What Are R-Values for Insulation?

Insulation is rated by its thermal resistance or R-value. The R-value of insulation helps you find the right level of insulation for a home or business. Having too much insulation wastes money, but having too little can lead to heat loss in your home, increase your heating bills and make your home temperatures low. Learning a few home insulation basics can help you understand how insulation is rated.

What Is an R-Rating for Insulation?

R-values measure insulation’s efficiency in resisting heat transfer. The higher the R-value, the greater its ability to withstand heat.

How Suggested R-Values Differ by Area

The farther north you go, the higher the R-value recommended for insulation. For instance, a high R-value is essential in an attic, where cold air can seep in during the winter and reduce temperatures in the entire house. You could see the R-value of insulation in the attic in a cold climate as high as R-30. Floors are usually about half that, and walls can have an even lower R-value.

Why the differences? You want the highest R-values in the place where you’re most likely to lose heat, which means the roof rather than the lower floors or basement. Heat generally moves vertically rather than horizontally. So, putting a high R-value insulation in the attic provides better protection in the place where you need it the most.

Do R-Ratings Apply to All Insulation?

All types of insulation fall under the R-rating system, including everything from fiberglass to foam. You can mix different kinds of insulation in your home, but a professional may need to guide you to the right R-rating if you do this.

Deciding What Type of Insulation to Use in a Home

How can you determine what insulation to use in your house? We recommend speaking to a professional, such as an employee at Soundproof Cow, who can analyze your home situation and provide ideas tailored to your needs. If you live in a warmer climate, you may not need insulation at all in your walls, though you still probably need it in your attic.

Contact Soundproof Cow to Learn More

Soundproof Cow offers many home soudproofing insulation options you can explore to find the right fit for your house. Reach out to us to ask questions about R-values or our services.