With 90% of homes under-insulated, the vast majority of people are throwing money away on their monthly energy bills. But there are plenty of reasons why your insulation might not be working as well as it should.

The expert insulation contractors at Minnesota, Texas, and Colorado-based Bulldog Contractors say R-Value is a key factor for making sure you’re putting in the right type of insulation, but it’s not the only one to consider. Below, they provide an overview of R-value and why it matters.

What Is R-Value? 

R-value is a measure of an insulation material’s ability to keep heat from passing through. The higher it is, the higher the heat resistance is. To put it differently, buildings in colder climates need to use a higher R-value insulation to stay at a comfortable temperature.

Insulation Types 

Fiberglass, wool, cellulose, and spray foam are a few of the most common insulation types. For each of them, a thicker application means a higher R-value, even though the material is the same. An insulation contractor can do an inspection to see which material and thickness is best to keep your building cozy.

Old Homes Beware

Older homes tend to need more insulation than newer ones. Was yours built over a decade ago? It’s probably time to bring in the insulation contractor for an inspection.

Other Factors

R-value isn’t the only factor influencing the effectiveness of insulation. Any cracks, crevices, or gaps in any part of your house can let in air from the outside. If cold air rushes through holes in the wall every time the wind blows, even the best insulation becomes useless. 

If you’re one of the millions of people living in an under-insulated home, contact the experts at Bulldog Contracting by calling (800) 888-2855 or visit the website. In addition to the Minnesota, Texas, and Colorado locations offering insulation services, they’re also roofing and siding contractors and custom deck builders. Get in touch, and see why they’ve gained a reputation for being the ones to call anytime your home or business needs a fix.