Most homeowners don’t give much thought to the type of insulation in their home until they undergo renovations or extremely noticeable issues with home comfort. Whether you’re considering improving energy efficiency or completing the drywall in a new addition or renovated space. In this blog, we will explain how to choose the right R-values for your insulation.
What is insulation?
It is easiest to think of insulation as a barrier to keep exterior temperatures out and interior temperatures in. Insulation is designed to prevent heat from transferring in and out of the home, allowing you to maintain comfortable interior temperatures throughout the year. Different types of insulation are used in different parts of the home, based on building codes in your area.
What are insulation R-values?
Home insulation is rated using R-values. The “R” stands for resistance, and the values relate to the measurement of thermal resistance provided by the insulating materials. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation is at preventing heat from transferring in and out of your home.
The highest R-values are more effective at slowing down heat transfer, so your home can maintain more comfortable, even temperatures regardless of the temperature outside. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should always choose the highest R-values. Instead, focus on the required R-values based on the application.
When is insulation installed?
The timing of insulation installation depends on the nature of the project. When we handle both drywall and insulation, we begin with the insulation. The most common types include batt insulation (pink), spray foam, and attic blown-in insulation.
The appropriate R-value varies depending on your budget and the specific application. Once insulation is installed, the client schedules an inspection. If the inspection is successful, we move on to the drywall phase.
How are the right insulation R-values chosen?
There are four main considerations to help you choose the right R-values:
1.Where is your home located?
Ontario has different zones, so it’s important to consider your location to ensure you understand the required R-values in your area. For example, areas above North Bay and Sault Ste. Marie are Zone 2, and areas south of that area down to Windsor are Zone 1.
2.Where are you installing the insulation?
The area of the home is very important, as R-values vary based on whether you’re insulating walls or ceilings and if they are above- or below-grade (such as basements and crawl spaces).
3.What type of insulation is required?
The basic types of insulation to consider are as follows:
- Batt insulation: This bright pink insulation is familiar to most people. It is pre-cut in large pieces in 16- or 24-inch widths and standard 4-foot lengths. These sizes make it easier to fit the batt snugly between studs and joists in floors, ceilings, and walls. The batt can be cut to size to fit areas such as above and below windows and doors, or awkward areas.
- Spray foam insulation: Spray foam comes in liquid form, allowing it to effectively seal and conform to surfaces. Two liquids are combined during the application process, producing a chemical reaction that both creates the foam and causes it to expand upon contact.
- Attic blown-in insulation: Blown-in insulation is a solid type of loose-fill insulating material commonly used in areas such as attics where a large area must be insulated. It also works well to get into less accessible areas of the attic, such as where the roofline meets the attic floor.
- Rockwool insulation: Rockwool Safe’n’Sound is a type of stone wool insulation designed for use in interior walls, ceilings, and floors. Known for its excellent sound absorption and fire resistance, it also offers thermal insulation benefits. It is sold in semi-rigid batts that are easy to cut and install between framing, and it does not support the growth of mould or mildew.
What about rigid foam insulation?
Rigid foam insulation is used on exterior walls to prevent thermal bridging. Thermal bridging occurs when heat escapes or enters the home through breaks in the exterior insulation. Rigid foam creates an effective continuous barrier to reduce penetration caused by building components in exterior walls, such as pipes, joists, and metal studs.
4.What are the minimum insulation R-values required?
R-value recommendations range from the minimum required to the best R-value for the specific application. Choosing the minimum ensures you will meet building codes, but you can choose a better or best option if your budget allows.
Here is a simplified chart listing the minimum requirements as a handy reference:
Zones 1 and 2
- Ceiling below attic space: Choose blown-in or batt insulation with R-60 value.
- Ceiling without attic space: Choose batt insulation with an R-value of 31.
- Exposed floors: Choose batt insulation R-35.
- Above-grade walls: Choose batt insulation R-22 or R-19.
- Basement walls: Choose batt insulation R-15 or R-20.
How to Calculate the Required Amount of Insulation
Insulation calculations are based on the following basic measurements:
- Multiply the perimeter of your walls by the height from floor to ceiling to get the wall square footage.
- Measure the stud width and calculate the number of studs.
- Subtract the stud measurements from the wall square footage.
- Measure the stud depth so you know the depth of insulation required.
Increasing Insulation R-values
If you are upgrading the insulation in your home, you can increase R-values by “topping up” the existing insulation. This saves time and money while enhancing insulation performance.
Before adding more insulation, be sure to check the current industry standards to ensure you’re meeting the minimum requirements. For example, if the latest requirement is R-50 and your current insulation is R-22, then you would subtract 22 from 50 to calculate how much additional R-value is required. In this case, the additional required R-value is 28.
Does moisture buildup impact insulation R-values?
Yes, moisture can impact the performance of batt and loose-fill insulation, as water decreases thermal resistance. Air pockets in these insulating materials enhance the insulating capabilities. When penetrated by moisture, they become heavier and less able to maintain their level of thermal resistance.
How is moisture buildup prevented?
Installing vapour barriers helps manage moisture in areas such as exterior walls, attics, and basements.
Contact the Experts at Ontario Drywall And Taping
With a better understanding of what it takes to choose the right insulation R-values, it makes sense to consult a professional to ensure your investment is worthwhile.
If you’re not ready to tackle a DIY drywall installation, call Ontario Drywall And Taping (ODT) at 647-878-4466. You can also click here to reach out to our expert drywall crew to set up a free quote today.
