R19 Insulation vs R13 – Comparison – Which is Better?

All Homeowners prefer insulation mainly in walls, ceilings, and basements to save on costs for air conditioning and heating problems. However, which insulation is suitable for your home can be confusing, especially with technical terms like R19 insulation and R13. But, Both insulation types have good demand in the market.

In the market of insulation, the higher the R-value, the better the insulation ability. So, comparing R19 vs R13 insulation, you can assume automatically, R19 is better than R13. But that doesn’t mean you don’t use R13 insulation for your home.

Moreover, it is important to know that each insulation has its benefits on its own for different parts of your home. You may use R13 in some places and R19 in others. Nevertheless, the most popular insulation values are R19 and R13.

So let’s see the detailed information about both R19 vs R13 insulation and Which is a good choice in terms of abilities?

What is R19 Insulation?

R-19 insulation is a thick-caliber product composed of fiberglass, plastic, mineral wool, or natural fibers. Those are mainly responsible for distinct R values. R-19 insulation material is around 6.25 inches thick which is ideal for walls and other indoor spaces requiring high thermal insulation.

You can use r-19 insulation also to protect against excessive humidity and moisture in your space. But this material does not absorb water. It can hold water for a long time and help improve your space’s humidity level.

Due to its moisture protection, It is usually used for basement walls, crawl spaces, exterior door frames, attic entrances, and more places.

An average R-19 insulation made from fiberglass weighs about 24.9 pounds. However, weight varies depending on the material. R-19 insulation is best for airflow and control pockets within your space.

What is R13 Insulation?

R13 insulation is a typically 3.62 inch thick fiberglass batt. But it may not be enough to protect the house from extreme cold. This insulation is commonly used to reduce noise in interior wall cavities. Since the insulation has additive R values, adding some extra layers of R13 insulation can provide your desired results.

R-13 insulation is recommended for exterior 2×4 walls and basements. It is available in various convenient size options to fit most standard wood or metal framing cavities or can be installed within furring strips.

This is perfect for insulation walls, floors, and spaces that require moderate thermal protection for improving climate control by improving energy efficiency.

This material has soundproofing properties. Homeowners use R13 insulators to control sound penetration between different rooms and spaces within a home.

Quick Comparison Table: R19 insulation vs R13

Also Check: How to Fix Swollen Wood Floor Without Damaging It?

R19 Insulation Vs R13: Detailed Features Comparison

1. Thickness

Each insulation type uses different materials according to their respective capabilities, and their thickness varies accordingly. Fiberglass, spray foam, cellulose, foam board rock wool, and aerogel are used for R19. All materials except aerogels were used to make R13.

As previously mentioned, each R-value indicates a different thermal insulation ability; Hence, the thickness of each of these is different.

With each thickness, the cost is very different; However, the average cost is as stated earlier.

2. Thermal Protection

Insulation materials have different thermal protection capabilities. R-19 insulation provides better thermal protection than R-13 because of the difference in thickness. Materials such as fiberglass and mineral wool offer better protection against internal temperature fluctuations than grass, wool, and cork. South American states require better thermal protection in summer, while northern regions require additional insulation in winter.

3. Humidity Prevention

Insulation also keeps moisture out of your space. Your home can suffer from excessive steam, damaging floors, and spreading respiratory conditions.

R-19 insulation is a good choice for homeowners who want to protect their spaces from excess moisture. The insulator used to save your space against humidity depends on the material’s thickness.

Some materials have better moisture protection than others. For example, Wood may not be suitable for high-humidity environments. Fiberglass or wall foam are good options against high humidity in your home.

4. Costing

Cost is an essential consideration for a person looking to insulate their space. Factors such as insulation material and thickness affect the total insulation cost. R-19 insulation costs more than R-13 insulation. However, the total cost depends on the material used while manufacturing your product. When comparing different R-values, it’s essential to ensure they share similar materials.

R-19 insulation has a better time value than R-13 insulation. R-13 insulation degrades rapidly over time and may require reapplication after a few years. You can try different insulation materials and densities to find the best fit for your home’s needs.

What Is R-19 Insulation Used For?

R-19 is helpful in many places around a home. Here are some common areas that people consider placing it.

Attics

R-19 insulation is only recommended for attic use if you add additional layers. And, at that point, we’re no longer talking about R-19 insulation. Even in the deep south, they recommend a minimum of R30 to R49 when adding insulation to an uninsulated attic. In colder climates, they recommend up to 60.

Heat moves from warmer areas to more excellent areas, and your home’s roof is often the coldest exposed area.

Ceilings

Allowing heat to flow through walls and floors helps maintain a consistent temperature throughout the home. Any extra insulation can make some rooms noticeably cooler or warmer than others.

Adding insulation to your garage ceiling can help keep outside air out of your living space.

R-19 insulation is suitable for the floor/ceiling of most homes unless it is the highest ceiling in a home.

Exterior Walls

Many modern home-builders come with 2″ x 6″ wall studs, making R-19 insulation a popular choice. Larger rooms need more insulation to be efficient and feel comfortable. While R-19 may not be the best choice in older homes, it is acceptable in new buildings anywhere in the country.

Another standard option is to choose R-19 insulation for exterior walls. Especially in colder climates, a slightly better rating will pay for itself over time.

Excess insulation without adequate ventilation can trap moisture inside the home, causing problems with mold, mildew, or even rot.

What Is R-13 Insulation Used For?

R-13 fits perfectly on damp walls, floors, and ceilings to manage temperature and humidity.

Depending on where you use it, insulation rated R-13 may be sufficient.

Attics

While you can use R-13 insulation for an attic, it’s usually not used alone because it only does a little to keep heat inside. Since Heat gain, the attic can be a significant source of heat loss in a home.

R-13 insulation can fit nicely in attic spaces, but it’s best used to upgrade existing or higher R-value insulation. It is an excellent option to enhance existing insulation.

Ceilings

The ceiling was in the same situation as the attic, with heat rising and potentially escaping. It can be an excellent option to enhance existing insulation.

For example, adding R-13 insulation to the first-floor ceiling of a two-story home can do wonders. Since the floor isn’t always insulated, you can keep more heat on the first floor and add some soundproofing to your garage.

Exterior Walls

R-13 insulation works perfectly for exterior walls because it’s made to fit those spaces, and it’s easy to install on exterior walls because you can twist it into place for a snug fit. Since it’s necessary to have airtight insulation in exterior walls, R-13 insulation is perfect for solid DIY choices.

Unfortunately, R-13 insulation may not be enough for exterior walls in cold climates. Homeowners should choose a higher R-value or double the R-13 insulation to get proper protection.

Conclusion – Which One to Go for?

R19 insulation does an excellent job of preventing cold temperatures and retaining heat in the home. This insulation material has better moisture-management properties than the other insulation.

On the other hand, R13 often does an outstanding job of reducing cold temperatures in many southern parts of the country. Since many homes have 2×4 wall framing, especially in basements, R13 insulation is usually the first choice for many property owners.

If you need help choosing between the R19 and R13, narrow down your location, structure, purpose, and budget and select the perfect option for your home. Both are great and will benefit you if you aim for efficiency and functionality.

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