Home insulation keeps your house at a comfortable temperature while reducing your energy bills. When it’s time to call professionals for installation or replacement, consider the R-value of the product you choose. Use this guide to learn more about this rating and how it affects your property’s energy efficiency.

What Is R-Value?

This is a measurement of a material’s resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater an insulator’s ability to prevent temperature transfer.

These values depend on many variables, including a material’s formulation, density, thickness, and number of layers. No matter what type of insulation you choose, two materials with the same R-value are equally effective.

Why Is the Right R-Value Important for Insulation?

Home insulation should prevent heat from entering and leaving the interior, so an R-value that’s too low could leave your space uncomfortably hot in the summer and cold in the winter. This also increases HVAC strain, increasing utility bills.

While you might think the highest possible R-value is best, it isn’t necessary for every household. A home’s heating and cooling system, the area of the house being insulated, and the climate of the state determine the right insulation range.

The U.S. Department of Energy divides different climate regions into zones for suggested R-values. New attics in Houston need insulating wall materials that have R-values between R-30 and R-60. For floors, the range is R-13 to R-19. The value increases the more material is added to a surface.

If you need to add home insulation, contact the experts at Lone Star Spray Foam Services. Serving homeowners throughout the Houston, TX, area, this company specializes in spray foam technology. Whether you need work on a new construction or replacement insulation in a specific space, you can depend on their skilled team to complete the job with precision. Call (281) 714-1244 to request a free quote or visit their website for more information about their residential services.