What's the best R-value for attic insulation in Arkansas? Our climate zone 3A requires minimum R-38 for attics, but most energy-efficient homes benefit from R-49 to R-60.
Here's the breakdown for Northeast Arkansas: R-38 meets code (about 12-15 inches of blown cellulose or 6 inches of spray foam). R-49 hits the sweet spot for most homes — excellent energy savings without over-investing. R-60 makes sense for all-electric homes or if you're planning to stay long-term.
With summer electric bills hitting $200+ in Jonesboro, every R-value point matters. We typically see 15-25% energy savings when upgrading from R-19 (common in older homes) to R-49. That's $30-50 monthly savings on a typical 1,800 SF home.
Spray foam delivers higher R-value per inch (R-6 to R-7) versus blown-in cellulose (R-3.2 to R-3.8). But cellulose costs less per square foot — around $1.20/SF for R-38 versus $2.80/SF for equivalent closed-cell foam.
Your best choice depends on attic height, ductwork location, and budget. Low attics often need spray foam's space efficiency. Standard attics with adequate clearance work great with blown cellulose to R-49.
Need help calculating the right R-value for your specific home? Reply or DM us for a free attic assessment and estimate.