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serving North Carolina and Virginia
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How much insulation should be installed?   

The amount of insulation a home should have will vary, depending on where it is located and how it is built. The U.S. Department of Energy has put together thermal recommendations for homes. The recommended insulation levels are based on the geographic zones shown in the map below:

Map graphic

Insulation Guide
Ceiling Wall Floor
HDD Zone R-value R-value* R-value**
1 (0-500) R-19 R-13 R-13
2 (501-3,000) R-30 R-15 R-19
3 (3,001-5,000) R-38 R-15 R-19
4 (5,001-6,000) R-38 R-21 R-19
5 (6,001-10,000) R-49 R-21 R-19
* Wall R-values are the cavity insulation only. It assumes wall construction of 2 x 4, 16" o.c. up to 5000 HDD and 2 x 6, 16" o.c. 5001 HDD and above, 1/2" gypsum board on the inside and non-insulative sheathing (1/2" plywood) on the exterior.
** If basement or crawl space walls are insulated, the R-value of the insulation should be in compliance with the requirements of the latest Model Energy Code (MEC.)




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