Recommended R Value For Attic Insulation

Recommended home insulation r values.

Recommended r value for attic insulation.

The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and. Where you live different climates require different insulation r values. 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. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

See the department of energy s doe ranges for recommended levels of insulation below. Achieving greater r values in exterior walls. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type. Insulation level are specified by r value.

R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow. In particularly cold climates you might go up to r 60. Add the right kind of insulation. A good thermal barrier along a building envelope such as high r value insulation in the walls attic and raised floors as well as multi paned glass help to reduce conduction.

The recommended r value for attic insulation in ontario is between r 50 and r 60. Your home s r value score will guide you toward the type of insulation you need. In general an attic s r value should be between r 30 and r 49. The r value of the insulation for every inch of thickness depends on the type of insulation.

You can achieve better thermal performance in your attic by adding an additional layer of insulation. The transfer of heat by contact with solid objects such as the ceiling walls or floor is called conduction see figure 1. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. The two distinct types of attic insulation are loose fill material also commonly known as blown in insulation and batting.

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. Insulation levels are specified by r value. The amount of insulation recommended for your home will vary depending on a number of factors. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

Lighter in weight than cellulose or mineral wool but it settles more than those materials so you ve got to put in a thicker layer to get the protection you need. Recycled glass or sand that s melted and spun into fibers. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.