What Do R-Values Mean?

Learn About Heat Resistance

If you’ve ever had to install new insulation or replace old insulation, you’ve likely heard the term “R-value”. But what exactly does this mean? Our insulation installation experts shed some light:

Technically, R-value is the measure of resistance to heat flow through a given thickness of material. In other words, it’s the ability that heat has to transfer through a material (like insulation). On average, the higher the R-value, the more resistant the material, so if you have a material that’s rated R60, it will be more resistant to heat than a material that’s rated R30.

R-Values Around the Country

Because different parts of the country experience different amounts of hot and cold temperatures, the amount of insulation needed in a home varies. Here is a chart of the amount of insulation each part of the country should have in their home:

As an example: a home in Florida experiences heat nearly year-round, so it doesn’t need as much insulation as a home in Wisconsin, which experiences much colder temperatures.

Areas of Insulation

No matter where you live, each home has different areas that need insulated and each area requires a different amount of insulation. Most homes need insulation in their:

• Attics
• Cathedral ceilings
• Wall cavities
• Insulated sheathing

While attics need the most insulation (R30-R60, depending on the area), cathedral ceilings need a little less (R22-R60), wall cavities need some (R13-R21), and sheathing needs the least (none-R6).

If you live in the Delaware Valley area, your attic insulation should be at least R38 while your wall cavities should be at least R13. If you’re in need of new insulation (or more insulation), don’t hesitate to give our insulation installation experts a call. We’ll set up an appointment for you as soon as possible and get your home up to standards so you can enjoy a nice cool home in the summer and a warm home in the winter.