External Wall Insulation R 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.

External wall insulation r value.

Because insulation fits the width and depth of the cavity between studs when you compress insulation to fit the space you remove its. In simple terms r values measure the effectiveness of insulation and a higher number represents more effective insulation. These r values are a sum meaning this should be the total r value once you add up the entire depth of insulation. The r value is a calculation which measures the flow of heat through an insulation product or its.

The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. Higher r value numbers mean that the insulating material resists the cold or heat from the outside better. Insulation level are specified by r value. For instance if you have a material with an r value of 12 attached to another material with an r value of 3 then both materials combined have an r value of 15.

Insulation is rated in two ways r value and u value. 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. 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.

In construction the r value is the measurement of a material s capacity to resist heat flowfrom one side to the other. R value is a standard unit of measurement for determining among many things how effective your insulation will be. Thickness density and type of materials are some factors that contribute to. But when you add 3 1 2 of fiberglass insulation with an r value of 11 0 the entire wall structure can have a thermal resistance of nearly 14 not bad but not ideal especially in.

If your exterior walls are constructed from 2 by 4 inch studs the most insulation that can go into the wall while retaining its r value is r 13 or r 15 as these are both made to fit a cavity 3 1 2 inches deep. Other typical wall materials have similarly low values. Let me explain when the general public hears an r 13 wall insulation they believe that in. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.

The r refers to absolute thermal resistance. Along with knowing the r value of a particular insulation it is also important to calculate the r value of a total system. 1 2 exterior plywood has an r value of 0 63 and exterior wood bevel siding has an r value of just 0 80.