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