Practical guides on R-values, product selection, and how ordering from Prestige works.
R-value measures thermal resistance — how well insulation slows heat transfer. Higher R-values mean better insulation performance. R-value is additive: stacking two R-19 batts gives you R-38. The IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) sets minimum R-value requirements by climate zone, which most states adopt and some states exceed.
| Application | R-Value Range | Typical Framing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior Walls (2×4) | R-11, R-13, R-15 | 2×4 studs at 16" o.c. | R-15 high-density fills cavity more completely |
| Exterior Walls (2×6) | R-19, R-21 | 2×6 studs at 16" or 24" o.c. | R-21 HD preferred for cold-climate zones |
| Attic Floor | R-30, R-38, R-49 | Open floor joist bays | R-49 required in Climate Zones 5–8 |
| Cathedral Ceiling | R-19, R-30, R-38 | Rafter bays | Must maintain ventilation channel |
| Floors over Crawlspace | R-19, R-25, R-30 | Floor joist bays | Unfaced batt friction-fit or with support wire |
| Interior Sound Walls | R-11, R-13 or MW | Standard stud bays | Mineral wool preferred for STC performance |
| Zone | Example States | Wall Min. | Attic Min. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1–2 | FL, HI, AZ (southern) | R-13 | R-30 |
| Zone 3 | GA, TX, NC (coastal), CA (inland) | R-20 | R-38 |
| Zone 4 | OH, PA, VA, MO | R-20 | R-49 |
| Zone 5 | IL, NY, WI, IA | R-20+5ci or R-13+10ci | R-49 |
| Zone 6–8 | MN, MT, AK, northern MI | R-20+5ci | R-49 |
Always verify with your local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction). Some states and counties exceed IECC minimums. We'll confirm compliant specs on your quote.
Both fiberglass batts and mineral wool are ASTM-compliant and widely accepted by inspectors. The choice usually comes down to performance requirements, application, and local building code.
The workhorse of residential construction. Available in kraft-faced, unfaced, and FSK-faced. Kraft facing acts as a vapor retarder in cold-climate walls.
Preferred in commercial and multi-family construction for its fire resistance and superior sound attenuation. Dimensionally stable — won't sag or settle over time.
UL-classified fire-rated wall and floor assemblies often require mineral wool as the cavity insulation. Our SAFB (Safe'n'Sound AFB) is the industry standard.
Between units in multi-family, between hotel rooms, or between garage and living space. Mineral wool achieves higher STC ratings than fiberglass at the same thickness.
Mineral wool is hydrophobic — it repels water and doesn't support mold or mildew growth. Preferred in crawlspaces, basements, and coastal applications.
Insulation is sold by the bag or bundle, with each package covering a specified square footage at a given R-value and width. Here's how to estimate your order.
Sample: 2,000 sq ft home, 2×4 exterior walls, R-13
Not sure? Send us your square footage and we'll calculate the order for you. No obligation.
Get a QuoteWe keep it direct and simple. No account required, no minimums, no retail counter — just a contractor-to-supplier transaction.
Use our online form or call us directly. Tell us the product, R-value, quantity, and delivery address. We respond the same business day.
We'll send you pricing, confirm availability, and lock in a delivery window. Everything is on the invoice before any payment is requested.
We accept Zelle, Venmo, and check. Payment is made after the quote is confirmed. We schedule delivery once payment clears.
Next-day delivery on stocked product. We coordinate to your job site, warehouse, or delivery address anywhere in the contiguous US.
Order one bag or one truckload. We serve single-job contractors and large GCs alike. Quantity pricing is available for volume orders.
No sign-up, no membership fee. You submit a request and we quote you directly. Repeat customers get priority response.
What's on the quote is what arrives. ASTM-compliant fiberglass and mineral wool — no substitutions, no gray market product.
We'll match the right product to your application and confirm pricing same business day.