ic.certainteed.comInsulation Calculator

Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of accessibility Add location Select location US | EN Select site language United States United States English (EN) United States Spanish (ES) Canada Canada English (EN) Canada French (FR) Utility Navigation Where To Buy Find A Pro Find A Rep Mega Menu Share this calculator Link has been copied to the clipboard. Upgrading your home’s insulation? Use our insulation calculator to determine the types of insulation you’ll need to ensure comfort and energy efficiency year-round. In a few short steps, we’ll provide you with the optimum insulation types for your climate and your state’s efficiency standards. Project Location Project Details Insulation Recommendations What is the location of your project? We need this information to provide you with the best product recommendations based on availability in your region. Your minimum recommended R-Values for insulation products are also tied to your project location. State Select a State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming County Select a County IECC Code Requirements* Your state and county review and approve minimum IECC building code requirements every three years. The products recommended in this tool are based on current model building codes, but we highly recommend checking with your local jurisdiction to confirm the allowable and adopted code for your region before purchasing materials. Insulation Glossary Expand Collapse 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. Insulation Areas Expand Collapse 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. Use Of This Tool Disclaimer Expand Collapse This calculator is provided for general information only; the results are to be used only as estimates. Proper results are dependant on the accuracy of your measurements and assumptions. Ready to start your insulation project? Calculations? Check. Location? Check. Let us guide you to the supplier nearest you. WHERE TO...