Attic Insulation R Value Chart

The greater the r value the greater the insulating performance.

Attic insulation r value chart.

Chart courtesy of energy star. When calculating the r value of a multilayered installation add the r values of the individual layers. A high r value then means higher effectiveness. The r value of some insulations also depends on temperature aging and moisture accumulation.

Along with knowing the r value of a particular insulation it is also important to calculate the r value of a total system. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and. You will need a higher r value of insulation if you live in the northeast than if you live in southern. 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.

How do you figure out r value. 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. Install insulation with the proper r value. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

How much insulation should you install. How well insulation resists heat flow depends on how and where you install the insulation. 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. R value requirements are different based on your location.

The r value depends on the type of insulation density and thickness. Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. R value refers to the insulation s ability to resist heat flow. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.

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 amount of insulation recommended for your home will vary depending on a number of factors. Insulation level are specified by r value. Colder climates will typically require a higher r value for even greater thermal.

For some types of insulation the r value also depends on aging temperature and moisture. As a benchmark one inch of solid wood has an r value of 1. Where you live different climates require different insulation r values. Installing more insulation in your home increases the r value and the resistance to heat flow.