Insulation R-Value

Insulation levels are specified by R-Value. R-Value is a measure of insulation’s ability to resist heat traveling through it. The higher the R-Value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

Recommended insulation levels are predicated on climate zone.

How Much Is Enough?

The amount of insulation recommended for your home is dependent on where you live, but here are some general guidelines:

• Attic Insulation: Houses in a cold climate should have a minimum of R-49 in the attic, which is equivalent to approximately 16? of fiberglass insulation. Warmer climates only require an R-38 or higher, or about 12? or more.
• Wall Insulation: While wall insulation is limited by the width of the studs, different materials provide higher or lower R-values. Fiberglass batts for standard 2×4 walls are now available in low, medium, and high density products that range from R-11 to R-15. Sprayed foam insulation in the same wall cavity can range from an R-14 to an R-28 depending on the product that is used.
• Floor Insulation: While there are additional considerations, such as venting and moisture problems, to take into account when you insulate under floors, the United States Department of Energy recommends an R-25 rating in cold climates and an R-11 in warmer parts of the country.

Zone	Attic Minimums	Floor Minimums
1	R30	R13
2	R30	R13
3	R30	R19
4	R38	R25
5 to 8	R49	R25

Comparative Insulation R-Values

The R-value per inch for different types of insulation varies depending on the brand and how it was installed, but here are some general comparisons from the Department of Energy:

Insulation Type:	R-Value per Inch:
Fiberglass (loose)	2.2 to 2.9
Fiberglass (batts)	2.9 to 3.8
Cellulose (loose)	3.1 to 3.8
Rock Wool (loose)	2.2 to 3.3
Rock Wool (batts)	3.3 to 4.2
Cotton (batts)	3.0 to 3.7
Cementitious (foam)	2.0 to 3.9
Polyicynene (foam)	3.6 to 4.3
Phenolic (foam)	4.4 to 8.2
Polyisocyanurate (foam)	5.6 to 8.0
Polyurethane (foam)	5.6 to 8.0

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