Q: If I have insulation blown into my attic, what is the recommended amount I need to have?
A: Anywhere below the Mogollon Rim in Arizona, you need to reach at least the R-30 level of insulation in your attic. You can put in a little more fill to reach the R-38 level — which would be slightly better for energy efficiency. But if an insulation contractor wants to blow in R-40 to R-60, the additional fill needed will not be much more of a benefit in Central or Southern Arizona. The extra cost will not provide you with great savings in your heating and cooling bills.
Make sure the insulation is properly and evenly installed in your attic. If there are any voids in the thickness of the fill, you could have serious reductions in the efficiency of your insulation.
The higher the R-value, the greater the insulation’s effectiveness. The R-value depends on the type of insulation, its thickness and density.
For more do-it-yourself tips, go to rosieonthehouse.com. An Arizona home building and remodeling industry expert for 25 years, Rosie Romero is the host of the syndicated Saturday morning Rosie on the House radio program, heard locally from 8-11 a.m. on KNST-AM (790) in Tucson and KGVY-AM (1080) and -FM (100.7) in Green Valley. Call 888-767-4348.
