Attic Insulation R Value Chart

Install insulation with the proper r value.

Attic insulation r value chart.

The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. 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. R value refers to the insulation s ability to resist heat flow.

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. A high r value then means higher effectiveness. How much insulation should you install. Installing more insulation in your home increases the r value and the resistance to heat flow.

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. 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. The r value depends on the type of insulation density and thickness.

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. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and. Note from this chart that the ideal r value differs for each part of your home. Along with knowing the r value of a particular insulation it is also important to calculate the r value of a total system.

As a benchmark one inch of solid wood has an r value of 1. Colder climates will typically require a higher r value for even greater thermal. How well insulation resists heat flow depends on how and where you install the insulation. For some types of insulation the r value also depends on aging temperature and moisture.

Insulation level are specified by r value. The r value of some insulations also depends on temperature aging and moisture accumulation. How do you figure out r value. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.

The greater the r value the greater the insulating performance. 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. Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Chart courtesy of energy star.