Attic Insulation

[John]

We hired an inspector to look at our home after it had set 6 months. He measured the insulation at 10-12 inches which gives an approx. R rating of 30-33. Problem is we paid extra for R-44. Called dealer about this and got a letter from the factory stating they use Applegate Stabilized Cellulose Insulation and that 11 inches of this has an R44 value. Can anyone shead any light on this for me. Thanks much

[admin]

On Applegate's web site they say "The R-factor of cellulose insulation is approximately 3.8 per inch and it does not vary significantly over a wide range of densities. In an attic, 10 inches of cellulose insulation will have an R-value of about R-38, regardless of the density of the material."

They also tell us that "Thermal resistance (R-Value is one of several factors that contribute to the performance of the “thermal envelope” of a building. It is a mistake to consider only R-Value when specifying insulation, but R-Value is important. Understanding what R-Value actually means may be the biggest challenge for a buyer..."

To get a better picture See: Applegate Performance and Safety Factors

Contact the company to get the full specs for their products

Web site : http://applegateinsulation.com

Address
1000 Highview Drive
Webberville, MI 48864
800-627-7536
517-521-3545
517-521-3597 (fax)
email [email protected]
Founder: Aaron Applegate
CEO: Terry Applegate
Business Development: Richard Applegate

[trmimo]

The stated R value for homes with cellulose is an average. This is because the depth varies in places. If the depth is 10 to 12 inches that doesn't sound far off. The insulation disclosure form you received when you closed on your home if you bought it new should state how many bags of insulation were used as well as the average depth. This is the generally accepted method for documenting the amount of cellulose insulation in attics. There are 2 reasons for documenting how many bags were used. First because the insulation is a little fluffier and deeper right after it is sprayed (when the factory is measuring it.) And second it is almost impossible for a home inspector to measure the depth in enough places to get an accurate average depth. Any qualified home inspector can verify the R-value based on the number of bags used and the square footage of the house.

[rmurray]

I have seen hundreds of insulation disclosure forms BUT never have I seen the number of bags mentioned...Usually discloses thickness, type and R-value...

[trmimo]

Many Champion plants, for example have done it for years.