Choosing the right kind of insulation depends on where you're adding it, the desired R-value, and your budget. In the simplest terms, a higher R-value indicates greater insulation properties. The R-value you need is determined by where you live and what part of the house you're insulating.
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. 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.
The type of insulation you should choose will depend on a number of elements such as the surface to be insulated, the space available and the type required (thermal, acoustic or both). The key criteria to consider include: The type and technical performance required. Where the insulation will be installed.
R-value is used to judge thermal insulation performance and the higher the number, the better the product's insulating ability. So R19 has better insulating ability than R13. Now R-Value ranges widely across products and home applications.
In most areas of the country, you should have an R-49 in the attic. This likely means adding an R-19 to R-30 layer of insulation to what you already have. Make sure you use unfaced fiber glass or mineral wool insulation when adding to existing insulation.
You will want to bring up your attic up to R-38:
If your attic has 5-6″ of existing insulation, you'll want to install an R-19 to achieve a total of R-38.
The optimal R-value for most homes is 30, but you can go as high as 38 if you live in a tropical climate. Anything higher than 38 indicates an over-insulated space.
The DOE Insulation Fact Sheet (DOE/CE-0180) can be ordered from the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse or accessed from the Internet at www.ornl.gov/ roofs+walls. Fiberglass and rock wool batts—2x4 walls can hold R-13 or R-15 batts; 2x6 walls can have R-19 or R-21 products.
R15 insulation offers slightly better thermal insulative properties than R13. Some of its formats are a fraction of an inch thicker than R13, making it more effective at helping with energy efficiency. However, the difference is minimal. R15 is slightly thicker than R13 for spray foam and blown-in cellulose.
The dip from R10 to R4 seems odd, as one would expect more R as you travel further north through the zones. Thicker is not better! Doubling the amount of insulation will double the R-Value, but so what? Doubling the insulation from R-19 to R-38 does NOT cut the heat loss in half (50%) it cuts it by around 3%!
Spray foam insulation is the most energy-efficient insulation to create an air barrier in the attic. Certain spray foams can expand up to 100 times its original size, so it fills all of the nooks and crannies in the attic.
Before Installing Insulation
Check your local building code for R-value (insulation level) recommendations and any vapor barrier requirements that apply to your area. Seal gaps that allow unconditioned air into the space you're insulating. Pay attention to areas where plumbing, ductwork or wiring enter the space.
It is possible to over-insulate your house so much that it can't breathe. The whole point of home insulation is to tightly seal your home's interior. But if it becomes too tightly sealed with too many layers of insulation, moisture can get trapped inside those layers. That's when mold starts to grow.
Choosing the right thickness for your insulation depends on various factors such as climate, location within your home, and type of material used. It's crucial to do thorough research, consult with professionals, and ensure proper installation for maximum efficiency.
Batt insulation is more effective over the life of the building. It is true that blown-in insulation is considered to be more effective as a thermal barrier, however, this effectiveness is only temporary and will not last for the life of the building.
R19 Insulation offers superior thermal insulation compared to R13. With a typical thickness of 6.25 inches, R19 fiberglass is designed for use in 2x6 wall cavities, making them suitable for colder climates where higher thermal resistance is necessary.
What are the disadvantages of R15 V3? The disadvantages of R15 V3 can include its limited storage space, aggressive riding posture, and relatively high maintenance costs compared to other motorcycles in its segment.
Mineral wool batts are a great choice when it comes to thermal performance. They beat the fiberglass batts with a 22–37% higher R-value per inch.
Insulation For 2x4 Walls
Use R-13 or R-15 kraft-faced fiberglass or mineral wool insulation rolls for 2x4 stud walls. Wall assemblies, especially those in older homes, are built with two-by-four (2x4) studs. The wall thickness will be 3-1/2 inches, not 4 inches. The width of modern 2x4s is 3-1/2 inches.
R19 insulation typically costs more than R15 because of its superior performance.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, R-values for exterior walls in colder climates should be at least R-13 to R-23. In milder climates, a lower R-value may be sufficient. For example, in a moderate climate, an R-value of R-13 to R-15 is typically recommended.
Adding two R-13, 3.5” batts to a 2”x6” (5.5”) wood stud cavity will not provide an R-26. The total of 7” of insulation is reduced in thickness to 5.5” thereby losing the R-value associated with its full thickness.
The thinnest insulation material currently available on the market is the 10mm Aerogel blanket. Its manufacturing technology is highly interesting, and its appearance resembles frozen smoke. For some, aerogel is synonymous with time frozen and suspended in space.
For example, if you need extra soundproofing or don't want to spend time installing a separate vapor barrier, then face may be the best option for you. However, if cost savings are more important than convenience, then unfaced may be the better choice in this case.