The level of insulation in a home is specified by an R-value, which is a measure of the insulation's ability to resist the heat that passes through it. The higher the R-value, the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The easiest and most cost-effective way to insulate your home is to add insulation to the attic. You can measure the thickness of the attic insulation with a ruler and multiply the number of inches by the R-value of that particular insulation to get an insulation rating.
The Department of Energy's insulation fact sheet provides information on how to determine the R-value using this technique. The information provided in table 1 may also be useful. Insulation indexes are measured in R-values per inch of thickness. Insulation R-values vary depending on the type, thickness and density of the insulating material.
Generally, a higher insulation R rating means better climate control and better energy efficiency for your home. A certified attic specialist can explain the R-value of attic insulation, the right amount of insulation, and more. Adding more layers of insulation to exterior walls is essential to achieve a higher R-value and better thermal performance. For example, homeowners in the southern United States can begin insulating their attic with materials that have R-values in the range of R30 to R60 and insulation ratings of R13 to R19 for floors.
To minimize cooling and heat transfer costs, it is essential that floors, exterior walls and narrow spaces of the home are properly insulated and, above all, in the attic. The effectiveness of an insulated wall or ceiling also depends on how and where the insulation is installed. You can rely on certified attic specialists for any type of insulation installation, no matter how complex. For example, if your attic already has fiberglass insulation blankets installed, you can improve its R-value by installing blown cellulose insulation on top of the blankets.
In addition, for businesses and consumers who are concerned about misleading advertising, improper installation, and other insulation-related issues, there is a Federal Trade Commission standard designed to protect them (Title 16, Business Practices, Part 460, Labeling and Advertising of Home Insulation). In general, understanding how insulation is installed can give you an idea of its comparison with other types of insulation. It's very important to understand that how insulation is installed is almost as important as its R value.
