What is R-value?
R-value is a measure of resistance to heat flow through a given thickness of material, that means the higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. R-value also depends on the type of insulation, its density, and its thickness. There are some insulation types which their R-value depends on temperature, moisture accumulation, and aging. You might be asking yourself, what’s the difference between R40 and R50 and R60 insulation?
So, by installing more insulation to your property it increases the R-value and the resistance to heat flow. The amount of R-value or insulation that you need also depends on your climate, cooling system, type of heating and the part of the house that you want to insulate. For example, a colder climate requires higher R-values than a milder.
In a few words, if you want to get the best out of your insulation project, and the optimum in thermal efficiency for your property, you have to develop a thorough understanding of what exactly R values are, what R value you need for your property, and how they work.
What Insulation has the Best R Value?
A higher R-value isn’t always required for every home, because we have to get used to the idea that there is no ‘best’ R-value. The requirements for certain R-values are within the Building Code. Different regions are broken up into different ‘climate zones’, and each zone requires a different minimum R value which is based on its climate. For example, homes which are located in climate zones that are extremely cold require a minimum R value of 6, while homes that are located in extremely hot climate zones require R value of 3 or 4.
Even though R value of 7 is more effective than the R value of 3, if you live in a home that is located in a hot climate zone, it would be wasteful and unnecessarily expensive to install insulation with an R value of 7. The best insulation R value is the one that suits your environment’s unique conditions the most effectively.
Attic Insulation R Value New York
The recommended R value from professionals for attic insulation in New York is R 50 and R 60. So, in general a higher R value means a better insulated attic. You have to also know that the areas of New York are the ones where you will need the highest R value to be able to optimally insulate your attic.
Also keep in mind that every type of insulation work should be according to New York Building Code. In any case that you already have an isolated attic, you can do a quick calculation to know the R value by looking at the type of insulation:
Rock Wool: Usually black, yellow, gray, it looks like real wool. Try to calculate the R value through (2.8 * insulation depth).
Fiberglass: It looks like loose fibers with a light-weight pink, yellow or white color. To calculate its R value the calculation is (2.5* insulation depth).
Cellulose: It seems like small gray flat pieces of fibers. To calculate its R value you should calculate (3.7* insulation depth).
Vermiculite and Perlite: To calculate its R value the calculation is (2.7* insulation depth).
New York Insulation Zone 1 & 2
The level of R Value that is required for insulation and the type of insulation recommended for two areas of New York are the same. Still, there are some internal changes due to the presence of absence in your attic.
In the event that your veiling has an attic, the insulation type must be greater:
- Good insulation: R 60, with Blown or Batt Insulation
- Better Insulation: R 70, with Blown or Batt Insulation
- Best Insulation: R 80, with Blown or Batt Insulation
All the requirements on the list that we provided above exceed the minimum requirements of the Supplementary Standard SB-12 of the 2017 New York Building Code. You should keep in mind that if you want to start to build or insulation your attic is always better to have the local building department check and validate the thermal resistance.
Why is Spray Foam Insulation Superior?
Heat comes in from outside in the summer and leaves your home in the winter. Air leakage accounts for 40% of a home’s energy and temperature loss. By tightening your home the insulation will be more effective, this is why spray foam insulation is so superior to other types of insulation.
Spray foam insulation is more environmentally-friendly than other types of insulation. Due to low percentage of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and because it has no food value, it doesn’t allow the growth of bacterias and fungus, keeping your home greener and healthier.
The thickness of spray foam insulation is determined by different factors. Spray foam insulation value is rated by its R value which is used to measure the resistance to heat flow. The R value of spray foam insulation is different, it is contingent on the type of spray foam insulation being applied. Spray foam insulation is in two types, open cell and closed cell.
- Open cell R value is about 3.5 per inch.
- Closed cell R value ranges from 5.0 to 7.0 per inch.
In both types of spray foam insulation R value could be different depending on the product.
How Thick Should Spray Foam Insulation Be?
The answer to this question depends on certain factors. The building code recommends that the insulation levels should be relative to the climate zone and the part of the structure being insulated. It is also necessary to examine the degree of moisture permeability that is needed. These factors determine the R value and also whether open cell or closed cell spray foam insulation should be installed.
Why Solve?
Solve’s insulation team strives to provide the best quality products and the highest standard of expertise. Our professionalism and experience goal is that you never have to worry about anything less than thorough and complete workmanship. Our professionals will guide you from the consultation to the execution stage. Contact us for your free estimate.
