Basement Insulation R Value

When insulating basement walls the required r value shall b e applie d from th e top of the basement w all to a depth of ten feet 3048 mm below grade or to the top of the basement floor whichever is less.

Basement insulation r value. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and. Extremely northern regions and high elevations are zone 5 requiring r 15 to r 19 values. Generally zones 1 and 2 cover the southern states which suggest no necessary values to r 10 for basement walls. If structural sheathing covers 40 or less of the exterior continuous insulation r value shall be permitted to be reduced by no more than r 3 in the locations where structural sheathing is used to maintain a consistent total sheathing thickness.

The higher the r value the greater the insulation performance. Zones 3 and 4 include the midwest and northern regions requiring r 10 to r 19 values. Insulation level are specified by r value. Choose this option for areas that need a good amount of strength and water resistance.

The model energy code recommends r 11 insulating values for basement walls in most of the country and r 15 for the northernmost states. Basement walls require a minimum of either r 10 continuous or r 13 batted insulation. With the correct insulation your basement can stay warmer in the winter by keeping the cold from penetrating your basement walls and cooler in the summer by adding a layer. Your basement can be notorious as the coldest room in your house.

Insulating the basement or crawlspace will reduce this heat loss saving space heating energy and improving comfort by keeping the floors warmer. An unconditioned basement is defined as an unheated basement with no significant heat producing appliances or devices. Some products have reinforced facing to make them sturdier. It provides about r 5 per inch.

Recommended home insulation r values. Also called styrofoam insulation this is the least expensive material. When determining how much insulation you need don t guesstimate calculate. Understand r values the measurement of insulation s effectiveness or thermal resistance.

R value measures how well certain building insulation materials can resist heat. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. Know exactly how much you need with our project calculators. The basement walls need to be insulated to a minimum value of r 10 for continuous insulation such as foam plastic insulation or r 13 for framing cavity insulation based on the component requirements of table n1102 1 insulation and fenestration requirements by component.