Planning estimates, not engineering specifications
- Our figures are planning estimates for budgeting and buying material
- They are not binding quotes, engineering specs, or a substitute for an energy audit
- Confirm requirements with your local building department before starting
- Attic work carries real risks — you are responsible for your own safety
Everything below is the formal version of the same position.
By using insulationcalculator.com you agree to these terms. If you don't, please don't use the site.
What this site provides
Free calculators and educational content about home insulation. Everything here is general information for planning purposes.
Estimates are estimates
This is the important part. Our calculations are planning estimates based on published material properties, recommended R-value targets, and national average pricing. They are not:
- Engineering specifications
- A substitute for a professional energy audit or building assessment
- Binding quotes for materials or labor
- A guarantee of energy savings, cost, or performance
- Confirmation that a design meets your local building code
Real projects vary with construction type, attic access, existing conditions, local pricing, and code requirements that a calculator cannot see. Our methodology page documents every assumption we make and where those assumptions are most likely to break down. Read it before relying on a number.
Verify before you build
Confirm requirements with your local building department before starting work. Building codes vary by jurisdiction and change over time, and code requirements may exceed the recommended levels we use.
Some work requires permits, licensed trades, or inspection. Insulation work can also disturb hazardous materials — notably vermiculite, which may contain asbestos, and knob-and-tube wiring, which most codes prohibit burying. Where we flag a hazard, take it seriously and get professional assessment.
Do the work safely
Attic work carries real risks: falls through ceilings, heat exhaustion, respiratory exposure to fibers and dust, and electrical hazards. You are responsible for your own safety and for deciding whether a job is within your abilities. If you are unsure, hire a professional.
No warranty
The site is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including accuracy, completeness, fitness for a particular purpose, or uninterrupted availability. We work to keep the data current and correct, but we do not warrant that it is.
Limitation of liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising from your use of this site or reliance on its content — including material purchased in excess or shortfall, project costs differing from estimates, or work that does not meet code.
Decisions you make based on this site are your own.
Third-party links
We link to retailers and other external sites. We don't control them and aren't responsible for their content, products, pricing, availability, or practices. Linking to a retailer is not an endorsement of a specific product. See our affiliate disclosure for current commercial relationships.
Not professional advice
Nothing here constitutes professional engineering, architectural, construction, legal, or financial advice, and using this site creates no professional relationship between us.
Intellectual property
Site content, design, and calculation methodology are our property and protected by copyright. You may use the calculators and reference the content for personal, non-commercial purposes. Reproducing substantial portions, or scraping the site for commercial use, is not permitted without written permission.
Acceptable use
Don't attempt to disrupt the site, circumvent security, scrape it at volume, or use it for anything unlawful.
Changes
We may update these terms. Material changes will be reflected in the date at the top. Continued use after changes means you accept them.
Contact
Questions: use the contact form.