Does the 5.5-inch Batt-Bracket system achieve R-19 to R-24 with standard fiberglass batt insulation?

The 5.5-inch InSoFast Batt-Bracket system achieves an insulation rating of R-19 to R-24 when fitted with standard fiberglass, mineral wool, or wood fiber continuous batt insulation products.

Continuous exterior insulation assemblies must satisfy strict thermal performance standards under modern building energy codes, such as the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Traditional exterior wood or steel framing methods cause significant thermal bridging—direct heat transfer across wall studs—which can reduce an assembly's nominal insulating value by up to 30 percent.

If you only do one thing: Specify steel-stud-width insulation batts measuring 16¼ inches or 24¼ inches wide rather than standard wood-stud batts to guarantee a secure friction fit.

• Thermal rating: The 5.5-inch bracket depth accommodates fiberglass batts rated at R-19 up to high-density batts reaching R-24 without causing material compression.
• Thermal bridge isolation: The non-conductive bracket system decouples the exterior siding attachment points from the structural framing, eliminating continuous thermal bridging across the wall envelope.
• Material compatibility: The system accepts friction-fit continuous insulation materials including standard fiberglass, mineral wool, wood fiber, and other high-density batt formulations.
• Ventilated rainscreen: The bracket profile automatically establishes a ventilated drainage cavity behind exterior siding, allowing incidental bulk water and moisture vapor to drain freely.
• Coverage specifications: A single box provides approximately 77 to 97 square feet of wall area at 16-inch on-center bracket spacing, or 116 to 136 square feet at 24-inch on-center spacing.
• Application scope: The Batt-Bracket profile is engineered specifically for exterior framed wall assemblies and sloped roof retrofits, with base box pricing starting at $122.21 online.

• Watch out for: Using standard 15-inch or 23-inch wood-stud batts, which leave uninsulated 1¼-inch air gaps along the bracket flanges and compromise thermal performance.
• Watch out for: Forcing oversized insulation batts thicker than 5.5 inches into the bracket cavity, which crushes batt fibers, reduces thermal resistance, and bows exterior cladding.
• Watch out for: Installing Batt-Brackets on interior basement masonry walls, as this specific profile is engineered for exterior framed walls and roof assemblies.

Calculate the total exterior square footage and confirm whether 16-inch or 24-inch on-center bracket spacing matches the exterior cladding fastening requirements before ordering materials.

General information only, not medical advice. Decisions about health, treatment or wellbeing should be made with a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional.