How to Choose the Right R-Value When Insulating Your Home

Before you install insulation in your home, it is vital that you choose the right R-value. If you select the wrong R-value, you may experience drastic temperature fluctuations in your home. You will also experience increased heating and cooling costs because your home will not be able to adequately maintain its internal temperature. 

What’s the Right R-Value for My Home?

The R-value refers to the insulation’s ability to resist heat flow. Insulation with a higher R-value can better insulate your home and resist heat flow.

The specific R-value that you should use for your home will vary based on several factors, including how big the space is, what type of insulation you are using, and where you live.

Another key factor that influences what R-value you need is what area of your home you are insulating. For instance, let’s say that you reside in Florida and need to insulate both your attic and crawl space. Generally speaking, you will probably need R30 to R49 for your attic and R13 to R19 for your crawl space.

The best way to choose the right insulation is to consult with an experienced contractor. 

Spray Insulation vs. Fiberglass Insulation 

In addition to selecting an R-value, you will also need to choose between fiberglass insulation and spray insulation. Spray insulation is the most energy-efficient insulation material. It can help drive down energy costs, especially in hot, humid environments like Florida. 

However, fiberglass insulation is a viable insulation option as well. It is more cost-effective than spray insulation and can certainly get the job done. While it will not increase your home’s energy efficiency as much as spray insulation, it is definitely a good choice for particular applications.

Before you invest in spray foam or fiberglass insulation, make sure to seek guidance from an insulation contractor. An experienced contractor can help you choose the right R-value and insulation type for your intended application.