AttiCat Insulation Calculator
Calculation Results:
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Attic insulation is one of the most effective ways to improve your home's energy efficiency, reduce utility bills, and enhance indoor comfort. Owens Corning AttiCat Expanding Blown-In PINK Fiberglas™ Insulation is a popular choice for DIY homeowners due to its ease of installation and excellent thermal performance. This calculator helps you estimate how much AttiCat insulation you'll need for your attic project.
What is R-value?
R-value is a measure of thermal resistance, or how well an insulating material resists the conductive flow of heat. A higher R-value indicates greater insulating power. The recommended R-value for attics varies by climate zone, but generally ranges from R-38 to R-60 in most parts of the United States and Canada. Adding insulation to reach these recommended levels can significantly impact your home's energy consumption.
Why Choose AttiCat Insulation?
- Easy DIY Installation: The AttiCat system uses a blowing machine (often available for rent or free with insulation purchase) that makes installation quick and relatively simple, even for beginners.
- Excellent Thermal Performance: Made from PINK Fiberglas™, AttiCat insulation provides superior thermal protection, helping to keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
- Expands to Fill Gaps: Blown-in insulation conforms to irregular spaces, filling gaps and voids more effectively than traditional batts, reducing air leakage and improving overall thermal envelope.
- Non-Corrosive and Non-Combustible: It won't corrode pipes or wires and is naturally non-combustible.
How to Use the AttiCat Insulation Calculator
Our calculator simplifies the process of estimating your insulation needs. Here's what each input means:
- Attic Area (Square Feet): Measure the length and width of your attic floor and multiply them to get the total square footage. For irregular shapes, break the attic into smaller rectangles and sum their areas.
- Current Attic R-value: This is the R-value of any existing insulation in your attic. If you have no insulation, enter '0'. If you have existing insulation, you can estimate its R-value by measuring its depth and knowing its type (e.g., fiberglass batts are typically R-3 to R-3.5 per inch).
- Desired Attic R-value: This is your target R-value. Consult local building codes or energy efficiency recommendations for your climate zone. Common desired R-values for attics are R-38, R-49, or R-60.
- Cost Per AttiCat Bag ($): Enter the approximate retail cost of one bag of AttiCat insulation in your area. This allows the calculator to provide an estimated total material cost.
Understanding the Results
The calculator will provide you with:
- Additional R-value Needed: The difference between your desired and current R-value.
- Estimated Depth to Add: How many inches of AttiCat insulation you'll need to blow in to achieve the additional R-value.
- Estimated AttiCat Bags Required: The total number of AttiCat bags you'll likely need to purchase. This number is rounded up to ensure you have enough material.
- Estimated Total Material Cost: The approximate cost of the AttiCat bags based on your input.
Tips for Accurate Measurement and Installation
- Measure Carefully: Accurate attic dimensions are crucial for precise calculations.
- Check for Obstructions: Account for obstacles like chimneys, vents, and recessed lighting that might affect coverage.
- Safety First: Always wear appropriate safety gear (respirator, gloves, eye protection) when working with insulation. Ensure proper ventilation.
- Rent the Blower: Most hardware stores offer free or low-cost rental of the AttiCat blowing machine with the purchase of a certain number of bags.
- Prepare Your Attic: Seal air leaks, install baffles for proper ventilation, and ensure all electrical work is complete before blowing in insulation.
Example Scenarios:
Example 1: Uninsulated Attic
You have an attic of 1200 sq ft with no existing insulation (Current R-value: 0). You want to achieve an R-value of 49, and AttiCat bags cost $42 each.
- Attic Area: 1200 sq ft
- Current R-value: 0
- Desired R-value: 49
- Cost Per Bag: $42
Calculation: Additional R-value needed = 49. Bags required = (1200 / 100) * (49 / 19) = 12 * 2.5789… = 30.94 bags. Rounded up: 31 bags. Total Cost: 31 * $42 = $1302. Estimated depth to add: 49 / 3.45 = 14.20 inches.
Example 2: Boosting Existing Insulation
Your 800 sq ft attic currently has R-19 insulation. You want to upgrade to R-60, and bags cost $38 each.
- Attic Area: 800 sq ft
- Current R-value: 19
- Desired R-value: 60
- Cost Per Bag: $38
Calculation: Additional R-value needed = 60 – 19 = 41. Bags required = (800 / 100) * (41 / 19) = 8 * 2.1578… = 17.26 bags. Rounded up: 18 bags. Total Cost: 18 * $38 = $684. Estimated depth to add: 41 / 3.45 = 11.88 inches.
Using this calculator will give you a solid starting point for your AttiCat insulation project, helping you budget and plan effectively for a more energy-efficient home.