NORTH BROWARD & BOCA Blog

What are R-Values?

The R-value is a measure of the insulation’s resistance to heat flow, also known as thermal resistance. The greater the R-value, the greater the resistance to heat transfer, and the greater the insulating effect and subsequent energy savings.

When it comes to choosing the right insulation for your home, it is not the thickness of the product or the type of material that counts, but the R-value. In order for you to get the best out of your insulation it is absolutely crucial to develop a thorough understanding of what exactly R-values are, how they work, and how to determine what R value you specifically need for your property.

To better understand the role of R-values in the field of insulation technology, it pays to develop a better knowledge base regarding the basic purpose insulation serves by existing. Insulation’s primary function in any space is to increase the thermal efficiency of said space and regulate temperatures within. This means that insulation will keep the heat out of your home or office in the hotter summer months, and keep it in during the colder winter season. The way it does this is by minimizing heat conduction, limiting air's ability to flow from the external environment into your property, and vice versa.

Which R-Value is best for my home?

The easiest way to approach this question is to begin with the concept that there is no ‘best’ R value. Any insulation that carries a higher R value is going to be more effective than that with a lower R value, but the truth is that a higher R value is not always required for every home.
While the R value of 7 is more effective than the R value of 3, If you live in a home that is in a very hot climate, it would potentially be wasteful, unnecessarily expensive, and counterproductive to install insulation with an R value rating of 7. The best insulation is the one that suits your home and environment’s unique conditions the most effectively.

You might think now, that going all out will give you maximum heat resistance. But R-Value is only one factor in your overall insulation performance. Windows, doors, studs and air leakes are not covered by standard insulation and allow for conductive heat transfer. Other insulating procedures, like for example air sealing, can help you get to that maximum heat resistance. Our team at Koala Insulation of North Broward & Boca could help you determine what combination of methods would best protect your home and explain the different benefits of each insulation type.

The effectiveness of an insulation material’s resistance to heat flow also depends on how and where the insulation is installed. For example, insulation that is compressed will not provide its full rated R-value. The overall R-value of a wall or ceiling will be somewhat different from the R-value of the insulation itself because heat flows more readily through studs, joists, and other building materials, in a phenomenon known as thermal bridging.
 

Determining R-Value

The amount of insulation you need in your home depends on the climate you live in, the part of your house you would like to insulate and the HVAC system you have. 

While getting insulation with an R-7 value might be tempting if you're looking for the best option, it does not make sense in the Broward and Boca area (Zone 2) and would be potentially wasteful and unnecessarily expensive. The best insulation is the one that fits your home and it's environment's conditions. 

For more information on insulation values, including R-values or any other measurements, contact our team at (954)-323-8349. Find out more about our complimentary in-person insulation evaluation.