What is the difference between r11 and R13? check this out | r11 vs r13 insulation
Sarah Scott
Updated on July 19, 2026
The r11 is 23c/sq. ft, the r13 is 33c. So a diff.
R11 is for sound and should never be used for exterior walls. It can be, but you’re spending money with little benefit. R13 is standard 2×4 insulation. R13 is also considered a higher density batt, if you look and feel the 2 (r11 and r13), there is huge difference.
What is our 11 insulation used for?
The Johns Manville R-11 Kraft-Faced Fiberglass Insulation Batt is a revolutionary insulating material that is ideal for controlling moisture of exterior walls. It is available in pre-cut sizes that make them suitable to fit in different types of standard wall cavities.
Is r11 insulation good for basement?
Rigid foam board provides better insulation than fiberglass, keeping water vapor in its gaseous state and decreasing condensation on your walls. The Model Energy Code recommends R-11 insulating values for basement walls in most of the country and R-15 for the northernmost states.
What does R-11 insulation mean?
R-value refers to resistance of heat transfer. Air is a very poor heat conductor. Materials trapping and isolating air in cells limit the heat transfer. The greater the limitation, the greater the R value, so R-11 has lower insulative properties than R-15.
Is R13 good for exterior walls?
Typical recommendations for exterior walls are R-13 to R-23, while R-30, R-38 and R-49 are common for ceilings and attic spaces. See the Department of Energy’s (DOE) ranges for recommended levels of insulation below.
What is R13 insulation used for?
R13 batt insulation is typically used to attenuate sound in interior wall cavities. It is akin to a large blanket, designed specifically to fill a wall, floor, or ceiling cavity.
When was R11 insulation phased out?
Recognised as an ozone depleter under the Montreal Protocol, R11 was banned along with other common CFC refrigerants R12 and R502. The USA ceased production in 1996 and other countries agreed to phase out CFC production by 2010.
Is R11 insulation flammable?
Batt insulation made from fiberglass isn’t flammable, but the fiberglass will melt if the fire gets too hot. If the batt is covered with kraft paper or foil, though, these materials will burn, only melting the fiberglass. Batts with mineral wool will stand longer without melting.
How thick is r21 batt insulation?
5½ ” thick R-21 EcoTouch® insulation delivers 19% more R-value than compressed 6¼ ” R-19 Fiberglas™ insulation.
Can I use R13 insulation in basement walls?
TBF closed cell foam insulation and concrete board basement wall products offer industry-leading R-13 insulation value that will reflect back 99.987% of heat back and lead to the optimal insulating of a basement area.
How wide is R11 insulation?
Johns Manville R11 Insulation 24 x 96 Unfaced Fiberglass Batt. Our unfaced insulation is readily available in pre-cut batts to fit common wall and ceiling areas.
What is the best insulation for a basement?
Rigid foam sheets are best for do-it-yourselfers who are insulating basements prior to framing the walls. Rigid foam also works well when the concrete or block walls are smooth and flat. Rigid foam insulation is easy to use. In addition to scoring, it can be cut by an ordinary wood saw.
What’s better R13 or R15?
Is R15 Better than R13? Answer: There isn’t much difference between R13 and R15. However, higher R values offer higher performance. Therefore, in the case of efficiency, R15 is better than R13.
What is the highest R value for a 2×4 wall?
They are available in widths suited to standard spacings of wall studs and attic or floor joists: 2×4 walls can hold R-13 or R-15 batts; 2×6 walls can have R-19 or R-21 products.
What is the thickness of R13 insulation?
R13 fiberglass batt insulation, typically used in walls and floors, is 3 5/8 inches thick, according to Energy.gov. Insulation needs and the effectiveness of the insulation vary depending on climate and material.
Is R13 insulation good?
Although the U.S. Department of Energy rates R-13 insulation as “good” for use in walls in southern areas of the country, it rates R-19 insulation higher, designating it as “great.” That is because R-19 insulation provides more thermal insulation than R-13 does.
What is the best insulation for exterior walls?
Best Insulation for Open Exterior Walls
Fiberglass Insulation. Fiberglass insulation is one of the options that is going to require tearing down your drywall. Foam Board Insulation. Spray Foam Insulation. Blown-In Cellulose Insulation. Injection Foam Insulation.