R-Value: What Does It Stand For?

For the past several years, energy efficiency has been a top consideration for homeowners. Extreme temperatures and climates can impact indoor comfort, and oftentimes this means additional strain on your heating and air conditioning systems.

However, with the right type of insulation for your home, you can ensure improved energy efficiency and comfort in your home. Abby Windows & Exteriors, one of the top insulation and roofing contractors in the area, provides a brief discussion about the importance of R-value when buying insulation products.

What Is R-Value?

R-value is one of the first things you need to look for when choosing the right insulation for your home. It’s the standard for comparing the energy efficiency of insulation products, as it basically measures a product’s thermal resistance to heat flow.

Typically, a higher number denotes better performance in reducing energy loss. However, there are also other factors you should take into account to ensure the appropriate R-value for your home. If you are working with insulation or siding contractors for a remodeling project, you might want to ask them about the R-value required for your insulation.

Other Things You Should Know

To determine the right insulation for your home, you also have to consider air leakage. Have a professional check your home for air leaks, and find out how this affects the effectiveness of your insulation.

If you’re thinking of getting an insulation with a higher R-value, it’s best to fix air leakage problems first. Upgrading from R-8 insulation to R-32 insulation can only give your home a small boost, as it can reduce conductive heat flow by only 7%. Heat loss through air leakage accounts for approximately 40% of the total energy lost by your home. Make sure to address this before switching to a higher R-value.

Abby Windows & Exteriors has a team of trained and experienced professionals. Rest assured that your job will be done to a high standard. If you’re looking for roof or door installation contractors, simply call us at (414) 209-0404 or fill out our contact form.