Good insulation is necessary for year-round energy efficiency and comfort in your home, but it isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of product.
Different areas of the country need different levels of insulation throughout the year due to differing climates. For example, a home in Florida will not need the same level of insulation as a home in Maine – but the home in Florida still needs the right amount of insulation to ensure comfort and energy efficiency. So how do you know how much insulation is needed for your home in Taylor, TX? One way is to review R-value.
What Does R-Value Mean?
The “r” in R-value stands for the word “resistance”; this is because insulation slows the transfer of heat, i.e., gives resistance to the heat. The number in an R-value rating indicates the level of insulating power that particular type of insulation has; the higher the R-value of a particular type of insulation, the greater its resistance to heat transfer.
How Is the R-Value of Insulation Determined?
The R-value of any kind of insulation depends on three factors:
- Type of insulation
- Its thickness
- Its density
What Factors Influence Needed Insulation Levels?
As mentioned above, homes need varying levels of insulation; determining this level takes into consideration several factors:
- Geographic location
- Climate of location
- Floor plan of the home
- Where the insulation is going (exterior wall, ceiling, etc.)
- Number of stories in your home
- Specialized architecture (vaulted ceilings, wall-to-ceiling windows, etc.)
- Type of foundation (slab, crawlspace, basement)
- Type of heating and cooling systems you have
Can’t I Insulate Myself?
The short answer is: sure you can – but do you really have the skills a professional will bring to the job? Insulation involves a lot: determining what type/s of insulation are best for the different areas in your home, the creating of vapor barriers to protect your home and insulation from excess moisture, installation of radiant barriers in the attic, calculating the correct amount of insulation for your home – the list is long and involved. And unless you can handle all these things and more, it’s best to leave the job to a trained expert.
The insulation in your Taylor, TX, home effects your entire home and everyone in it. If you need help with insulation installation, call the people you can count on: Roznovak.
