SOUTH KANSAS CITY Blog

What Is the Best R-Value For Insulation?

When you get a new insulation installation, you probably want to know all about your product’s characteristics, from how effective it is to how long it can last without having to be replaced again soon. But there is more to consider, namely: what is the best R-value for insulation?

Property owners who seek new garage, wall, or attic insulation might be scratching their chins about the whole fuss about R-values. But it is a crucial part of choosing the right type of insulation that works best for your home and your overall needs. Since choosing the perfect insulation material is dependent on your climate zone, we’ll share with you the recommended regional R-values, as well as answer your frequently asked questions about the right R-value for insulation.

Your Kansas City insulation pros at Koala Insulation have been in the home service industry for many years, with their main focus on improving energy efficiency and maintaining indoor comfort. In short, we help our clients through their energy saving journey by providing them with high-quality insulation products, installations, and many other helpful services. In this blog, we’ll explore the recommended R-value for insulation and the types of material that provide the typical R-value.

What Is R-Value?

R-value was created to help measure insulation effectiveness based on the product’s resistance to heat flow. Technically, it’s a two-dimensional barrier designed to reduce the rate of heat flow. However, you don’t just measure the insulating properties of your window, drywall, or ceiling on their own, but once they are “complete” with accompanying insulating materials.

Scientists measure insulation levels by analyzing heat that passes through the material. This allows them to test the thermal conductivity, which is the rate at which heat is transferred by conduction. When we talk about reducing heat transfer, the goal is to prevent rapid heat loss. So, generally, the higher the R-value for insulation, the more insulating properties you get out of a material.

Regional R-Value for Insulation | Kansas

When it comes to determining the best R-value for insulation, it depends on your local climate. The United States is divided into seven climate zones and each of them has a different recommended R-value for specific spaces in homes. And, of course, the colder the climate, the higher R-value requirements.

In this blog, we’ll focus on Zone 4, 5, and 6 to get a rough idea of what the best R-value is for the state of Kansas because in terms of its climate and weather patterns, it’s kind of split into thirds, which means there is a temperature difference, as well as humidity levels determined by precipitation. We’ll try to determine the best R-value for insulation based on the average.

Types of Insulation and Their R-Values:

Choosing the right type for installation is usually the toughest part, so our goal is to inform as much as possible, as well as provide enough pros and cons to help our clients make the right choice. Of course, we always complete the necessary inspection service in advance because each home is built uniquely; plus, it’s exposed to a different weather pattern compared to neighbors ten miles north. Paying attention to these little details will help you find the best level of R-value for insulation. The most common types include:

Blown-In Insulation

Blown-in is often referred to as loose-fill insulation and can be made of fiberglass or cellulose. It’s cost-efficient and easy to install, allowing you to fill every nook and cranny with perfect ease, including walls and ceiling joists. One advantage is that it can be installed on top of old material, and there is no need to remove structures like your drywall.

• Cellulose R-value: R-3.2 to 3.8 per inch
• Fiberglass R-value: R-3.1 to 3.4 per inch

Cellulose, when installed properly, can last for over 20 years and is better at retaining its R-value than fiberglass; however, cellulose is not moisture resistant and isn’t the best choice as an air barrier. Fiberglass, while mold and mildew resistant, will become less effective once it comes in contact with moisture. Homeowners who vote against fiberglass find that cellulose is more environmentally friendly.

Batt Insulation

Batt is affordable and offers a wide range of benefits. Koala Insulation offers three different types with different levels of thickness.

• Fiberglass: Fiberglass batts are ideal for walls, floors, and ceilings and work really well when installed as attic insulation. In the form of batts and rolls, fiberglass offers more density than loose-fill. Its R-value is: 3.1 to 3.4 per inch.
• Mineral Wool: Made of raw minerals and synthetic binding materials, mineral wool has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. Besides fire safety and reducing noise pollution, it’s superior in preventing heat loss. It typically has an R-value of R-4 per inch, but depending on its thickness, it can vary between R-3.7 – 4.2.
• Denim Cotton: As one of the most environmentally friendly insulation materials, denim cotton is entirely recycled and efficient in resisting thermal conductivity. But due to its raw material and structure, it’s not moisture resistant, thus, not a good vapor barrier if you have moisture problems in your home. Its R-value is at R-3.5 per inch.

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam is probably the most effective and reliable of all the insulation products, but it’s also more expensive than your standard fiberglass or cellulose. If your goal is to enhance the strength of your home structures and wave goodbye to heat loss, spray foam is the ultimate winner. Furthermore, it helps you manage your energy bills; plus, it is the longest lasting insulation product in the market and deemed to last for as long as your house. It serves as the best vapor barrier and air barrier that promotes indoor air quality and prevents energy loss. There is a reason why spray foam has the best R-value for insulation. There are also two types of spray foam to consider:

• Open Cell: Open cell is lighter in material and only one layer of foam which expands. Its R-value is at R-3.6 to R-3.9 per inch and it’s suitable for milder climates with less fluctuating temperatures.
• Closed Cell: A closed cell unit is generally denser and consists of more foam layers. It’s completely moisture resistant and provides an R-value of R-7 per inch, and, thus, it has the best R-value for insulation.

What is the Right R-Value Insulation for Walls?

Exterior walls should have R-13 to R-23 with an average of R-18. This can easily be achieved with fiberglass or mineral wool batts, whether you have 2x4 or 2x6 walls (internal and external). Batts must be properly installed by a certified technician to optimally reduce heat transfer. Technicians will also complete an air sealing service around windows and doors to maximize energy efficiency.

We have seen property owners use DIY-friendly foam board insulation, which is also an option. Its R-value ranges between 3.6 and 4 per inch but can be enhanced with extra layers. Unfortunately, there are many risks to committing errors during the installation process. If not tightly fitted, it will be prone to air infiltration which can potentially lead to moisture issues and material degradation, such as shrinkage.

When hiring Koala Insulation, we’ll always go the extra mile to inspect for any underlying issues that may call for repair services, such as fixing up foundation cracks or detecting water damage that may require a siding or drywall replacement. But we view this opportunity as a way of choosing the best possible solution, which includes a high R-value for insulation.

What About R-Value Insulation for Attics?

Attics are a space of myths, especially when not used as a living space. It’s where heat rises up and dissipates. It’s also where air circulation takes place by providing your home with adequate air movement. That’s why it’s important to have functioning ventilation systems, such as your soffit vents and gable vents. Plumbing vent pipes are designed to discharge sewer gasses and odors out of your home.

Besides healthy ventilation, you also need a good R-value for insulation. One thing about attics is that they often benefit from layering. It’s often possible to combine different types of insulation to enhance thermal performance, depending on the specific spot. For a space that’s very prone to air leakage and vapor, the recommended R-value for attics ranges from R-38 to R60, with R-49 being a good average. With the right density and thickness, as well as professional air sealing services, you can go very far. Batt materials are good for ceiling joists and wall studs and provide the necessary insulating properties. Spray foam, on the other hand, will go the extra mile to block out moisture. Also, by filling small cracks and crevices, including the attic rafters, you won’t ever experience a pest infestation. But we still recommend that you take proper care of your exterior roof and gutter system.

What’s the Best R-Value For Roof Insulation?

Similar to the previous point, roof insulation takes place in your attic. If you have a finished attic, the installation will likely take place between your ceiling rafters to control the transfer of heat. An R-value of R-38 to R60 is a good choice. Batt material like mineral wool could provide you with that. But if you want to strengthen your rafter structure for many years to come, opting for spray foam will give you long-term benefits.

What is the Best R-Value Insulation For Garages?

Depending on the use of your garage, R-14 to 16 is the most standard R-value for insulation. But if it’s connected to your house and partly conditioned, you should choose a higher R-value for insulation; otherwise, your garage may be the ultimate area for heat loss. Both foam and fiberglass products are great to use for garage walls. Also keep in mind that it’s also possible to insulate your garage door, which is highly recommended. You’d benefit from a minimum rating of R-10, but the higher the better and ensure it’s weatherproof.

You may get away with R-16 if you use your garage as a gym or a workshop, but for added comfort, a higher R-value for insulation may turn out to be more beneficial.

Is An R-Value of 5 Per Inch Good?

It certainly is! It’s slightly above the average too. But besides the R-value for insulation, there are other important factors to keep in mind, such as the product’s level of efficiency, its sensitivities and how long they last. Your local climate and house play a huge role in determining which system works best for you, but we also understand that budget is also a crucial factor to consider.

When hiring your local pros at Koala Insulation, we will guarantee high-quality products, workmanship and excellent customer service. We’ll carefully inspect your home, complete a small energy audit and help you choose the best R-value for insulation, combined with exceptional service.

Got More Questions About R-Value for Insulation? Ask Koala Insulation!

We understand that insulation products can be complicated, and every property has its own unique needs, not to mention the climate zone you live in. At Koala Insulation, we take every detail into consideration, which is why we always go the extra mile to complete proper inspections and energy audits to help our clients determine the best insulation R-value for their residential or commercial property.

Feel free to call our friendly customer service staff at the South Kansas City location at (816) 929 8255 today! Find out more about how we can help you manage your monthly energy bills and also increase your indoor comfort!

We also specialize in insulation removal and solar attic fan installation.