How Much Insulation Do I Need for My Attic?
When it comes to energy efficiency and year-round comfort, attic insulation is one of the most important components of your home. But how much insulation do you really need in your attic?
The answer depends on several factors—including your home’s location, existing insulation, and the type of insulation material used. In this blog, Koala Insulation of Georgetown breaks down everything you need to know about determining proper attic insulation levels so you can make smart, energy-efficient decisions for your home.
Why Attic Insulation Matters
Before we dive into numbers, let’s talk about why attic insulation is so important. The attic is a key point of heat transfer in any home. In the summer, it can trap intense heat that radiates down into your living spaces, forcing your AC to work harder. In the winter, warm air rises and escapes through the attic if it’s under-insulated, causing your heating system to run more than it should.
Proper insulation in your attic:
- Reduces heating and cooling bills
- Improves indoor comfort
- Helps prevent moisture buildup and mold
- Reduces wear and tear on your HVAC system
- Boosts overall home energy efficiency
At Koala Insulation of Georgetown, we often find that homes—especially older ones—are significantly under-insulated by today’s standards.
Understanding Insulation R-Values
Insulation effectiveness is measured in R-value, which refers to the material’s resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation’s performance.
The recommended R-value for attics depends on your climate zone. Georgetown, Texas, falls in Climate Zone 2, where the U.S. Department of Energy recommends attic insulation between R-30 and R-60.
Here’s a quick guide:
| Climate Zone | Recommended Attic R-Value |
| Zone 1 | R-30 to R-49 |
| Zone 2 | R-30 to R-60 |
| Zone 3 | R-30 to R-60 |
| Zone 4+ | R-38 to R-60 |
This means your attic should have 10 to 20 inches of insulation, depending on the material used.
Types of Attic Insulation and How Much You Need
There are several types of insulation suitable for attics. Each has different R-values per inch, which affects how much you need.
1. Blown-In Fiberglass Insulation
- R-Value per inch: ~2.2 to 2.7
- You’ll need about 11 to 17 inches to reach R-30 to R-60
- Best for topping off or re-insulating attics with existing insulation
- Ideal for irregular or hard-to-reach spaces
2. Blown-In Cellulose Insulation
- R-Value per inch: ~3.2 to 3.8
- You’ll need about 8 to 15 inches
- Great for eco-conscious homeowners (made of recycled materials)
- Good soundproofing qualities
3. Fiberglass Batt Insulation
- R-Value per inch: ~2.9 to 3.8
- You’ll need several layers to reach the desired R-value
- Common in new builds or open attic floors
4. Spray Foam Insulation
- Closed-cell: R-Value ~6.0 to 7.0 per inch
- Open-cell: R-Value ~3.5 to 4.0 per inch
- Provides high R-value with fewer inches
- Acts as both an insulator and air sealant
- Best for roof deck insulation and energy upgrades
At Koala Insulation of Georgetown, we offer all of these options and will recommend the best one based on your attic’s layout, ventilation, and goals.
How to Tell If You Need More Insulation
Many homeowners assume they have enough attic insulation—until they see their energy bills or notice comfort issues. Here are some signs your attic may need more insulation:
- Rooms are too hot in summer or too cold in winter
- High energy bills year-round
- Drafts or cold spots near ceilings
- Your HVAC system is always running
- You can see floor joists in the attic
- Existing insulation is compressed, dirty, or damaged
A free attic inspection from Koala Insulation of Georgetown can identify where you’re losing energy and how much insulation you need to fix it.
DIY vs. Professional Attic Insulation
While it’s possible to add insulation yourself, professional installation ensures proper coverage, air sealing, and safety. Mistakes like compressing insulation, missing gaps, or overlooking air leaks can reduce the effectiveness of your upgrade.
At Koala Insulation of Georgetown, our certified insulation technicians:
- Measure your current insulation levels
- Perform thermal imaging and air leak detection
- Recommend the right materials and R-values
- Safely install insulation to meet code and efficiency standards
We also handle attic air sealing, which prevents heat transfer and moisture intrusion by sealing gaps, cracks, and recessed lighting fixtures.
How Much Does Attic Insulation Cost?
The cost of attic insulation varies based on:
- Size of the attic
- Type of insulation
- Desired R-value
- Labor and prep work (like removing old insulation)
While upfront costs may vary, the energy savings typically pay for the investment within a few years. Many homeowners in Georgetown see 10–20% reductions in their heating and cooling costs after properly insulating their attic.
Plus, certain insulation upgrades may qualify for federal tax credits or local energy rebates. Ask us about the latest incentives available in Central Texas!
What About Removing Old Insulation?
In some cases, it’s best to remove existing insulation before installing new materials. Reasons for insulation removal include:
- Mold, mildew, or rodent contamination
- Water damage from roof leaks
- Compacted or degraded insulation
- Fire or smoke damage
Koala Insulation of Georgetown offers safe and thorough insulation removal services to prepare your attic for a clean, efficient upgrade.
Call Koala Insulation of Georgetown for a Free Estimate
If you’re wondering how much insulation your attic needs, don’t guess—get expert help from your local insulation professionals.
Call Koala Insulation of Georgetown today at (602) 899-1264 or visit https://koalainsulation.com/georgetown to schedule your free estimate. We’ll evaluate your attic, recommend the right insulation for your home, and help you enjoy year-round comfort and lower energy bills.
Whether you need to top off old insulation or completely upgrade your attic, our team is here to make it easy, affordable, and energy-efficient.
Find Your Location
Get a quote
