NRCan’s recommended minimum for a Zone 5 roof or ceiling is RSI 9.7 (R55). Check the property’s actual zone and existing assembly before planning a top-up.
What the official table recommends
| Condition | Guidance | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Roof / ceiling target | R55 (RSI 9.7) recommended minimum roof/ceiling value | NRCan Table 2-1; assess existing material and assembly condition. |
This is a recommended minimum for the whole roof or ceiling. It is not an added layer or a bag count. Assess the existing assembly first, then match the required added R-value to a current Canadian product label.
What to check through the year
- Spring
Map roof leakage, staining, and wet insulation.
Moisture correction comes first.
- Summer
Document air sealing before covering.
Future inspection becomes harder after top-up.
- Fall
Check attic hatch and coverage continuity.
The access is part of the insulated boundary.
Before you plan the work
- Confirm the actual project zone using the cited official lookup or the authority that applies locally.
- Inspect existing material, moisture, air leakage, safe access, wiring, fixtures, and combustion equipment before top-up.
- Use the coverage chart on the current product label; do not transfer bag data between U.S. and Canadian products.
- Treat representative locations as classification examples, not local forecasts or code boundaries.
Sources and notes
Source links reviewed July 16, 2026. A review date is not the document's publication date.
- Natural Resources Canada: Keeping the Heat In — How your house worksCanada · government guide
Canadian guidance uses effective thermal resistance and climate-zone classifications.
- Natural Resources Canada: Keeping the Heat In — Roofs and atticsCanada · government guide
Follow product labels for bag count and settled depth; do not disturb suspected vermiculite.