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. 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.
Most homes only have R19 in attics. To give you an idea that’s only 5 1/2 inches of insulation. … So by adding another R19 “5 1/2 inches will give you an R38 value. And that’s a good number to live with.
Beside this, What is R19 insulation good for?
In many regions of the country, R-19 insulation is recommended for use in outer walls of new construction projects. A different type of insulation is used in areas like basements and attics, and to insulate floors.
Likewise, How thick should my ceiling insulation be?
12″
Also, Can you use R19 insulation in 2×4 walls?
Use R-19 or R-21 kraft-faced fiberglass insulation for two-by-six (2×6) walls. This combination ensures that the insulation is neither too loose nor too tightly packed within the walls. Two-by-four (2×4) stud walls with true 4-inch depth.
Should I put a vapor barrier on my ceiling?
Plastic vapor barriers should only be installed in vented attics in climates with more than 8,000 heating degree days. … All attics — vented or unvented — should have an air barrier (a properly detailed airtight drywall ceiling, for example) regardless of climate.
20 Related Question Answers Found
Can you put R30 insulation in 2×4 walls?
Rigid fiberglass and rock wool are much thinner (yet much more dense and much more effective) than ‘fluffy” stuff. R-30 fiberglass insulation is designed to be in a roof or ceiling cavity framed with 2x10s. It is way too thick for 2×4 walls.
Do vapor barriers cause mold?
The Problem With Vapor Barriers This can lead to significant moisture problems and mold; problems occur when walls get wet during construction or more often throughout the home’s life. These wetting cycles can be from air flow, window leaks, pressure imbalances, and a host of lifestyle issues.
Which is better insulation R13 or R19?
Insulation in your walls and ceilings slows down this heat transfer. … There is a direct relationship between the amount of insulation and the amount of heat transfer. The bigger the R value, the better the insulation is at slowing down the heat transfer. So R19 is better insulation than R13, and R30 is better than R19.
Is R-13 insulation good?
Although the U.S. Department of Energy rates R-13 insulation as “good” for use in walls in southern areas of the country, it rates R-19 insulation higher, designating it as “great.” That is because R-19 insulation provides more thermal insulation than R-13 does.
Does a vapor barrier prevent mold?
Prevent Mold and Mildew Mold loves dark and damp places, so the best way to prevent mold from growing in your crawlspace and spreading to the living areas is to keep it dry with a vapor barrier.
Can you add insulation to existing ceiling?
Wet insulation can lead to mold, mildew, or even the rotting of your ceiling or roof rafters.” In fact, you can add new insulation over the existing installation in other areas of your home, not just the attic. And you don’t even have to choose the same material used in your existing insulation.
Is R-13 wall insulation good?
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. See the Department of Energy’s (DOE) ranges for recommended levels of insulation below.
What R-value can you get in a 2×4 wall?
Most wall assemblies, especially those in older homes, are built with two-by-four (2×4) studs. Since modern two-by-fours are not 4 inches, the true depth of the wall cavity is 3 1/2 inches. In most wall applications, you will use R-13 or R-15 kraft-faced fiberglass insulation rolls for these two-by-four stud walls.
What does R-19 insulation mean?
A wall is R-19, a roof is R-30 — what does this mean? Essentially R-value is a measure of thermal resistance, or the ability to prevent the transfer of heat. The larger the number, the harder that insulation is working at preventing heat conduction. The less heat loss, the lower your energy bills.
What is R30 insulation used for?
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.
Is a vapor barrier necessary?
A vapour barrier is an important component in building construction. Its purpose is to help prevent water vapour from reaching building walls, ceilings, attics, crawlspaces or roofs, where it can condense and cause building materials to rot or grow mould.
Where should vapor barrier be installed?
Vapor barriers are usually best installed on the side of the wall that experiences the hotter temperature and moister conditions: the inner surface in colder climates and the outer surface in hot, humid climates. In existing spaces, oil-based paints or vapor-barrier latex paints offer an effective moisture barrier.
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