If you’re doing research on insulation, “R-value” is undoubtedly a term you’ll come across. What does it mean and why is it important? In short, the R-value is a basic measurement of an insulation material’s heat resistance/ability to stop the transfer of heat (the R stands for “resistance”).
A properly insulated home should reduce that heat flow, helping keep it inside during the winter and outside during the warm months. Reducing the flow of heat in your home keeps your energy costs low, so good insulation is essential, regardless of a home’s age or size.
Contact Mooney & Moses to install insulation and start living more energy efficiently, or keep reading to learn more about R-value and why it’s important!
How Is Insulation R-Value Calculated?
Here is a quick example: 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 Me?
A higher number isn’t necessarily better for your home overall. The problem with insulators that have a higher R-number is they tend to be more expensive, and some homes in certain climates don’t need as much insulation as others. For example, homeowners in northern Minnesota need insulation that can perform effectively in negative-digit temperatures—which is usually not much of a concern here in southwestern Ohio! That’s why the Department of Energy came up with a system that rates different areas of the United States, recommending the ideal R-value for each region. Here in the Cincinnati area, we are in zone 4.
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 can escape through your attic.
After you’ve figured out your zone and where your insulation is going to go, you can look at your different options and types of insulation—but 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 Insulation for Your Cincinnati Area Home
The R-value shouldn’t be the only determining factor when choosing insulation. The age, location and building materials of your home can all play a part in choosing the right insulation. Whatever your project requires, look no further than the team at Mooney & Moses Insulation. We look forward to helping you with your project!
Contact us to learn more about our services or if you’re ready to install insulation in your southwestern Ohio home.