Insulation Calculator

R-Value
R-Value measures the ability of insulation to prevent heat from escaping or intruding through the walls and roof of your home. The higher the R-Value, the more effective the insulation. Optimum R-Value is dependent on the climate in your area.

IECC Code
These guidelines are minimum efficiency standards set by the International Code Council (ICC) for building construction projects. Many U.S. states have adopted these standards to improve practices of energy efficiency. This means when you do a project that affects your home’s energy efficiency, you should check to make sure you are following your state’s requirements.

Basement wall
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 before selecting your final product).

Crawlspace wall
Don’t forget crawlspace walls when insulating the basement. Similar to mass walls and basement walls, you should use a products with a good vapor retarder that will improve the warmth of your space.

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.

Attic

The attic is the most important area of the house to insulate, and usually the easiest - especially when using loose-fill fiberglass. If you can see the floor joists, you need more insulation.

Wood frame wall
Wood frame walls are typical for rooms in your home’s ground floor and up. 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
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 the drywall.

Floor
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.