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Evaluating the R-value of Insulation Previously Installed in Existing Homes



Calculator for determining the R-value of your existing insulation:
Thickness (inches)
Insulation type R-value per inch of thickness
R-value of your existing insulation:


Calculator for determining how much insulation you need to add:
Recommended R-value
Existing insulation R-value
R-value needed:


Calculator for determining the approximate thickness you need to add:
R-value needed
R-value per inch
Approximate thickness needed:


Insulation type R-value per inch of thickness are listed below:
Fiberglass batt or blanket (3.2 inches)
High performance fiberglass batt or blanket (3.8 inches)
Loose-fill fiberglass (2.5 inches)
Loose-fill rock wool (2.8 inches)
Loose-fill cellulose (3.5 inches)
Perlite or vermiculite (2.7 inches)
Expanded polystyrene board (3.8 inches)
Extruded polystyrene board (4.8 inches)
Polyisocyanurate board, unfaced (5.8 inches)
Polyisocyanurate board, foil-faced (7 inches)
Spray polyurethane foam (5.9 inches)


Check out the information on the product insulation packaging to find out the actual thickness for any insulation for new buildings.

For new homes check out this calculator:
Insulation calculator for existing houses


fiberglass wool insulation


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?Questions & Answers
Resolved questions:
» Insulation for under floor on pier & beam home
» Why is my upstairs so hot? bedroom over the garage
» A contractor wants to seal up my ridge vent and gable vent with foam insulation. is this a good idea and what's the long term effect? also, air crete insulation in my walls, is this a good idea? concerned about the ventilation can you help?
New unresolved questions:
» Will insulating outside walls make a big difference in temperature of room?
» Iam insulating the floor between my unheated garage area and the second floor heated living area. I think that I installed the insulation wrong . I put the vapor reatarder towards the unheated garage area not the heated living area. Will this hurt
» Should I install insulation with a vapor barrieron it?

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