How much insulation should be in an attic?

Home insulation works similar to a coat that you wear to protect you from the cold. The thicker and better the insulation, the slower the heat loss and greater the occupant comfort. Attic insulation depths have increased throughout the years and the general base standard is to have a R-38 insulation rating in attic insulation applications. This generally equates to about 12 inches of blown insulation. Home energy efficiency standards recommend up to an R-49 or even R-60 attic insulation level for optimal performance. We always recommend attic insulation upgrades as one of the most impactful and relatively low costs measures to achieve greater home comfort and efficiency.