Buying Guide

1. LOCATE YOUR CLIMATE ZONE
If you live in the northeastern United States or other colder areas, you
might need attic insulation with an R-value as high as R-60. If you live in
a southwestern state or other areas with generally warmer temperatures,
you might need attic insulation with an R-value of only R-30.
ZONE
ADD INSULATION TO ATTIC
FLOOR
UNINSULATED
ATTIC
EXISTING 3-4
INCHES OF
INSULATION
1 R30 TO R49 R25 TO R30 R13
2 R30 TO R60 R25 TO R38 R13 TO R19
3 R30 TO R60 R25 TO R38 R19 TO R25
4 R38 TO R60 R38 R25 TO R30
5-8 R49 TO R60 R38 TO R49 R25 TO R30
ZONE ATTIC
CATHEDRAL
CEILING
WALL
CAVITY
FLOOR
1 R30 TO R49 R22 TO R15 R13 TO R15 R13
2 R30 TO R60 R22 TO R38 R13 TO R15
R13
R19 TO R25
3 R30 TO R60 R22 TO R38 R13 TO R15 R25
4 R38 TO R60 R30 TO R38 R13 TO R15 R25 TO R30
5 R38 TO R60
R30 TO R38 R13 TO R15
R25 TO R30
R30 TO R60 R13 TO R21
6 R49 TO R60 R30 TO R60 R13 TO R21 R25 TO R30
7 R49 TO R60 R30 TO R60 R13 TO R21 R25 TO R30
8 R49 TO R60 R30 TO R60 R13 TO R21 R25 TO R30
To determine the R-value recommended for where you live, check the climate zone map:
Source: U.S. Department of Energy
Actual R-value requirements for attics, oors and walls might differ in your state or local community. Be sure to check the building code for your location.
HERE ARE THREE STEPS TO TAKE TO DETERMINE YOUR
R-VALUE AND PLAN YOUR NEXT INSULATION PROJECT: