What is Insulation ‘R-value’?

Insulation plays a quiet yet critical role in our homes, consistently moderating our indoor climate despite the constantly changing weather outside. An essential aspect that influences its effectiveness is a metric known as the R-value.

Not only does insulation keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, but understanding your home’s R-value can also help to reduce energy waste in homes, lower your energy bills, prevent mold growth and also keep unwanted noise out. 

Let’s journey into understanding what the R ratings on insulation actually mean and unwrap its impactful role in fortifying your home’s insulation barrier.

What does R-value mean in insulation?

Simply put, the R-value in insulation essentially tells us how good the material is at resisting heat flow (also known as thermal resistance). A higher R-value means it’s better at resisting heat and thereby better at insulating a space.

Does R-value really matter?

Yes. Proper insulation, with an appropriate R-value, is a key factor in mitigating home heat loss, ensuring that the warmth generated within your home is not being wastefully lost to the outside environment.

Is a higher or lower R-value better?

A higher R-value is generally considered better when it comes to insulation. This is because a material with a higher R-value provides enhanced resistance to heat flow, which translates to better insulation performance. However, it’s also important to note that insulation materials with higher R-values tend to be more expensive than their lower R-value counterparts. This means that choosing insulation often involves balancing the initial cost with the desired insulation effectiveness and long-term energy savings.

Choosing the right R-value for your home

Insulation R-values vary based on the type, thickness and density of the insulation material. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power – which increases energy efficiency and climate control in the home. However, your home doesn’t necessarily need the highest R-value insulation.

How much insulation is required for your home?

To illustrate the various recommended R-values across the U.S., the Energy Star map below highlights the insulation levels for retrofitting existing wood-framed buildings.

The R-value needed to insulate a home depends on a few different factors:

Type of insulation material being used: The insulation substance being used, such as fiberglass, cellulose, or foam, can influence the effectiveness and applicable R-value for specific applications.

The space being insulated: Different areas, like walls, attics, and floors, demand varying R-values due to their distinct insulation requirements and challenges.

Local climate and region: Your home’s geographical location heavily influences insulation needs, with diverse climates necessitating specific R-values to maintain optimal indoor conditions. 

How much R-value do I need?

Across the U.S., recommended R-values for proper insulation range from R13-R60, depending on whether you are insulating floors, attics, or walls. 

In Canada, recommendations can skew towards higher R-values in this range due to generally colder climates, which demand enhanced insulation to efficiently retain heat. 

When insulating:

• Floors, R-values might range from R13 to R19.
• Walls, often require an R-value from R13 to R15.
• Attics, typically necessitate higher R-values, between R30 and R60, to prevent heat from escaping upwards.

Ultimately, determining the precise amount of R-value you need will depend on your specific geographical location and the area of your home you are insulating. Various factors, such as your local climate and the particular part of your home being insulated – be it the floors, walls, or attic – will influence the suitable R-value range. For instance, an attic in a colder climate might require a higher R-value than a wall in a milder climate. Engaging with local experts or utilizing online R-value calculators tailored to regional guidelines can assist in determining the most appropriate insulation level for your specific needs.

Commonly recommended R-values by region

To illustrate the various recommended R-values across the U.S., the Energy Star R-value map below highlights the insulation levels for retrofitting existing wood-framed buildings.

Note: All of Alaska is located in Zone 7, except for the following boroughs in Zone 8; Bethel, Dellingham, Fairbanks N. Star, Nome, North Star, Northwest Arctic, Southeast Arctic, Southeast Fairbanks, Wade Hampton, Yukon-Koyukuk.

How do you check if your house is insulated properly?

Addressing the effectiveness of your home insulation and preventing heat loss in homes begins with identifying its current state and efficiency. How can you tell if your home’s insulation is performing optimally, or if there’s room for improvement? There are practical approaches to assess this and ensure your home maintains a balanced, comfortable climate all year round while securing energy efficiency.

Home energy audit

One way to check if the R-value and insulation of your home is enough is by conducting a home energy audit – a thorough assessment of your home’s energy use that includes evaluating your insulation’s efficiency from attic to basement. A professional auditor can use various techniques and equipment, such as blower doors and infrared cameras, to find leaks and weak insulation spots. They provide you with a detailed report of where your home is losing energy and what measures to take to rectify these issues.

Heat loss maps

In select cities across Canada and the US, the innovative MyHEAT heat loss app offers a cutting-edge alternative by providing clear visuals of where your house is losing heat through aerial thermal imaging. This platform enables you to see a ‘heat map’ of your property, illustrating where you might be losing valuable energy and thus, where your insulation could need reinforcement or replacement.

Heat Loss Maps provide a unique, insightful perspective into your home’s heat efficiency. Our platform can guide you in comprehending where improvements are viable and aid in prioritizing your insulation enhancement efforts. You can also view our live heat map demo to learn more.

Improving the R-value and insulation of your home

Enhancing your home insulation can significantly mitigate energy loss, reduce energy expenses, and improve your comfort at home. Whether you choose a detailed home energy audit or leverage aerial thermal imaging through MyHEAT, obtaining clarity on your insulation’s effectiveness and upgrading accordingly is a progressive step toward a cozier, cost-efficient home.