Do you need to insulate your home? You’re probably doing your research and want to learn more about the R-value. What does it mean, and is it important?
The short answer is that the R-value measures the thermal resistance of an insulation material (the R stands for “resistance”). It indicates how effective a type of insulation is at stopping heat transfer. We’ll get more into the details in this blog post!
How Is Insulation R-Value Calculated?
Let’s start at a base point: solid wood has an R-value of 1. An R-value is also calculated per inch of width. Therefore, a three-inch-thick board has an R-value of 3. Blown fiberglass installed in the 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?
Yes, generally a higher R-value means a more effective insulator, but the highest R-value possible may not be necessarily right for your project. Homes in certain climates don’t need as much insulation as others. For example, homeowners in Texas don’t need to worry about insulating against extremely low temperatures—the weather is different here in Washington. That’s why different regions of the United States have different recommended insulation levels recommendations. Here in the Tacoma, Washington area, we are in zone 4.
Source: energystar.gov
Where to install insulation is the second thing you’ll need to know because different areas of your home require different R-values. The attic needs a higher R-value than the walls because heat naturally rises and commonly escapes through your attic. Different materials also differ in R-values. For example, spray foam insulation for the walls will have a different R-value than fiberglass attic insulation.
After you’ve figured out your zone and where your insulation is going to go, then you look at your different options and types of insulation.
This is a lot of information, but don’t worry—you won’t be doing 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!
Choosing the Right Insulation Solutions
The R-Value shouldn’t be the only determining factor when you choose insulation. How old your home is, its location and building materials can all play a part in choosing the right insulation. Cost and the inhabitants of the home may be another factor in your decision-making. No matter what type of installation you choose for your project, Pacific Partners Insulation South can help.
Contact us to learn more about our insulation installation services or if you’re ready to install insulation in your northwestern Washington home!
