Insulating a home is important to save energy and keep your room comfortable. It also reduces outside noise so you can live a more calm and relaxed life. Now insulation needs thermal products with good R-value, which ensure the thermal insulation performance of your home.
So if you plan to install r-19 insulation in a 2×4 wall, we recommend not doing that. Indeed, r-19 insulation may not fit in your standard 2×4 wall due to less depth for the product. It means the 2×4 wall has a depth of 3.5 inches which is best suited with R-13 insulation. If you try to insert r-19 insulation on these wall gaps, the fitting becomes compressed and loses its thermal properties.
This guide explains what happens if we put R-19 insulation in a 2×4 wall, the best alternatives for your framing wall, and precautions. Additionally, we discuss how to increase the R-value of your wall and what experts suggest for the thermal protection of a home. So keep reading this guide and understand the right interior/exterior room insulation process.
Why can’t we put R 19 insulation in a 2×4 wall?
As mentioned, putting R-19 insulation in a 2×4 lumber wall is not recommended. Indeed, this type of insulation is designed for 2×6 walls. On the other hand, R-13 insulation goes better to 2×4 lumber walls. However, it is possible to achieve R-19 insulation in a 2×4 wall. Still, a few challenges may come during the installation, so below are the details.
The Framing
The 2×4 wall allows R-13 insulation that fits well in 3.5 inches deep. Here you don’t need to compress the insulating product. So a good airflow and thermal rating are maintained between the walls. On the other hand, R-19 insulation is designed to fit in a 2×6 wall because it has a depth of 5.5 inches. So the product can expand and perfectly maintain its thermal properties.
Additionally, the lumber has insulating effects. By inserting the R-19 insulation in a 2×4 wall, you can increase the insulation effect. Indeed, the installation may give something other than the desired comfort from R-19 insulation in the 2×6 wall.
Empty Space
In addition to framing the wall, the space between lumber is also affected due to R-19 insulation in the 2×4 wall. As mentioned, R-19 insulation fits well in the depth of 5.5 inches which is available in 2×6 walls. On the other hand, 2×4 lumber has only 3.5 inches of depth. So fewer gaps compress the insulation and make no space in the wall. As a result, you can’t modify the framing for future components like wiring, plumbing, and others. But if you put R-13 insulation in a 2×4 wall, space will remain for future constructions.
Heat transfer
Heat transfer is a crucial part of thermal protection at home. How do you achieve that? Adjust the right insulation in the wall frame. As we mentioned several times, R-19 insulation gets compressed in the 2×4 wall. It causes the insulating fiber to trap air pockets and reduce heat flow. So you won’t get the desired comfort while achieving the R-19 insulation in the following wall gaps. That’s why experts suggest using R-13 insulation for 2×4 wall types.
However, it is possible to achieve R-19 insulation in a 2×4 wall. You have to install different insulating layers in the lumber gap. First, insert low-density insulation like fiberglass or mineral wool. Later, you can add highly dense insulating materials like rigid or spray foam insulation. That’s how you can achieve the desired R-19 insulation in a 2×4 wall. Still, the above challenges will remain in this installation.
How to increase the R value of your wall?
First, understand R-value refers to a measurement that determines how the insulation keeps the heat from entering and leaving the room. As we know, installing R-19 insulation may not be a good idea for a 2×4 wall. There are challenges in heat flow, less space, thickness, and force stuffing. So below are the tips to increase the R-value of your wall effectively.
Install 2×6 Framing
If you buy R-19 insulation or are determined to set this insulation type, carrying the 2×6 wall is the best option for you. This framing lumber is best suited for the exterior of your home. Maybe the expense will bite more than 2×4 walls, but it still works better in the long run. A 2×6 wall frame is the best framing structure for building a home or expanding your space. Regarding insulation, R-19 insulators save more energy bills and offer comfort.
Use R15 Fiberglass Insulation
If you are already framing your lumber in 2×4 walls and want to avoid redoing the construction, R15 fiberglass may be the best option. This insulator may not help to achieve R-19 insulation, but it still works great for reducing bills and increasing comfort.
Indeed, this fiberglass insulation is much better than R13 products in 2×4 walls. The insulators come in budget-friendly options and are available for up to R15 ratings.
Use Polyurethane Insulation
The above recommendations won’t satisfy your needs. Use Polyurethane Insulation to increase the R-value of your wall. This insulator is available in higher up to 28 ratings. So you can choose the best option according to your wall.
Polyurethane Insulation is a rigid foam material that offers better insulation than fiberglass and many other insulator materials. The cost may be a bit higher for Polyurethane material. Still, it can run for years on your wall exterior or interior.
What is the best insulation for a 2×4 wall?
Most modern 2×4 stud walls require R-13 or R-15 fiberglass insulation. However, minor thickness levels are available between these rating insulators. So they are close enough and offer the same level of insulation while installing in two by four walls. Still, there are a few other insulating materials available that you can use to increase insulation benefits. So the followings are
Mineral Wool
This insulation material is an excellent option to install in a 2×4 wall. It has good insulation properties and sound-reducing capabilities. Like fiberglass, mineral wool is also available with an R-value of 13 and 15.
Spray Foam Insulation
Excellent thermal properties and air-sealing features are two primary benefits of spray foam insulation. This material can be used in a 2×4 wall for better heat storage and air sealing.
Rigid Foam Insulation
Lastly comes foam insulation which is available in various thicknesses. However, R-13 or R-15 kraft-faced foam insulation rolls are perfect for the following walls.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
What is the best insulation R-value for 2×4 wall?
For 2×4 wall insulation, the best R-value is 13 and 15. However, you can pick different insulation materials like fiberglass, rigid foam, or mineral wool.
What type of insulation for exterior walls
R-13 to R-23 rating insulation is perfect for exterior walls. You can select the R-value depending on your lumber type and framing.
Is r19 good for walls?
In most US homes, R-19 insulation is recommended for 2×6 walls. This installation offers comfort for all seasons.
Conclusion
So this is the detailed guide about if we can put r 19 insulation in a 2×4 wall. Remember, R-19 insulation is designed for 2×4 walls. In a 2×4 wall, the following insulation is compressed and loses its thermal properties. Instead, you can use R-13 or R-15 insulation in 2×4 walls. This insulation perfectly fits in 3.5 inches depth and squeezes like the R-19. If you want to increase the R-value of your wall, try our above recommendations. For example, using 2×6 lumber, fiberglass, and foam insulation materials.
