Skip navigation

Serving Central Florida since 2007

Available Monday - Friday: 8am - 5pm

Menu

Insulation Question: What is R-Value?

Tuesday, September 4th, 2012 at 12:00 pm

The R-Value of insulation is a measure of that material’s resistance to heat flow. In other words, this tells you how effective that insulation is at keeping heat in or out of your Melbourne home. Insulation is more effective if the R-Value is higher. Factors that influence this value include the type of the insulation in question, its thickness, the material it’s made from and its density.

If the installation has more than one layer, R-Value is calculated by adding the values of I the individual layers together. The location where the insulation is installed also plays a major role in determining the effectiveness of heat flow resistance.

For instance, full-rated R-Value will not be provided by compressed insulation. There will be a difference in the R-Value of the insulation when it’s installed in a ceiling or wall, as heat tends to flow through the joists and studs. To ensure optimum value, it is important to install insulation in a proper manner and with the help of qualified professionals.

Factors that Influence Quality of Insulation

The amount of insulation required for your home depends on the type of cooling and heating system you have, the climate you live in and the area in your home you wish to insulate. High quality insulation with a good R-Value is often applied by spraying. This ensures that every single cavity in the building will be completely filled to prevent any convection heat loss.

Use the Right Insulation Material

In order to prevent any heat loss through radiation and air infiltration, the insulated area should be densely packed. Cellulose is one of the most popular materials used for insulation. This material offers optimum insulation, blocks sound transmission and prevents quick spreading of flames in case of fire.

Areas that Need Insulation

One of the most common questions people ask is whether all areas of their homes require insulation of the same R-Value. Wood framed walls, crawl spaces with walls, and basements require lower R-Values than rooms with cathedral ceilings and attics.

For more information about insulation or if you are interested in installing new insulation in Melbourne, give Next Generation a call today!

Comments are closed.