BALTIMORE Blog

The Importance of Understanding R-Value

There are three main variables that determine how insulation works: heat transfer, R-value, and location. In this blog we will talk about the importance of R-Value and what it means for your home. An insulating material's resistance to conductive heat flow is measured or rated in terms of its thermal resistance or R-value -- the higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. The R-value depends on the type of insulation, its thickness, and its density.

What does R-Value mean?

We all know that insulation is a very important component to your home or building.  The material that’s been installed throughout your home helps maintain things like climate control, reducing outdoor pollutants, and improving energy efficiency. At Koala we believe the most important function of insulation is temperature regulation throughout your home.  This is accomplished by reducing the rate of heat transfer, which is how heat enters and exits a building. When insulation is improperly installed, damaged, or deteriorated, it’s much less effective at slowing this movement and leads to several problems. Many of the common issues caused by this problem include: drafts, cold spots, poor air quality, soaring energy costs, HVAC maintenance, uneven temperature in different rooms of the home.

If your home has been experiencing these problems you probably have been thinking you could have some insulation issues.   One way to check your insulation is by calculating its current R-value.

Improving R-Value

There are some insulation materials that can last up to 15 years, however, deterioration of insulation can significantly reduce R-value over years. Many factors can reduce the lifespan of insulation which increases the rate of deterioration.  The most common damages come from moisture exposure, leaks in the roof or foundation, and pesky pest infestations. Regularly evaluating and inspecting the material throughout your home can significantly improve your environment before damaged and deteriorated insulation begins to impact the comfort of the house.

Solutions to Poor R-Value

Learning about the insulation and air swelling throughout your home can help you and your household make informed decisions to keep your home comfortable. This will  impact the comfort and safety of your environment but also lead to decreased energy usage and monthly costs.

The insulation professionals at Koala insulation of Baltimore are trained and experienced in improving the environment of our communities. Our local crew offers free evaluations so your household has a better understanding of your home’s needs. We also break down the current condition of your insulation and air sealing so you can target pain points and future updates while taking into account your schedule and budget. Contact Koala Insulation of Baltimore to learn more about how our free evaluations can impact your comfort, safety, and savings.