New York - Recommended Home Insulation R– Values
Recommended insulation levels for retrofitting existing wood-framed buildings
WHAT IS R-VALUE?
R-Value is a measure of insulation’s ability to resist heat traveling through it. The higher the R-Value, the better the thermal performance of the insulation
Insulation level are specified by R-Value. R-Value is a measure of insulation’s ability to resist heat traveling through it. The higher the R-Value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost-effective for different climates and locations in the home.
Insulation level are specified by R-Value. R-Value is a measure of insulation’s ability to resist heat traveling through it. The higher the R-Value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost-effective for different climates and locations in the home.
U.S. Department of Energy recommended R-values for Add Insulation to Attic Zone 4
Uninsulated Attic - Attic insulation run between R-49 to R-60. Existing Attic 3–4 Inches of Insulation R-38. Walls should be between R-19 to R-21 Basement walls R13 to R-19. Floors R-25 to R-30
Wall Insulation: Whenever exterior siding is removed on an
Uninsulated wood-frame wall:
- Drill holes in the sheathing and blow insulation into the empty wall cavity before installing the new siding, and
- Zones 3–4: Add R5 insulative wall sheathing beneath the new siding
- Zones 5–8: Add R5 to R6 insulative wall sheathing beneath the new siding.
Insulated wood-frame wall:
- For Zones 4 to 8: Add R5 insulative sheathing before installing the new siding.
| 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 to 8 | R49 to R60 | R38 to R49 | R25 to R30 |
Where to Insulate in a Home
- Attic Insulation
- Duct Insulation
- Cathedral Ceiling Insulation
- Exterior Wall Insulation
- Insulating Floors Above Unheated Garages
- Foundation Insulation
- Basement Insulation
- Crawlspace Insulation
- Slab-on-Grade Insulation