Highest R Value Insulation For Attic
In general an attic s r value should be between r 30 and r 49.
Highest r value insulation for attic. Insulation is rated in two ways r value and u value. An insulation r value chart or table can assist you with the calculation to ensure your attic or wall r values are adequate for your. Along with knowing the r value of a particular insulation it is also important to calculate the r value of a total system. As a benchmark one inch of solid wood has an r value of 1.
Sure code might call for r 49 in your attic and spray foam doesn t hit that number at recommended depths. Recycled glass or sand that s melted and spun into fibers. The higher the r value the greater the performance of the insulation. Where you live different climates require different insulation r values.
But what it can do whether it s open cell or closed cell is create an air seal. How to achieve r 21 in a 2x4 wall. 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. For example if you have a type of insulation that has an r value of r 5 per inch of thickness you will need a depth of 6 inches of this insulation installed in your attic to reach r 30 if you live in zones 2 or 3.
There is more to consider when buying new insulation and it comes down to r value versus creating an air seal. The r value is a calculation which measures the flow of heat through an insulation product or its. Other considerations may include indoor air quality impacts life cycle costs recycled content embodied energy and ease of installation especially if you plan to do the. Recommended home insulation r values.
In comparison an inch of blown fiberglass insulation has an r value of 3 1 3 4 and an inch of blown cellulose in an attic has an r value of 3 2 3 7. Does highest r value mean the best insulation. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. There are many ways to retrofit a home with fiberglass and.
In particularly cold climates you might go up to r 60. These r values are a sum meaning this should be the total r value once you add up the entire depth of insulation. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. Your home s r value score will guide you toward the type of insulation you need.
Your home s age if your home is more than 10 year old you likely need more insulation. Just how much you need for your residential or commercial building depends on a number of factors such as your heating system and location. You will need a higher r value of insulation if you live in the northeast than if you live in southern california.