Homeowners often look for ways to lower their energy bills, and one of the best ways to do so is by investing in insulation. But not all insulation is created equal; different materials come with different R-Values. So what exactly is an R-Value, and why should you care when it comes to spray foam insulation? Let’s dive into the details.
What is an R-Value?
R-Value stands for “resistance value” and is a measure of how well a material resists the transfer of heat. The higher the number, the better job it will do at insulating your home from outdoor temperatures. Generally speaking, most homes should aim for an R-value between 19 and 38 depending on where you live and which type of insulation you use.
Why Does It Matter?
Understanding your home’s R-Value can help you maximize efficiency when heating or cooling your home, allowing you to save money in the long run. Investing in proper insulation can also help keep moisture out of your walls and floors, preventing the growth of mold and mildew. This can have a huge impact on air quality; if left unchecked, mold spores can cause health issues such as asthma or allergies in people living in your home.
How Does Spray Foam Insulation Help?
Spray foam insulation works by expanding after it has been applied to fill any gaps or cracks in your walls or ceilings that could be letting warm air escape during winter months or cool air escape during summer months. This helps create a tighter seal around windows, doors, plumbing pipes, electrical lines—anything that could be creating weak spots in your home’s energy envelope. Spray foam insulation generally has an R-value between 6–7 per inch, making it one of the most efficient types of insulation available on the market today.
3 Tips to Improve Your Home’s Insulation
Keep in mind the following three tips:
1. Schedule an energy audit
Have a professional come in and take a look at your home’s insulation levels to get an accurate read on what type of insulation may be best suited for your needs.
2. Make sure any existing insulation is up-to-date:
Older types of insulation like blow-in or fiberglass may have an R-value of just 2–3—not nearly enough to adequately protect your home. Consider replacing it with higher-quality materials if needed.
3. Invest in attic ventilation:
This will help regulate temperatures throughout the year and give a boost to your insulation efforts.
Conclusion:
Insulating your home properly can make a huge difference when it comes to reducing energy costs while also improving the air quality inside your residence over time. When looking into what type of insulation makes the most sense for you, be sure to research each option carefully before making a decision – understanding an option’s R-value is essential when comparing different types of materials like spray foam insulation and fiberglass batting, as this will determine just how effective it will be at helping you save money over time! With some careful consideration up front, installing spray foam insulation can lead to long-term savings that will pay off tenfold down the road!
For more information, contact https://www.ottawainsulations.ca today.
