Adding insulation to your home is a simple task requiring no special tools or skills. It should take one to two days to insulate depending on the size of your home.
Reasons to Insulate
- Proper insulation reduces energy costs.
- A well-insulated structure doesn't gain or lose heat as quickly as a poorly insulated one, so it's easier to maintain a comfortable temperature.
- The retention of conditioned air lowers the demand on the heating and cooling systems. This reduces operating costs and extends the life of the system.
Insulation R-Value
R-value is the measure of a material's ability to resist heat conduction. The greater the material's R-value, the better it performs as an insulator. All values assigned to insulation are based on specific thicknesses, usually noted on the packaging. Compressing or otherwise reducing the thickness of insulation reduces its ability to resist conduction and its R-value.
Zone | Roofs | Walls | Floors |
1 | R49 | R28 | R25 |
2 | R49 | R22 | R25 |
3 | R49 | R18 | R25 |
4 | R49 | R18 | R25 |
5 | R49 | R18 | R25 |
6 | R49 | R18 | R25 |
R-Value Recommendations
Insulation Materials
The materials you'll use to insulate your home will depend on the type of installation. Listed below are the basic materials and their areas of use.
Cellulose insulation is a recycled, organic, loose-fill insulation blown into walls and attics. It's usually composed of recycled newspaper, which has been treated with a flame retardant. |  |
Fiberglass roll insulation is a manufactured fibrous insulation. Roll insulation is available in short batts for use in tight spaces and lengths up to 25 feet to quickly cover open spaces. Roll insulation is also available with a vapor barrier (faced insulation), without a vapor barrier (unfaced insulation) or completely wrapped in plastic sheathing for itch-free installation. |  |
Attic rafter vents / baffles are designed to fit between rafters either 24 inches or 16 inches on center (OC) to prevent insulation from blocking the airflow from soffit vents. |  |
Insulation supports are wire supports pre-cut to fit between framing members, either 24 inches or 16 inches OC, to hold insulation in place. |  |
Polyethylene sheeting is often used as a vapor barrier, in conjunction with blown cellulose or unfaced roll insulation. Most manufacturers suggest using 4- or 6- millimeter sheeting to resist tearing. |
- Always wear goggles, a dust mask and gloves. Cover all exposed skin when installing any type of insulation.
- Maintain a 3-inch safe zone between insulation and recessed lights, chimneys, flues and other heat-producing devices.
- Install faced insulation with the face toward the inside of the structure.
Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes and local regulations change; therefore, Lowe's assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures. Please read our terms of use.