What is R-value?
When constructing buildings and
homes, insulation is measured by its thermal resistance, or
R-value. The “R” stands for
resistance to heat
transfer. The higher
the R-value, the less energy transfer will occur. This helps reduce heating
and cooling costs by making it easier to keep a consistent
interior temperature during the extreme weather and HOT
temperatures that we experience in North Texas. Home insulation
materials should be purchased based on their R-value, NOT the
thickness or weight! In order to maximize the insulating
potential for most residential attics, an R-60 is recommended.
Facts about R-values
- The effectiveness of
insulation material is determined on how and where the
material is installed.
- The R-value can be
substantially lowered if the material becomes moist or wet.
- The amount of attic
insulation needed to obtain certain R-values is influenced
by the outside climate and the type of energy (gas or
electricity) used to heat or cools a property.