First Things First, What is R-Value?
Each type of insulation material, like cellulose insulation, fiberglass insulation and spray foam insulation, is rated on its R-value, or thermal resistance. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation material is. Installing more insulation of any type will increase the R-value and resistance to heat flow throughout your home.
When you choose the S & E Insulation team at Allrite, rest assured our crews will take a thorough look at your home to determine how much insulation you need and what material is right for you.
The R-Values of Different Types of Insulation
There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution for insulation. While cellulose insulation works well for finished walls and hard-to-reach places, blanket fiberglass insulation is best for unfinished walls and floors. You can mix and layer different types of insulation to improve your home’s R-value.
Did you know siding can contribute to your home’s R-value?
You can improve your home’s insulation with insulated vinyl siding. With a profiled foam backer attached directly to the vinyl, this rigid siding has additional support to prevent cracking and warping. These products are available in more widths and thicknesses than traditional vinyl siding and are still available in a wide variety of colors and textures. Although it requires a larger investment, insulated back vinyl siding can also improve your home’s R-value and energy efficiency, saving you money in the long run!
The Right R-Value for Your Home
A home does not have one R-value. Instead, R-value recommendations vary based on the different areas of your house and the climate in which you live. Given the cool and humid climate of Southeastern Wisconsin, your most cost effective levels of insulation will likely fall into the following ranges for specific areas inside your home:
Attics
R49 to R60
Crucial as heat rises and can escape through poorly insulated attics.
2 x 4 Walls
R13 to R15
Helps to maintain temperature and reduce heating and cooling costs.
2 x 6 Walls
Can prevent heat loss and moisture issues, keeping your home dry and comfortable.
Floors
R25 to R30
Helps maintain warmth and prevents drafts above unconditioned spaces.
Crawlspaces
R25 to R30
Can significantly impact your home’s overall energy efficiency.
How do I know if I need to improve my home’s R-value?
There are many signs that the insulation in your home is not doing its job. Be on the lookout for:
- Icicles on your roof. While they may enhance that “winter wonderland” feel, icicles are a sign that the heat you turned on to warm living spaces is escaping into your attic. When the cold corners of your roof meet the warmer attic walls, the moisture condenses and snow melts, forming those icicles. By better insulating your house, the heat will stay where you intended. Ignoring this problem can mean expensive roofing and gutter replacement projects in the future. Learn more >>
- Expensive energy bills. A sure sign that you’re in need of insulation is climbing energy bills. Inside air can easily escape poorly insulated or uninsulated walls, making your your air conditioner or furnace work around the clock to maintain a comfortable temperature. Keep your home comfortable and your bills down by adding new insulation to your walls, floors or attic. See how you can reduce your energy bill >>
- Moisture where it shouldn’t be. More often than not, condensation around windows and doors, ceiling stains when it’s not raining and a damp attic are due to ineffective insulation. Cool air plus warm air leads to condensation in places you don’t want it. Before you look into replacing your roof, windows or doors, have an S & E Insulation consultant check out your home to see if insulation can solve the problem
How to Calculate R-value
R-value is calculated by measuring the depth of the insulation (in inches) and multiplying that number by the R-value of the insulation material used.
For instance, let’s say we wanted to find the R-value of an attic. We would measure the existing depth of the fiberglass insulation. The thickness of the insulation is 12 inches. Since the R-value of fiberglass is roughly 3, the R-value of your attic is about R36, which is under the recommended range.
Big Savings Available on Energy-Efficient Home Improvements in 2025!
Take advantage of some GREAT incentives to improve your home’s energy usage in 2025! With Inflation Reduction Act tax credits, rebates and more – these are the best incentives we’ve seen in years!
Boost Your R-Value
Choosing the right insulation is essential for maintaining energy efficiency throughout the year. Choosing the right insulation experts makes it simpler. As a Focus on Energy Trade Ally and a Century Club Award winner, the S & E Insulation team at Allrite Home & Remodeling is dedicated to helping you and your family feel informed, comfortable and confident in your home improvement decisions.
If you’re ready to upgrade your insulation or have any questions about your options, contact us today!
