Attic Insulation Requirements Massachusetts

Provide the recommended level of insulation under floors above unheated spaces around walls in a heated basement or unventilated crawl space and on the edges of slabs on grade.

Attic insulation requirements massachusetts.

2 insulation priorities it is most important to. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. Insulation requirements for slab on grade floors is further specified in iecc section 402 2 8. In 2009 massachusetts became the first state to adopt an above code appendix to the base building energy code the stretch code 780 cmr appendix 115 aa the stretch code which emphasizes energy performance as opposed to prescriptive requirements is designed to result in cost effective construction that is more energy efficient than that built to the base energy code.

R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. R 5 shall be added to the required slab edge r values for heated slabs. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. Insulation level are specified by r value.

Fortunately this is a fairly easy fix. Special insulation exceptions related to ceilings with or without attic spaces masonry veneer and thermally isolated sunrooms are set forth in iecc section r402. The simplified table of building envelope requirements on the previous page applies to new residential buildings as defined in the iecc with wood framing and or mass walls. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.

The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. For steel framed buildings the same window requirements apply. Insulate your attic to the recommended level including the attic door or hatch cover. Insulation requirements for slab on grade floors are further specified in iecc section r402 2 10.

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. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. You can sister the joists by cutting 2 x8 boards the same length as the joists applying construction adhesive and affixing each to a joist with nails. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.

However refer to iecc section r402 2 6 for specific insulation r value requirements. If you think you re among the 90 of us homes that are under insulated 1 performing a simple insulation inspection will help you determine your insulation needs. Special insulation exceptions related to ceilings with attic spaces ceilings without attic spaces masonry veneer and thermally isolated sunrooms are set forth in iecc. Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.