Insulation has a direct effect on many aspects of your home. Protection, energy reduction, and sound barrier to name a few. Ever wonder why your electric bill is so high even when you keep the A/C off in the summer? Oftentimes the main culprit is the lack of protection of your attic space with insulation. Homes that have had insulation removed or lack any insulation installment at all suffer from higher energy bills as the home has to work harder to cool and heat the home. There are many different ways to insulate your home. Insulation types range from blown-in insulation to batt insulation. You have many options to choose from, as well, for the thickness of your insulation. Here we will discuss R30 Insulation and its capabilities.
R30 Insulation: Material Types
R30 Insulation thickness is able to reduce heat conduction within a space by up to 97%. Depending on the material type desired, you will require a certain thickness of R30 insulation. There are many different types of insulation materials to choose from. Our Specialists will be able to assist you in determining which type of insulation is best for your home and will help keep your electric bill from being so high. Below we will discuss the type of insulation materials available and their correlated R30 insulation thickness requirements.
| Fiberglass Insulation | 8.25 inches of R30 Insulation Thickness |
| Open-Cell Spray Foam | 9 inches of R30 Insulation Thickness |
| Closed-Cell Spray Foam | 4.25-6 inches of R30 Insulation Thickness |
| Foam Board Insulation | 7.5-8.33 inches of R30 Insulation Thickness |
| Rockwool Blown-In | 10.9 inches of R30 Insulation Thickness |
| Rockwool Batt | 8.87 inches of R30 Insulation Thickness |
| Blown-In Cellulose | 9.3 inches of R30 Insulation Thickness |
Here, the R-Value of R30 Insulation refers to its energy efficiency. The greater the R-value, the more efficient the material in your home. Depending on the space, you will be instructed to have a certain R-value of insulation installed. From there, you will then need to determine the material type that would best fit your home. We will discuss them in length below:
Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass insulation is composed of recycled glass and glass fibers. Fiberglass insulation is one of the more inexpensive options of insulation. It is soundproof and assists in slowing the transfer of heat and cold throughout your spaces. It has an R-value of 3.6-5 per inch. Fiberglass insulation requires 8.25 inches of thickness to achieve an R30 Insulation thickness value. To calculate the required thickness, the formula is as follows:
30 / 3.6 = 8.25
[R-30 insulation / R-value = thickness ]
Spray Foam Insulation
There are two different types of spray foam insulation. Open Cell and Closed Cell insulation are the two options available. Each has its own specific methods of installation, qualities, and insulation thickness.
Open Cell Spray Foam
Open Cell insulation requires 9 inches of insulation to achieve R30 insulation thickness. Open-cell has a much greater expansion rate than closed cell spray foam – over 100 times greater. To apply, open cell insulation is blown with water and applied as a lightweight material. The main differentiating feature of an open cell is that it is not encapsulated, meaning that water can move through it. Open cell is a less expensive option as compared to closed cell and provides great sound and shock resistance.
Closed Cell Spray Foam
Closed cell spray foam only requires 4.25 to 6 inches of insulation to achieve R30 insulation thickness. Unlike open cell, however, closed cell spray foam is very dense. It has a much smaller expansion rate than open cells and a chemical agent is used in its application. The greatest feature of closed cells, however, is their encapsulated capabilities. It is impermeable, ensuring that no water can seep through protecting against mold growth. Closed cell is more durable, but has lower shock and sound absorption.
Foam Board Insulation
A rigid foam board is yet another option for insulating your attic. These rigid boards are custom cut to fit in between the wall joists. To achieve R30 insulation thickness, the foam board insulation must be 7.5 to 8.33 inches thick. It is often used in commercial buildings, however, has its role in residential homes, as well. Foil facing insulation is also an option for foam board insulation, adding an additional layer of protection. Foam board insulation is water resistant and can be used in the foundation and wall joists. It is also fire safe.
Blown-In Insulation
Blown-in insulation is yet another material option for insulating your space. Blown-in insulation consists of small pieces of insulation that are blown into the space. It is able to fit in small spaces due to its size and the means of installment. There are a few different types of blown-in insulation that are available for your home.
Rockwool Blown-In Insulation
Rockwool blown-in insulation is a great option for homes requiring fire proof and a sturdy option for their home. Rockwool blown-in insulation is a heavier type of insulation and requires 10.9 inches of depth to achieve R30 insulation thickness.
Fiberglass Blown-In Insulation
Fiberglass installed via blown-in insulation is one of the most common types of insulation used. Fiberglass blown-in insulation is able to be installed on top of pre-existing insulation, saving you the trouble and cost of removing insulation. 12.4 inches of fiberglass blown-in insulation is required to achieve R-30 insulation thickness.
Cellulose Blown-In Insulation
Cellulose blown-in insulation is yet another option available to you. Cellulose blown-in insulation is a greener option, made of recycled paper. Cellulose still maintains many of the great qualities of the other types of insulation, including fire resistance and being economically efficient. Cellulose blown-in insulation requires about 9.3 inches of insulation to achieve R-30 insulation thickness.
Batt Insulation
Batt insulation is yet another material option for you to consider. Batt insulation comes in long rolls and is able to be installed between the wall joists of the attic. Like blown-in insulation, batt insulation has material options for you to choose from.
Rockwool Batt Insulation
Rockwool batt insulation is a very sturdy option for your home. It is fire, moisture, mildew, and noise resistant. It is very light and therefore can be installed to fit specific spaces. To achieve R-30 insulation thickness, about 8.87 inches of rockwool batt insulation is required. Due to its exceptional qualities, rockwool batt insulation is a bit more expensive than the other options.
R30 Insulation: Where Do You Use It?
There are many R-value thicknesses to choose from when you are seeking to install insulation in your home. Why R30 insulation? Where should you use it? It greatly depends on where you live. Different climate zones require different R-values of insulation. R30 Insulation can be used in the following climate zones:
Climate Zones 1, 2, and 3:
R30 insulation can be used in these climate zones. It is very common to use it in homes with uninsulated attics and homes with cathedral-structured ceilings.
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8:
R30 insulation is best used in these climate zones in these particular areas of the home. R30 insulation thickness is best installed in the floors, crawl spaces, and cathedral-structured ceilings.
Every home is unique. Its composition, structure, and features require specialized care. R30 insulation thickness is one option to help protect your home from the elements and reduce your energy bill. Remember, the greater the R-value of insulation, the less thickness of insulation is required. The material that you choose, whether batt insulation, blown-in insulation, or spray foam, each has its own special abilities and features. Our Specialists would be more than happy to inspect your home and provide a customized quote of what would best secure your home.