Recommended R Value For Attic Insulation

Where you live different climates require different insulation r values.

Recommended r value for attic insulation.

Your home s r value score will guide you toward the type of insulation you need. The r value of the insulation for every inch of thickness depends on the type of insulation. Achieving greater r values in exterior walls. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.

The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and. 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. The recommended r value for attic insulation in ontario is between r 50 and r 60. Recommended home insulation r values.

Insulation level are specified by r value. See the department of energy s doe ranges for recommended levels of insulation below. Insulation levels are specified by r value. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow.

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. 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 recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type.

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. The amount of insulation recommended for your home will vary depending on a number of factors. 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.

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. Add the right kind of insulation. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

You will need a higher r value of insulation if you live in the northeast than if you live in southern california. In particularly cold climates you might go up to r 60. In general an attic s r value should be between r 30 and r 49.