value. The 2015 irc requires r 49 insulation for ceilings with attic spaces. Insulation rated at r 60 can place too much weight on a plaster ceiling which can cause the laths under the plaster ceiling below to loosen from the ceiling joists. Duct insulation supply and return ducts in unconditioned space insulated to a minimum of r 8 hot water pipe insulation heating pipe in unheated spaces shall be insulated with a minimum of r 4.

The ideal attic insulation r value is different than the ideal wall insulation r value. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. Make sure your home is properly insulated in all these locations. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home.

An unheated and unfinished attic space in wisconsin needs insulation rated between r 49 and r 60. Sps 322 38 do not apply to an unheated space such as an attached unheated garage. Sps 322 39 apply to any dwelling with insulation installed whether or not the insulation is required under this code. Achieving greater r values in attics.

Find your zone on the map and then use the chart to determine the level of insulation you need to properly insulate your attic walls floors and crawlspaces. Insulation ratings can be improved by adding more layers of insulation. Pa302 1 ceilings with attic spaces n1102 2 1 r402 2 1. This map shows thermal recommended levels of insulation for various climate zones based on recommendations from the u s.

A r 38 will satisfy the ceiling r value requirement for a dwelling where the full height of uncompressed r 38 insulation extends over the wall top plate at the eaves. However there is an exception. Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The first state building code in wisconsin was established in 1914.

You should select a loose fill r 49 insulation product. All of the referenced codes listed below were adopted in the mid to late. Sps 322 01 3 b b the vapor retarder requirements under s. Comcheck is federal department of energy doe software approved in wisconsin for demonstrating compliance with commercial building envelope requirements and interior exterior general lighting requirements only hvac portions of the program are not acceptable.

Recommended levels of insulation. Comcheck can be used for commercial buildings or high rise 3 stories multi family buildings. R 38 shall be deemed to satisfy the requirement for r 49 wherever the full height of uncompressed r 38 insulation extends over the wall top plate at the eaves. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.