Highest R Value Insulation For Attic
Recycled glass or sand that s melted and spun into fibers.
Highest r value insulation for attic. 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. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. These r values are a sum meaning this should be the total r value once you add up the entire depth of insulation. The higher the r value the greater the performance of the insulation.
As a benchmark one inch of solid wood has an r value of 1. Recommended home insulation r values. Along with knowing the r value of a particular insulation it is also important to calculate the r value of a total system. Insulation level are specified by r value.
In particularly cold climates you might go up to r 60. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and. Add the right kind of insulation. Your home s age if your home is more than 10 year old you likely need more insulation.
Where you live different climates require different 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. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. But what it can do whether it s open cell or closed cell is create an air seal.
R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow. Insulation levels are specified by r value. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type. 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.
Does highest r value mean the best insulation. The best insulating rigid foam. Rigid foam insulation offers as much as double the r value of traditional fiberglass batts according to the united states department of energy. You will need a higher r value of insulation if you live in the northeast than if you live in southern california.
There are many ways to retrofit a home with fiberglass and. Sure code might call for r 49 in your attic and spray foam doesn t hit that number at recommended depths. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. 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.
There is more to consider when buying new insulation and it comes down to r value versus creating an air seal. This additional r.