Batt insulation is a type of insulation blanket. These are pre-cut sections of insulation that are usually fiberglass, although cellulose, mineral wool, natural fibers and plastic versions are also available. This type of insulation is the best insulation for unfinished walls, floors and ceilings.
I would not put anything less than R5. Even R6 if you can get it. Good insulation is one of the best bang for your buck improvements you can make. It really isn't worth saving a little on lower R values, for something you will have in there for 20+ years.
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.
Unfaced means the insulation lacks a vapor retarder (paper or plastic facing). Unfaced insulation is great for new construction, remodels, walls, floors, ceilings, basements, attics and crawlspaces.
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.
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 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. While you might think that too much insulation can't be bad, there are some significant consequences to consider.
Foil-faced batt insulation is often used in cathedral ceilings because it provides the permeability rating often required for use in ceilings without attics. A vent baffle should be installed between the insulation and the roof decking to maintain the ventilation channel.
The best way to insulate the inside of a ceiling depends on the type of ceiling and your specific needs. Spray foam insulation and batt insulation are two popular options. Spray Foam Insulation: This method involves spraying a liquid foam that expands and hardens.
Most climates require a vapor barrier to cover ceiling insulation, but not all insulation requires a vapor barrier. It's always important to refer to your state's building codes.
R13 batt insulation is typically used to attenuate sound in interior wall cavities. It is akin to a large blanket, designed specifically to fill a wall, floor, or ceiling cavity.
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%!
Rigid foam board insulation is available in many materials, including polystyrene (R-3.8 to R-5.0), polyurethane (R-5.5 to R-6.5) and polyisocyanurate (R-5.6 to R-8.0). Since it has the highest R-value, rigid foam is typically reserved for foundations and basement walls.
Select the right R value
The higher the R value, the greater the resistance to heat transfer, the greater the insulating effect and the greater the energy (and therefore money) savings. Different products with the same R value will provide similar insulation performance, regardless of thickness or the type of material.
The most affordable options include fibreglass batts, cellulose insulation, and spray foam, each offering unique benefits for various home types and needs. Fibreglass batts are easy to install and widely available, making them a popular choice for many homeowners.
CEILING INSULATION THICKNESS
For instance, to achieve a U-value of 0.16 W/m²K for a flat ceiling, you'll need a minimum of 170mm thick mineral fibre insulation placed between the ceiling joists, along with an additional 100mm thick layer covering the joists.
The answer is yes! Past a certain point, insulation in a vented attic will do more harm than good.
When it comes to insulation, it's generally recommended to leave a gap between the insulation material and any other surfaces, such as walls, ceilings, or roofs. This gap provides ventilation and prevents moisture buildup, which can lead to mould and other problems.
Remember: When installing during cold climates, the vapor barrier should face the home's interior. Conversely, the vapor barrier should face the house's exterior during hot weather climates.
Blanket: Batt and Roll Insulation
Blanket insulation -- the most common and widely available type of insulation -- comes in the form of batts or rolls. It consists of flexible fibers, most commonly fiberglass.
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.
However, it is possible to have too much insulation. If there is too much insulation, and it comes in contact with the roof sheeting, it can block air circulation, which can lead to condensation, mould and mildew.
R30 Insulation: With a higher R-value, R30 is designed for areas requiring superior thermal protection, like attics and ceilings in colder or hotter climates.