Proper R Value For Wall Insulation

If the walls and ceiling are closed in consider using loose fill insulation as this form of insulation uses a machine to get the insulation where it needs to go through a hole in the sheetrock.

Proper r value for wall insulation. Know exactly how much you need with our project calculators. Thickness density and type of materials are some factors that contribute to. Note from this. The most proper insulation level to use on ceilings are r 30 batts that are as thick as r 25 batts but fit into a 2x10 framing.

Insulation level are specified by r value. When the spec is available you can also add rigid foam insulation which increases r values and eliminates thermal bridging although this type of insulation must be covered with a fire rated material when they are. These r values are a sum meaning this should be the total r value once you add up the entire depth of insulation. Other considerations may include indoor air quality impacts life cycle costs recycled content embodied energy and ease of installation especially if you plan to do the.

R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. R value measures how well certain building insulation materials can resist heat. Typical recommendations for exterior walls are r 13 to r 23 while r 30 r 38 and r 49 are common for ceilings and attic spaces. Higher r value numbers mean that the insulating material resists the cold or heat from the outside better.

To choose the best insulation for your home from the many types of insulation on the market you ll need to know where you want or need to install the insulation and what r value you want the installation to achieve. When determining how much insulation you need don t guesstimate calculate. Also included is the hugely helpful insulation zip code calculator that spells out the suggested amount of r value necessary for the different portions of a structure like foundation interior and exterior walls attic and more. Insulate the garage s ceiling by using the recommended r value for your area as advised by the department of energy s oak ridge laboratory.

Recommended home insulation r values. For example if you have a type of insulation that has an r value of r 5 per inch of thickness you will need a depth of 6 inches of this insulation installed your attic to reach r 30 if you live in zones 2 or 3. R value is a standard unit of measurement for determining among many things how effective your insulation will be. See the department of energy s doe ranges for recommended levels of insulation below.

Consider using high density r 30 batts which are as thick as r 25 batts but fit into 2x10 framing. The higher the r value the greater the insulation performance. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and. You can also add rigid foam insulation under the rafters which adds r value and eliminates thermal bridging through wood rafters.