St. Louis and recommended insulation R-values?

In St. Louis we tend to have weather that goes from one extreme to another. Temperatures can change drastically in a matter of a day or two, so proper insulation is critical. In this post we will look at recommended R-value for a home in this region, to protect from these extreme weather changes.

As discussed in prior posts a very important factor when considering insulating a home is R-value. There are recommended R-values for each component of one's home. Lets look at each area, and review its estimated R-value.

Wall framing: Walls in residential structures can vary in thickness. The most common framing materials used are 2x4's and 2x6's.
If you live in a 2x4 constructed home, a minimum of R-13 is recommended. For home's constructed of 2x6's a minimum of R-20 is recommended.

Attic Space: Attic spaces typically receive more exposure to extreme weather conditions. Therefore, this area needs to have a higher R-value to compensate. The minimum requirement for an attic space is R-38 in our region.

Check out the coverage chart above for recommended R-values in your area.