Recommended Attic Insulation R Value Canada
R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.
Recommended attic insulation r value canada. The province the city and the area greatly influence the difference in r value for the insulation of an attic. Your attic should have a certain amount of insulation in it and the recommended level of insulation for your attic is dependent on where you live. These r values are a sum meaning this should be the total r value once you add up the entire depth of insulation. Best of all there s typically no maintenance.
The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and. Just energy savings and better comfort for decades. In particularly cold climates you might go up to r 60. In general an attic s r value should be between r 30 and r 49.
If your attic is not too cramped consider adding strapping onto the rafter bottoms and wall studs to allow for more insulation up to the recommended minimum level for attic insulation if possible. Recycled glass or sand that s melted and spun into fibers. First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation. And increase your home s value.
Find your zone on the map and then use the above insulation r value chart to determine the level of insulation you need to properly insulate your attic walls floors and crawlspaces. See the department of energy s doe ranges for recommended levels of insulation below. In such cases where r value is assigned this may decrease the r value requirement for batt insulation. Foam plastic insulation on the interior of the building envelope must adhere to the requirements of protection of foamed plastics as per 9 10 17 10 of the national building code of canada.
Recommended r value for attic insulation canada the recommended r value for insulation of attics in canada depends on the area as it is a value that changes a lot from area to area. After installing insulation in the existing cavities nail or screw strapping 2 x 2 or 2 x 3 on edge perpendicular to the rafters and studs. Lighter in weight than cellulose or mineral wool but it settles more than those materials so you ve got to put in a thicker layer to get the protection you need. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.
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. Your home s r value score will guide you toward the type of insulation you need. Recommended home insulation r values.