Selecting the right insulation can significantly impact energy efficiency and comfort in buildings. But among the many available options, R15 and R19 insulation are commonly compared.
How do you tell the difference?
Here’s what you need to know when comparing the differences between R15 vs R19 insulation.
How R-Values Impact Insulation Performance
R-values measure a material's resistance to heat flow, with higher values indicating better insulation performance. And both R15 and R19 insulation are frequently used in residential and commercial projects.
However, understanding their distinct characteristics is key to selecting the best option.
Let’s start by exploring what R15 insulation offers for various applications.
R15 Insulation
R15 insulation is designed for areas where moderate insulation is needed—typically made from fiberglass or mineral wool.
The R15 insulation is also commonly used in 2x4 wall assemblies, which is often sufficient for buildings located in milder climates where space is limited, providing a balance between thermal resistance and cost-effectiveness.
Benefits: Offers adequate thermal protection at a lower cost, making it a budget-friendly choice for specific applications.
Moving from R15, we now examine the features and benefits of R19 insulation, especially in colder climates.
Exploring R19 Insulation
R19 insulation is a thicker, more robust option—offering higher thermal resistance. Commonly used in colder climates, R19 is well-suited for 2x6 wall assemblies, floors, ceilings, and attics.
Benefits: Provides superior thermal protection, contributing to lower energy bills and enhanced comfort in colder regions.
R15 vs R19
Having looked at both R15 and R19 individually, now let’s compare them directly to help you make the best choice.
Here’s how they compare:
Climate Suitability
R15 insulation is generally sufficient for regions with milder climates—where the primary goal is to balance insulation with cost.
In contrast, R19 insulation is better suited for colder climates where higher thermal resistance is necessary.
Thickness and Installation
R19 insulation is thicker than R15, which can impact installation—particularly in spaces where depth is limited.
The additional thickness of R19 often translates into better soundproofing and energy efficiency, which makes it a preferred choice for certain applications.
Cost Considerations
R19 insulation typically costs more than R15 because of its superior performance. But This cost can be justified in projects where maximum energy efficiency is required, such as in cold climates or buildings aiming for high energy savings.
Sustainability and Efficiency
While both R15 and R19 provide good insulation, Rmax’s polyiso products offer even higher R-values with a thinner profile, maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing environmental impact.
These products are designed to meet the demanding standards of modern construction, ensuring that buildings not only perform well but do so sustainably.
Deciding Between R15 vs R19 Insulation
Selecting the appropriate insulation involves more than just comparing R-values. Here are some key factors to consider:
Building Codes and Climate Zones: Local building codes and climate zones often dictate the minimum R-value required. In some cases, exceeding these requirements with higher R-value insulation, such as R19, can lead to long-term energy savings.
Existing Insulation: If there is existing insulation in place, adding R15 or R19 can enhance the building’s overall thermal performance.
Specific Project Requirements: Projects with particular soundproofing needs may benefit more from the higher R-value and thickness of R19 insulation.
Why Choose Rmax Polyiso Insulation?
While R15 and R19 insulation are great options, our Polyiso at Rmax stands out as a superior choice in many scenarios. Here’s why:
Our insulation products offer a better performance and sustainability than the traditional R15 and R19 options.
Benefits of Rmax Polyiso Insulation
To give you an even better understanding, take a look at the following benefits:
Superior Thermal Performance
Polyiso offers the highest R-value per inch compared to other rigid foam insulation materials, translating to better energy efficiency and reduced heating and cooling costs.
For example, while a typical 2x4 wall can only reach an R-value of 15 with standard fiberglass insulation, Rmax Durasheath® can achieve an R-value of 21.5 in the same 3.5" stud cavity.
Want to see even better results? Opt for our Sika® Rmax Pro, which can push even further to an impressive R-23.9 in the same space.
And for commercial applications? Use EvoMaxci®. It can reach up to R-23.9 in a 3.5" stud cavity.
Sustainability
Rmax polyiso is produced with environmentally responsible materials, including recycled content, which uses a blowing agent with virtually no global warming potential.
This makes it an excellent choice for projects aiming to minimize their environmental impact, supporting sustainable building practices.
Versatility and Ease of Installation
Polyiso can be used across the entire building envelope, including walls, roofs, and foundations.
Its versatility is further enhanced by the availability of various facer types, which can provide additional benefits such as acting as an air and vapor barrier.
This adaptability ensures that Rmax polyiso products can be tailored to meet specific project requirements while maintaining ease of installation.
Fire and Moisture Resistance:
Unlike other insulation types, polyiso chars when it's exposed to a fire rather than melting, which provides an added layer of safety.
It also exhibits excellent moisture resistance, which ensures long long-term performance—even in challenging environments.
Rmax's polyiso products, however, are not just about meeting today's standards—they exceed them.
With built-in air and vapor barriers and exceptional fire resistance, these products are designed to address the varied needs of modern construction while ensuring both safety and efficiency.
Ready For the Benefits of Rmax Polyiso Insulation?
Improve your building’s performance with Rmax’s high-performance insulation solutions.
Whether you’re choosing between R15 vs R19 insulation—just looking for an even more efficient alternative, we offer products that meet your needs with unmatched quality and sustainability.
Contact us today for more information.