What is R-Value?
R-value refers to the resistance (R) of heat transfer from hot air to cold air. The higher the R-value, the more effective your home’s insulation is in resisting heat flow.
In the cold winter months, a high R-value in your walls will keep your cozy warm air inside. While in the warm summer months, your walls keep the hot air from creeping into the cool air inside.
How to compare R-value?
Shopping around for the right insulation for your home can sometimes be challenging, especially when you don’t know what to look for. To compare R-value correctly, you must first know what important factors to look for as you shop around. R-value mainly varies by the material, through a thicker insulation doesn’t necessarily mean it is better. A rigid-foam board won’t need to be as thick as fiberglass trying to achieve a similar R-Value (Here are the 3 Most Common Attic Insulations) Another comparable factor is that R-value is measured by the inch. Such types of insulation are spray foam and blown-in insulation, which can be applied as thin or thick, depending on the cavity size you’re putting it into.
Factors that impact the appropriate R-value for your home insulation
- Location– The first factor that greatly influences which r-value is appropriate for your home is where you live. Do you live in a tropical climate or a cold climate? If you live in a cold climate, you’ll need insulation with a higher R-value, and if you live in a warmer climate, then a high R-value isn’t so necessary.
- The build of your home. The second factor that greatly influences which R-value is appropriate for your home is the build of your home. In order to know where exactly the insulation will be, you must consider the following questions: Is your home a single-level or multilevel structure? Is there a basement, or is your home built on a slab? Each of these factors helps determine the level of insulation your home needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, Knowing what R-value is is an important step in starting an insulation project at home. We hope that we have successfully helped you learn about what R-value is and how to properly evaluate it as you shop around for attic insulators.
For your convenience, Eco Choice HVAC & Insulation Los Angeles offers services to take care of your attic insulator for you. Our technicians have the knowledge and experience to repair, replace and install any type of attic insulation. Request a free estimate today!