Recommended Wall Insulation Values
See the department of energy s doe ranges for recommended levels of insulation below.
Recommended wall insulation values. The overall r value of a wall or ceiling will be somewhat different from the r value of the insulation itself because heat flows more readily through studs joists and other building materials in a phenomenon known as thermal bridging. Insulation level are specified by 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. Along with knowing the r value of a particular insulation it is also important to calculate the r value of a total system.
The insulation must achieve a minimum r value of 1 0 in zones 1 to 7 and a minimum r value of 2 0 in zone 8. For example a wall with 3 fiberglass batting r value of 10 8 11 9 may have an overall r value of nearly 14 because of siding sheathing and drywall. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Achieving greater r values in attics.
While rated differently these two types of insulation are close enough in thickness that they can both fit into modern two by four wall systems. In such cases where r value is assigned this may decrease the r value requirement for batt insulation. While wall insulation is limited by the width of the studs different materials provide higher or lower r values. The ideal attic insulation r value is different than the ideal wall insulation r value.
R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. The following 2008 department of energy zone recommendations are based on comparing estimated future energy savings to the current cost of installing insulation. Make sure your home is properly insulated in all these locations. Insulation ratings can be improved by adding more layers of insulation.
Department of energy r value recommendations for new and existing homes. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and. 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. You can mix the type and material of insulation too.
For example insulation that is compressed will not provide its full rated r value. Recommended home insulation r values.