Attic Insulation Requirements Massachusetts

Insulation requirements for slab on grade floors is further specified in iecc section 402 2 8.

Attic insulation requirements massachusetts.

R 5 shall be added to the required slab edge r values for heated slabs. Insulation requirements for slab on grade floors are further specified in iecc section r402 2 10. Recommended insulation levels for retrofitting existing wood framed buildings. 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.

Attic roof ventilation is probably the least understood requirement necessary for achieving a healthy home in massachusetts. 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. The homeowner could then check table 1 to find several choices. Add insulation to attic.

If the existing attic floor insulation has an r 11 insulation value then an additional r 27 would be needed to bring the attic floor insulation up to the level recommended for that house. Special insulation exceptions related to ceilings with attic spaces ceilings without attic spaces masonry veneer and thermally isolated sunrooms are set forth in iecc. The recommended r value for attic floor insulation for this house is r 38. For steel framed buildings the same window requirements apply.

One of the most common problems i encounter in the majority of my home inspections is the lack of proper attic ventilation. Having the correct amount of attic insulation can help you maintain a comfortable temperature throughout your home and help save money on your energy bills plus prevent major issues like ice dams in the winter. Existing 3 4 inches of insulation. Special insulation exceptions related to ceilings with or without attic spaces masonry veneer and thermally isolated sunrooms are set forth in iecc section r402.

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. Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. 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.