How much better is R19 than R13?

Author: Kali Beatty  |  Last update: Saturday, March 15, 2025

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. Indeed you will see R60 in some places and R13 in others.

Is there a big difference between R13 and R19?

r19 just means its thicker insulation, made to fit into a 2x6 frame where the r13 is meant to fit in a 2x4 frame. the insulation is soft and will press in fine and won't offer as much of an air buffer in the insulation but will still accomplish the job just fine especially for a garage situation.

Is it okay to use R19 insulation in attics?

  • Climate Zone: R19 insulation is typically appropriate for attics in moderate climates.
  • Attic Type: If your attic is a vented attic, R19 can be effective, but for unvented attics, you may want to consider higher R-values for better thermal performance.

Does a higher R-value mean better insulation?

R-Value is a measure of insulation's ability to resist heat traveling through it. The higher the R-Value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

Is R15 worth the extra money over R13?

You can use both in similar places and climates. R15 insulation offers slightly more thermal resistance than R13 insulation, but it also costs more. Ultimately, it's difficult to justify paying a significantly higher price for R15 when R13's insulative properties are only slightly lower than R15.

Insulation R-VALUE - What is R-Value?

What are the disadvantages of R15?

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.

What is the best R-value for attic insulation?

The recommended R-value for attic insulation can vary depending on the climate zone in which you live. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends attic insulation levels of R-49 to R-60 for most homes in colder climates, and R-30 to R-49 for homes in warmer climates.

Can I put R19 in a 2x4 wall?

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.

Can you have too high of an R-value insulation?

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.

What is the thinnest insulation with the best R-value?

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.

Can you double up R19 insulation?

If the existing attic insulation is an R-19, you may choose to add another layer of R-19. Two layers of R-19 at 6¼ ” thick will achieve a total R-value of 38. So adding an R-19 batt to an existing R-19 batt will give you a total insulation value of R-38.

What is the benefit of R19 insulation?

R19 insulation is a thicker, more robust option—offering higher thermal resistance. Commonly used in colder climates, R19 is well-suited for 2x6 wall assemblies, floors, ceilings, and attics. Benefits: Provides superior thermal protection, contributing to lower energy bills and enhanced comfort in colder regions.

Where should you not put insulation in the attic?

Also, when laying down additional insulation, work from the perimeter toward the attic opening. Never lay insulation over recessed light fixtures or soffit vents. Keep all insulation at least 3 inches away from recessed "can" lights, unless they are rated IC (Insulated Ceiling).

Is it OK to use R19 insulation in attics?

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.

What is R13 insulation good for?

Known for its sound reduction and easy installation, R-13 batts serve as a thermal barrier, keeping your home comfortable by resisting heat flow. Perfect for modern framing, they ensure minimal obstruction from electrical or plumbing work.

Does doubling insulation double R-value?

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%!

What is the difference between R13 and R19?

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. Indeed you will see R60 in some places and R13 in others.

What happens if you have too much insulation in your attic?

While loft insulation is an effective way to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs, over-insulating can lead to several potential issues. Firstly, over-insulation can lead to poor ventilation in the attic, which can cause moisture buildup and increase the risk of mould growth.

Is higher R-value always better?

R-values are the measure of a material's resistance to the transfer of heat. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power of that material. In other words, the higher the R-value, the better the insulation is at keeping the heat in or out of your home.

What is the highest R-value for a 2x4 wall?

For standard 2x4 walls, which are common in older homes, an R-value of R-15 is considered good, while R-21 is excellent. This can be achieved with high-performance fiberglass batts, dense-packed cellulose, or a combination of cavity insulation and continuous insulation.

Does R13 help with sound?

R13 batt insulation is typically used to attenuate sound in interior wall cavities.

Do I need faced or unfaced insulation in my attic?

Typically, you use unfaced insulation when you plan to add more insulation to your attic or between the walls and floors of your living spaces at home.

How much better is R30 than R19?

While both types provide insulation, R30 is the better option for maximizing energy savings in areas where heat loss or gain is a major concern. For example, R19 may suffice for interior walls, but R30 is more appropriate for exterior-facing attics or floors.

What is the R-value for a garage?

Exterior Garage Walls

Typically these will be constructed from standard 2-by-4 studs which will define the amount of insulation that you can have installed. You should be targeting an R-Value of R-13 or R-15 in these areas to properly maximize your insulation in this application.

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