| | IECC 2009 Minimum
R-Values | CertainTeed Recommended
R-Values | Recommended
Products | Total Square
Footage  If you don't know the total square footage of the area to be insulated,
click on the calculator icon that will appear after you choose your state
and county from the drop-down menus and insert the area dimensions
in the appropriate boxes. If you know the total square footage, simply
insert the number here. Either way, the calculator will take it from there. |
| Attic R-Value The attic is the most important area of the house to insulate, and
usually the easiest – especially when using loose-fill fiber glass.
If you can see the floor joists, you need more insulation. | | | | |
| Wood Frame Wall R-Value Adding insulation to exterior walls helps save energy and control
moisture. Insulation in interior walls reduces both airborne and
impact noise in the home. | | | | |
| Mass Wall R-Value Insulating mass walls (concrete, cinder block) helps improve a
home's thermal performance. Add studs or furring strips first, then
place insulation between them prior to finishing with drywall. | | | | |
| Floor R-Value Insulating floors over unfinished basements makes living spaces more
comfortable. Use faced insulation to limit moisture transfer; for finished
basements with a vapor retarder already in place, use unfaced insulation. | | | | |
| Basement Wall R-Value Insulating walls helps turn basements into warm, comfortable living
spaces. Insulation with an integral vapor retarder is the best choice for
unfinished concrete or cinder block walls (always check local codes). | | | | |
| Slab R-Value, Depth When building an addition, or insulating basement or below-grade walls,
it's important to insulate the outside edge of the foundation slab in order
to fully seal the building envelope. | | | | |
| Crawlspace Wall R-Value Don't forget crawlspace walls when insulating the basement. See Mass
Wall and Basement Wall above for information that will generally apply to
crawlspace walls as well. | | | | |
| Vapor Retarder Moisture in wall cavities can result in mold, mildew and damage to
structural framing. A vapor retarder is essential in most areas of the
country, and should always be placed toward the interior of the house. | | | | |
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