Understanding the R-Value

The R-value is the rating given to insulation that shows how effectively it holds back heat, or in other words it thermal resistance.

When it comes to insulation, the higher the R-value the better the product. The R-value is the rating given to insulation that shows how effectively it holds back heat, or in other words it thermal resistance.

To give you an idea of some common R-values, bare concrete usually rates about an R-1 while the insulation in the attic of many newer homes often rates around R-44.

While thicker insulation generally has a higher R-value, this can vary depending on the type of material used for insulation. Materials that have air pockets throughout usually have higher R-values. You can see how this works when looking at the various R-values of different insulating materials. To get an R-value of R-38 you could use 10 inches of rock wool loose fill, 12 inches of fiberglass batting, or several inches of expanding foam.

As you can see different products require different thickness to provide the same R-value. Rock wool has an R-value per inch of 3.0-3.3, while fiberglass has an R-value per inch of 2.2-2.7. Cellulose comes with an R-value per inch of 3.2-3.8.

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