Energy Blog

What is R-Value?

June 10, 2017

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It’s important to know what R-Value you are looking for when determining what insulation will be best for your home or business.

To find the right R-Value you need to consider the following:

● the climate your building is located in,

● what part of the building you are insulating,

● how much you are wanting to spend on insulation,

● and the type of insulation you think will work best for you.

The “R” in R-Value stands for resistance. It’s a measurement of the insulation’s thermal resistance. Insulation is designed to trap the heat coming into, or traveling out of your home through conduction. As it traps the air, it prevents the temperature of your home from equalizing with the outdoors.

The more thermal resistance your insulation provides, the more efficient it is at slowing down this process.

How much “R” do you need?

In Arkansas, we deal with some pretty harsh summer heat. So we insulate our buildings a little differently than they would in the northern states. The Department of Energy recommends using insulation rated from R-30 to R-60 in the attic of a wooden Arkansas home. R-13 to R-15 in walls and R-25 under the floor.

These numbers will differ based on the type of building you are insulating.

Are you re-insulating or wanting to add more insulation to your building? A well insulated building is great for the environment and for your wallet when it comes time to pay the electric bill. If you’ve got questions about which insulation would be best for your building, give Reeves Insulation a call at 870-793-2623. Our team has over 30 years of experience in home efficiency and insulation.

Installation matters.

The amount of thermal resistance your insulation provides significantly decreases if the insulation is not installed properly. If you are planning to do your own insulation, stick with fiberglass.

Fiberglass is relatively easy to install. Don’t forget to protect your eyes, wear a mask and wear clothing that covers as much skin as you can.

In our experience, the amount you save by DIY-ing your own fiberglass doesn’t compare to the long-term value of foam insulation. Foam has the highest R-Value per inch. Unlike fiberglass and cellulose, it doesn’t just protect your building from heat through conduction. It also offers protection from heat through convection.

That’s right, R-Value isn’t the only thing keeping your home temperature-happy.

Heat can enter your home through conduction, convection and radiation. Good insulation has conduction covered. Deflective sheathing helps prevent heat from entering your house through radiation.

Convection is a little more tricky.

Builders and insulation experts also have to consider the best way to prevent heat from entering the building through cracks and crevices. Foam insulation, if installed properly, provides your building with a nearly air-tight sealant. It can fill even the most unique spaces.

Even with it’s air-tight sealing and structure supporting properties, spray foam insulation has enough flexibility to move with your building as it experiences structural movement over the seasons and years.

Learn more about spray foam insulation here:

https://www.reevesinsulationllc.com/services/spray-foam-insulation/

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If you want all the benefits of spray foam insulation, call us today! (870) 307-2373

Reeves Insulation has been in business, in the Batesville area, for over 30 years offering insulation, replacement windows, air sealing, and weatherization. Owner, Marvin Reeves started in the general contracting industry and his background has transferred over to Insulation and Home Energy Conservation, providing homeowners and businesses energy efficiency services to lower energy bills. Our business is family owned and operated and our goal is to provide you the best job at an affordable cost.