Wisconsin Attic Insulation Code

B an attic access cover shall be weatherstripped and insulated to a level equivalent to the insulation on the surrounding surfaces when the attic is an unconditioned space.

Wisconsin attic insulation code.

Pa302 1 ceilings with attic spaces n1102 2 1 r402 2 1. An unheated and unfinished attic space in wisconsin needs insulation rated between r 49 and r 60. Insulation rated at r 60 can place too much weight on a plaster ceiling which can cause the laths under the plaster ceiling below to loosen from the ceiling joists. The ideal attic insulation r value is different than the ideal wall insulation r value.

A r 38 will satisfy the ceiling r value requirement for a dwelling where the full height of uncompressed r 38 insulation extends over the wall top plate at the eaves. Insulation level are specified by r value. Sps 322 38 do not apply to an unheated space such as an attached unheated garage. Department of energy doe and the international energy conservation code iecc.

The iecc is the model building code for the united states. Sps 322 39 apply to any dwelling with insulation installed whether or not the insulation is required under this code. This map shows thermal recommended levels of insulation for various climate zones based on recommendations from the u s. 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.

The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. You should select a loose fill r 49 insulation product. Make sure your home is properly insulated in all these locations. Duct insulation supply and return ducts in unconditioned space insulated to a minimum of r 8 hot water pipe insulation heating pipe in unheated spaces shall be insulated with a minimum of r 4.

Achieving greater r values in attics. Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The first state building code in wisconsin was established in 1914. R 38 shall be deemed to satisfy the requirement for r 49 wherever the full height of uncompressed r 38 insulation extends over the wall top plate at the eaves.

The 2015 irc requires r 49 insulation for ceilings with attic spaces. Comcheck can be used for commercial buildings or high rise 3 stories multi family buildings. You can mix the type and material of insulation too. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.

However there is an exception. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Recommended levels of insulation. Comcheck is federal department of energy doe software approved in wisconsin for demonstrating compliance with commercial building envelope requirements and interior exterior general lighting requirements only hvac portions of the program are not acceptable.