When it comes, to insulation, you may have heard R-value thrown around a lot. R-value is important when choosing insulation, but it can be confusing at first. Keep reading to learn what exactly R-value is and what it means for your insulation.
What is R-Value?
R-value is the measurement of heat flow resistance, which essentially comes down to how effectively insulation performs. This heat resistance value, or “R-value”, is important to know when considering insulation for your home or commercial property. After all, insulation’s job is to help stop heat flow, so you want to make sure you’re getting the proper R-value for your home or building.
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How Is Insulation R-Value Calculated?
A material’s R-value is also calculated per inch of width. For example, solid wood has an R-value of 1. Therefore, a three-inch-thick board has an R-value of 3. Blown-in fiberglass installed in an attic has an R-value of 2.2 per inch, so 12 inches of it would give you an R-value of 26.4 in your attic installation project.
What R-Value Is Best for My Home?
A higher R-value generally makes for a more effective insulator, but the highest R-value possible may not necessarily be right for your project. Depending on the climate, the amount and R-value homes and buildings need can vary.
For example, homeowners in Alaska don’t need to worry about insulating against extremely warm temperatures, but its weather is quite different from Tennessee’s. Due to varying weather patterns, the United States is divided into insulation zones with different recommended R-values per zone.
Insulation zones are determined by region, and here in the Nashville area, we are in Zone 4. In this zone, the recommended insulation R-value ranges from R30 to R60 depending on where in your home or building the insulation is installed.
Source: energystar.gov
Where Do I Need Insulation in My Home?
Where to install insulation is the second thing you’ll need to know because different areas of your home or building require different R-values. Your home’s attic needs a higher R-value than your walls because heat naturally rises and commonly escapes through your attic.
Different materials also differ in R-values. For example, spray foam insulation has a different R-value than fiberglass insulation.
After you’ve figured out your zone and where your insulation is going to go, then you can consider your options for which type of home insulation will be best.
Need help determining where to insulate in your home or building? Call IBP of Nashville today at (615) 649-5481!
Choosing the Right Insulation
The R-value shouldn’t be the only determining factor when you choose insulation. Some factors that can play a part in choosing the right type of insulation and amount of insulation are:
- How old your home or building is
- Your home or property’s location
- Building materials used during construction
- Cost of insulation materials and your budget
- The needs of the inhabitants of your home or occupants of your building
This is a lot of information, but no need to worry—you don’t have to do this on your own! An insulation company will be able to help you with all your needs and explain R-value, the right amount of insulation for your home and more.
Need Insulation in Your Nashville Area Home?
No matter what material you choose for your project, look no further than Installed Building Products of Nashville. Never ask, “Where can I find insulation contractors near me?” again!
If you’re in the Nashville area, contact IBP of Nashville to learn more about our insulation installation services or if you’re ready to install insulation in your home!
