ALBUQUERQUE AND SANTA FE Blog

What is R-Value? Learning More About Your Albuquerque Insulation

When you schedule an insulation evaluation or you’re considering a minor DIY project, one term you’ll run into is “R-value”. This is one of the most important aspects of insulation to understand; however, many homeowners aren’t familiar with what R-value measures, let alone what the different values between each material choice could mean for their households. At Koala Insulation of Albuquerque and Santa Fe, we understand the importance of getting the basics down before making a decision on a home improvement project. Our team of industry experts has put together a breakdown of what R-value means, how the different values can affect your insulation installation decisions, and why you should consult insulation professionals before jumping into your next renovation.

What is R-Value?

It’s important to first understand the basic functions that make insulation necessary in the first place. The material installed throughout your home helps to maintain climate control, reduce moisture, humidity, and outdoor pollutants, and improve the energy efficiency of the house. Arguably the most important function of insulation is the regulation of temperature by reducing heat transfer. This is the rate at which heat moves through a structure, with insulation slowing the rate at which it enters and exits your home. If the material is improperly installed, damaged, or deteriorated, you may experience these symptoms:

• Drafts or cold spots
• Poor indoor air quality
• One room or side of the house is too cold or hot compared to the rest of your home
• Higher energy costs and frequent HVAC maintenance

So how do homeowners, home improvement contractors, and insulation professionals determine if the material is doing its job? Insulation’s ability to resist heat transfer is measured by R-value, also known as resistance value. Typically, insulation with a higher R-value is better able to slow the movement of heat in and out of your building envelope. When you start to notice an increase in discomfort and irregular temperatures, don’t just blame it on the passing weather. It’s crucial to start investigating these signs of poor insulation before they create bigger problems!

What Are the Different R-Values for Insulation?

Did you know that each insulation material has its own R-value? The measurements even vary depending on the type of insulation and how much is applied. For example, blown-in fiberglass has an average of R-2.7 per inch of depth while fiberglass batts - the same material but a different type - have an average between R-3.1 and R-3.7. With more blown-in material applied or doubled-up batts, this R-value increases to fit your home's needs.

This is why it’s important to remember that while some materials and types can have a lower R-value, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re poor insulators. Instead, they may have different benefits that make them more suitable for the area they’re being installed. Blown-in material typically covered your attic floor because it’s better able to fit into small crevices and cracks that could result in air leaks if you tried to lay down insulation batts. To learn more about the different R-values and benefits of various insulation types, check out our article How To Choose Insulation.

Improving R-Value - Reasonably!

While some insulation can last up to 15 years, the deterioration of the material can significantly reduce its R-value. Various factors can also exponentially increase the rate of deterioration, with the most common damages coming from moisture exposure, leaks in the roof or foundation, and pest infestation. Having your home’s material regularly evaluated and retrofit can significantly improve your environment before damaged material begins to affect your comfort and safety.

When an expert from Koala Insulation of Albuquerque and Santa Fe finds an area of insulation that needs to be retrofitted, our team removes the problematic material. Once we have ensured the area isn’t affected by other problems like moisture, mold, or pest infestation, we add new material to restore the R-value. One myth some homeowners may fall prey to is the idea that more R-value is always a good idea. You need to understand your home’s needs before you take on a DIY insulation project and start adding in thick rolls of insulation batts or dumping loads of blown-in material throughout the home!

Knowing Your Home’s Needs

There are many factors that contribute to your home’s specific needs; everything from your climate zone, building codes, the areas you’re insulation, and even regular weather patterns can affect your options for quality material. It’s not necessarily a simple task to calculate the R-value your home requires - while homeowners can use regional guidelines and even informative articles from industry experts like the Department of Energy, these recommendations don’t hold the same weight as a thorough investigation of your personal environment.

Every room, floor, and crawlspace will have different R-value requirements, so it's a good idea to have an insulation technician provide insight into your home's current condition. Even if you're planning to do some DIY projects for minor insulation adjustments, having their skilled perspective can help educate you and your household on the impact of insulation on your home.

Consult Albuquerque and Santa Fe Professionals

It’s practically impossible to know every nook, cranny, and minor detail about your home and the material inside of it. Still, homeowners that are looking to improve their comfort, safety, and savings go through great lengths every year just to add a little bit more to their home’s environment. With updated insulation, you can improve temperature regulation and air quality while also saving on monthly energy costs due to more efficient climate control. When it comes to knowing more about this beneficial material, understanding the basics can go a long way.

At Koala Insulation of Albuquerque and Santa Fe, our insulation team is trained and experienced to not only bring our community better rates and service but also teach our neighbors about the importance of quality insulation projects. We offer free evaluations to provide you and your household with a detailed breakdown of your home's current condition and where updated insulation and air sealing could benefit your budget and well-being. If you've begun to experience discomfort and poor indoor air quality, or you're looking to learn more about the material throughout your home, contact our industry professionals today for more answers.