Johns Mansville English Customer Login Navigation Home Insulation Solutions Home Insulation Basics HOME INSULATION SOLUTIONS HOME INSULATION BASICS Not quite sure where to start? Start with some of the basic questions below to help you figure out the differences between certain insulation types and learn how to pick out the right insulation for your project. Expand all Collapse all WHICH INSULATION DO I NEED? The type of insulation you need depends on where it will be installed, what R-values are required and your budget. Where you live also affects which insulation you choose. For example, a home in Arizona will have different minimum R-value requirements than one in Minnesota. Check with your local building codes or view this map for exact requirements. Check out our Insulation Project Guide to get started. INSULATION PROJECT GUIDE Johns Manville makes a variety of insulation types for every part of your home: Formaldehyde-Free™ Fiber Glass Batts and Rolls: available in different thicknesses, R-values and widths to accommodate standard-size walls, crawl spaces, attics and more. Additionally, our different product offerings help make installation easier. Fiber glass insulation is available in many different forms, including rolls and pre-cut batts to fit all standard and non-standard wall cavities. Fiber glass comes in a variety of R-values for different applications throughout your home. Before you begin an insulation project, you should verify the size of your wall cavities (generally 16” or 24”) and attic space to calculate how much insulation you will need. Check out our Project Guide to determine what type of fiber-glass insulation is required for your project. Blow-in Loose Fiber Glass: Typically used in unfinished attics, nonconforming spaces and hard-to-reach areas such as corners, edges and around framing. Requires a blowing machine for installation. Spray Foam: This alternative to fiber glass is most commonly used in new construction. It is applied using a specific spray applicator―resulting in a thermal, air and moisture barrier. JM provides a variety of closed-cell and open-cell spray foam solutions to meet specific building and climate needs. Mineral Wool: Specifically designed to deliver robust sound dampening, exceptional fire resistance and superior temperature control, it is most commonly installed in wood-stud cavities of interior and exterior walls, basements, ceilings, floors and crawl spaces. Foam Sheathing: Rigid-foam-sheathing insulation for use in commercial and residential construction where continuous insulation and/or high thermal efficiency is required. JM provides sheathing solutions for both interior and exterior applications. WHAT IS R-VALUE? R stands for resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power and resistance to heat flow. Depending on where you live and what area of your home you are insulating, different R-values are recommended. For example, a colder climate requires higher R-values than a milder, more temperate one. R-values may be added together for increased thermal resistance. WHAT R-VALUE DO I NEED? Depending on where you live and the part of your home you’re insulating (walls, crawl space, attic, etc.), you’ll need a different R-value. Typical recommendations for exterior walls are R-13 to R-23, while R-30, R-38 and R-49 are common for ceilings and attic spaces. See the Department of Energy’s (DOE) ranges for recommended levels of insulation below. AREA OF HOME GOOD BETTER BEST Attics R-30 R-38 R-49 Cathedral Ceilings R-19 R-30 R-38 2x4 Walls R-13 R-15 2x6 Walls R-19 R-21 Floors R-19 R-25 R-30 Crawl Spaces R-19 R-25 R-30 Basement Walls R-11 R-13 R-15 WHERE SHOULD I INSULATE? Ideally, you should insulate your entire home — from the attic to the crawl space and everything in between. Proper insulation and air sealing can dramatically improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home. Common insulation projects include attics, crawl spaces, exterior and interior walls, basements and ceilings. HOW MUCH INSULATION DO I NEED? The amount of insulation needed depends on the type of insulation you're using, the R-value you want to achieve, and the size of the space you're insulating. Use our Project Guide to help you calculate how much insulation you need for each project. HOW MUCH INSULATION DO I NEED HOW CAN I REDUCE THE MOISTURE IN MY HOME? Using insulation with a vapor retarder or adding one to existing insulation helps keep the moisture inside your home from escaping and condensing in insulated cavities, which can cause mold and mildew. Check your local building codes for vapor retarder requirements. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN UNFACED AND KRAFT-FACED? Unfaced means the insulation lacks a vapor retarder (paper or plastic facing). Kraft-faced insulation includes a paper vapor retarder, which helps prevent mold and mildew. Check your local building codes for vapor retarder requirements. WHAT TYPE OF EQUIPMENT DO I NEED? The right tools and equipment make your insulation project go faster, smoother and more safely. Refer to this checklist to make sure you have everything you need before getting started. Tape measure for measuring the insulation and the area being insulated Straightedge such as a yardstick or 2x4 for cutting insulation Utility knife for cutting insulation Stapling tool for attaching faced insulation or polyethylene vapor barrier to framing or studs Putty knife or screwdriver for forcing pieces of insulation into small places Caulking gun and caulk to seal floor and ceiling plates and other gaps through which air may flow Disposable dust mask to help minimize temporary irritation from breathing airborne particles of insulation, sawdust or other materials Safety glasses or goggles to protect eyes from airborne particles and other potential hazards Loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirt; long pants; and gloves to help minimize skin contact with insulation and insulation dust Sturdy work boots for protection from insulation dust and equipment hazards Work helmet to protect your head from joists, trusses and other obstructions Insulation blower machine for blow-in, loose-fill fiber glass DO I NEED A VAPOR RETARDER? Vapor Retarders are typically recommended for the interior side (i.e., the “warm in winter” side) of above-ground framed walls in your home such as bedrooms, bathrooms, garages and attics. A vapor retarder is not required for basement walls, walls made of materials that can't be damaged by moisture or freezing, or any parts of walls that are below ground. WHAT IS A VAPOR RETARDER? WHAT IS FORMALDEHYDE? Formaldehyde is a chemical compound used in many adhesives for plywood, particle board and other building materials, including some insulation. It is important to limit exposure to formaldehyde because of its potential hazards. JM was the first manufacturer to offer a complete line of certified Formaldehyde-free™ fiber glass insulation. WHAT IS FACING? A material — either Kraft paper or plastic — is attached to the fiber glass insulation to help control moisture, mold and draft. Facing can also be applied separately from the insulation. Some JM fiber glass insulation comes with Kraft (paper) facing as well as plastic-encapsulated facing. INSTALLING FACED INSULATION TOP © 2014 Johns Manville. A Berkshire Hathaway Company Privacy Policy Legal MSDS Search For Our Suppliers Partner Locator Johns Manville Customer Login INNOVATION CENTER SUSTAINABILITY OUR COMPANY CAREERS CONTACT US Home Insulation Solutions Why Insulate? Home Insulation Basics Home Insulation Projects Home Insulation Products Other Building Products Energy Incentives Building And Facilities Solutions Building Insulation Commercial Roofing Industrial Insulation HVAC Insulation Mechanical Insulation Wall Coverings Manufacturers' Solutions Fibers Nonwovens OEM Insulation Solutions