Attic Insulation R Value Chart

How well insulation resists heat flow depends on how and where you install the insulation.

Attic insulation r value chart.

Insulation level are specified by r value. Colder climates will typically require a higher r value for even greater thermal. The greater the r value the greater the insulating performance. Installing more insulation in your home increases the r value and the resistance to heat flow.

Where you live different climates require different insulation r values. The amount of insulation recommended for your home will vary depending on a number of factors. In comparison an inch of blown fiberglass insulation has an r value of 3 1 3 4 and an inch of blown cellulose in an attic has an r value of 3 2 3 7. 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.

As a benchmark one inch of solid wood has an r value of 1. 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. When calculating the r value of a multilayered installation add the r values of the individual layers. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

A high r value then means higher effectiveness. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. Find your zone on the map and then use the chart to determine the level of insulation you need to properly insulate your attic walls floors and crawlspaces. R value requirements are different based on your location.

The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and. Depending on where you live and the part of your home you re insulating walls crawlspace attic etc you ll need a different r value. How do you figure out r value. Note from this chart that the ideal r value differs for each part of your home.

Chart courtesy of energy star. The r value of some insulations also depends on temperature aging and moisture accumulation. You will need a higher r value of insulation if you live in the northeast than if you live in southern. R value refers to the insulation s ability to resist heat flow.

Install insulation with the proper r value. Recommended home insulation r values. How much insulation should you install. Along with knowing the r value of a particular insulation it is also important to calculate the r value of a total system.