Recommended R Value For Attic Insulation

R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.

Recommended r value for attic 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. In general an attic s r value should be between r 30 and r 49. Where you live different climates require different insulation r values. 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 level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type. The r value of the insulation for every inch of thickness depends on the type of insulation. See the department of energy s doe ranges for recommended levels of insulation below. The recommended r value for attic insulation in ontario is between r 50 and r 60.

Insulation level are specified by r value. In particularly cold climates you might go up to r 60. Recycled glass or sand that s melted and spun into fibers. R values of common types of insulation.

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. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The two distinct types of attic insulation are loose fill material also commonly known as blown in insulation and batting. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow.

Your home s r value score will guide you toward the type of insulation you need. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Recommended home insulation r values. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and.

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. Insulation levels are specified by r value. 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. The transfer of heat by contact with solid objects such as the ceiling walls or floor is called conduction see figure 1.

Achieving greater r values in exterior walls. You will need a higher r value of insulation if you live in the northeast than if you live in southern california. The amount of insulation recommended for your home will vary depending on a number of factors.