What insulation should I use in my ceiling?

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.

What R-value should ceiling insulation be?

For homes in California, the attic should achieve an R-value between R-30 and R-60. Most areas of the country have a higher minimum R-value recommendation, but just about everywhere recommends up to R-60.

What is the best thickness for ceiling insulation?

What is the best insulation for walls and ceilings?

Foam Board or Rigid Foam Panels

Foam boards work well to insulate everything from foundation walls and basement walls to unfinished floors and ceilings.

Does ceiling insulation need a vapor barrier?

Fiberglass Insulation

Like other batt-type insulation, fiberglass has a predictable R-value if not compressed but is difficult to fit around obstacles without leaving gaps. In most climates, it needs a vapor barrier.

Insulating Attic Ceilings

What are the 4 main types of insulation used in homes?

Do you need an air gap for insulation?

Insulation is technically a solid with a lot of air in it therefore, it is NOT an air gap. You literally must have a VOID, nothing in the air gap except air itself. So if you are installing under a roof or in a wall, you must create an air gap.

What R-value should I install?

For optimal energy efficiency, you should also consider insulating the internal walls, floors and between floors of multi-storey homes. The ideal R-Value for underfloor insulation depends on the climate of your location and the design of your home. Typically we recommend a minimum of R2. 0 and an upgrade to R2.

Can I lay insulation over wiring?

It is perfectly safe for household insulation to touch wires provided the wires or cables are electrically insulated. There also are techniques to make insulation fit better around wires. However, under no circumstances should thermal insulation make contact with live uninsulated wires and cables.

Is R13 insulation good for ceilings?

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.

What is R19 insulation used 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.

What is r15 insulation used for?

R-15 EcoTouch® insulation is intended to be friction-fit between exterior wall wood studs. Standard R-11 batts require the use of thick foam sheathing to achieve the recommended R-19 thermal performance.

Does ceiling insulation need to be stapled?

INSTALLING FACED INSULATION WITHOUT USING STAPLES

Make sure the insulation facing is flush with the face of the stud. The insulation must fit snugly at the sides and ends. Some CertainTeed products, such as SpeedyR, are prodcuced without stapling flanges specifically to be friction fit, and do not need to be stapled.

Is it better to insulate ceiling or walls?

wall insulation, always go for the attic. The largest pay back will be seen here. You would stop heat loss from natural convection and block solar gain (an increase in heat) in the attic, which can result in energy savings of 30 to 50 percent. You won't see as big of a return on investment by insulating walls.

Should electrical wires be behind insulation?

Wiring should be installed before any insulation. When building a home, everything needs to be done in the correct order. For instance, after the framing is complete and the exterior walls have been put up, you need to consider the inside of the wall cavities before you drywall the interior.

Is it better to insulate ceiling or roof?

If you are deciding between insulating the roof deck or the ceiling, Insulating your ceiling should be the priority. Not only is it easier but ceiling insulation is beneficial in a number of ways: Keeps the temperature in the building regulated. Saves on energy costs.

Is R2 5 Good insulation?

Earthwool® SoundShield R2. 5 Wall insulation is a high density glasswool insulation that offers high performance, with exceptional acoustic and energy saving properties, creating a peaceful environment in your home by absorbing sound and keeping it where it should be.

Can you over insulate a house?

It is possible to over-insulate your house so much that it can't breathe. The whole point of home insulation is to tightly seal your home's interior. But if it becomes too tightly sealed with too many layers of insulation, moisture can get trapped inside those layers. That's when mold starts to grow.

How thick does my insulation need to be?

The higher the R-Value, the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type.

Does insulation thickness matter?

Thicker is better

Insulation does the same thing for a house. The thicker the insulation, the better it works to reduce heat flow from the inside of a home to the outside during winter, and from outside to inside during summer.

What is the safest insulation to use?

Compared to fiberglass insulation, any of the above options would be safer than insulating your home with tiny glass shards dipped in formaldehyde. However, the safest option of all is cellulose.

What is the most efficient home insulation?

Fiberglass insulation still allows for airflow into the attic. Spray foam insulation is the most energy-efficient insulation to create an air barrier in the attic. Certain spray foams can expand up to 100 times its original size, so it fills all of the nooks and crannies in the attic.

Should I put plastic over insulation before drywall?

Without poly beneath the drywall, water vapor hits the drywall and diffuses through to the drier (in summer) indoor air. By installing a sheet of poly there, you cut off that drying mechanism and water that finds its way into walls can stay there longer and do more damage.