The R Value is a measurement of thermal resistance or in plain English – the higher the R-value is on the insulation you are buying the warmer you will be.
Image from Hannant Property Assessments
In addition to the above, the thicker the insulation the higher the R Value will be. The R Value describes heat being transferred in three ways: conduction, radiation and convection.
Please Note:
- The manufacturer’s R Value only applies to properly installed insulation, so please read the directions!
- The R Value weakens in time.
- Compressed insulation will not give its full R Value
R Values apply to:
- Insulation for walls, floors, roof (foam, batt, cellulose, sound baord etc)
- Windows
- Thinsulate for clothing and sleeping bags
- Concrete
- Glass for Windows
- And more
Per Climate Insulating Tips:
- US Department of Energy has a great website to help you determine the insulation level for your house and climate type. http://www.ornl.gov/~roofs/Zip/ZipHome.html
- To learn more about insulation go to the US Department of Energy fact sheet website at http://www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/insulation/ins_02.html
