At Insulation Hamilton we’ve had a lot of people ask us what R-Value is, or they are misinformed as to what it is.
But what is R-value, and why is it significant?
Understanding this notion is critical for choosing the best insulation for your home and maximizing energy efficiency.
What exactly is R-Value?
A material’s R-value measures its thermal resistance, or capacity to resist heat transmission.
The higher the R-value of the insulation, the more effective it will be at keeping your home pleasant and energy-efficient.
Various parameters, including material type, thickness, and density, determine R-value. R-value per inch is commonly used to grade insulation materials, with higher R-values indicating stronger heat resistance.
What is the significance of the R-Value?
Proper insulation is essential for keeping your home pleasant and lowering energy expenditures.
With appropriate insulation, your home might retain heat in the winter and gain heat in the summer, increasing energy consumption and costs.
You can improve your home’s thermal resistance and reduce energy waste by choosing insulation with a higher R-value.
This can result in significant long-term cost savings and a more comfortable living environment.
Examples of R-Value in Use
Consider the following examples to understand R-value better:
- A house with R-11 insulation has less thermal resistance than one with R-19 insulation, and this indicates that a home with R-19 insulation will use less energy to keep a suitable inside temperature.
- To successfully trap heat indoors, a residence in a cold area may require insulation with a higher R-value. This can result in decreased energy expenses and a more comfortable living situation.
- A home with outdated or insufficient insulation may have a lower R-value than a modern one, increasing energy consumption and costs.
R-Value Information from the Past
The notion of R-value has been established for almost a century, but it was widely embraced as a standard measure of insulation in the 1970s.
Previously, insulation was often rated just by thickness, which provided an inaccurate estimate of heat resistance.
R-value’s evolution as a standardized measure of insulation has resulted in considerable gains in energy efficiency and thermal performance in homes and buildings.
Building rules now specify specific minimum R-values for various portions of the house, ensuring that dwellings are appropriately insulated and energy-efficient.
Choosing an R-Value for Your Home
Some factors, including your environment, the age and design of your property, and your budget, will determine the R-value of your home.
In general, colder areas require more R-value insulation to efficiently trap heat indoors, while warmer climes may require less insulation.
The Ontario Building Code was amended in 2019 to include adjustments to attic insulation. (Learn more with The Ultimate Guide to Attic Insulation)
They raised the R-Value recommendation from R50 to R60.
This modification was performed to improve house energy efficiency and save electricity.
The province of Ontario is divided into two zones: Zone 1 and Zone 2, and R60 to R80 are the recommended R-Value for these zones.
Here are some suggestions to help you understand the recommended R-Values for attics:
- R-50: Standard insulation, requiring 15 to 19 inches of insulation.
- R-60: Excellent insulation, requiring 19 to 22 inches of insulation.
- R-70: Superior insulation, requiring 22 to 25 inches of insulation.
- R-80 is the best insulation, requiring 25 to 28 inches of insulation.
Our Reminder To You
It’s crucial to remember that while greater R-values can improve energy efficiency, they can also be more expensive.
When choosing insulation, consider the initial expense and the possible long-term savings from increased energy efficiency.
Other elements to consider when choosing insulation, besides R-value, are the type of material, its environmental impact, and installation requirements.
Connect with us today as our professional insulation contractors can assist you in determining the best insulation alternatives for your home and budget.