Information On Fiberglass Insulation R Value
If you are building a new home or making renovations to your existing one, you will hear much about installing insulation for increased energy efficiency. Whether it is wall, ceiling or floor insulation, your decision will be based on how effectively they keep your home warm and dry. If you are looking at different materials and find it hard to choose between them, we will be looking more specifically at fiberglass insulation r values, and this might assist you in making the best decision for your needs.
The efficiency of insulation has a rating system better known as the R-value of the material. The R-value is defined as the resistance a material has to combat the flow of heat through it and effectively preventing the loss of such heat. Its abilities will be directly reflected in the price, because it requires more material to be more efficient hence the increased price.
Fiberglass Batt Insulation
There are two different types of fiberglass insulation known as rolled and batt, and they are by far the two most commonly used in homes all around the world. It comes in various R-values, lengths, widths and densities, and they can be used in just about any part of the home like attics, ceilings, walls and floors. These abilities it has to preserve heat can also differ from one manufacturer to the next, so it will be best to shop around and get quality for your money.
The competency of the material is measured as the R-value per inch, e. G. Fiberglass batt’s r-value is 3.14 – 4.30 per inch. The rolls or batt of this material come in ready made R-values to be used in different parts of the house. The value you are supposed to use for different areas of the house will differ not just from each other, but also vary according to where your home is situated and the weather conditions you will experience.
The most common guide is as follows: for ceilings or attics, use close to a R-49 which could equate to about 16 inches of fiberglass; for walls, use about R-11 to R-15, and R-25 for very cold climates in your floor or R-11 if the climate is mild. Some material can lose some of its R-value with age or some conditions like moisture, but fiberglass has been found not to absorb any moisture, therefore it will not lose its efficacy. Other benefits of this product is that it: holds its form, does not deteriorate easily and is fire resistant or even fireproof.
One of best advantages of these great fiberglass insulation R values is that it is one of the most cost effective ways to keep your home warm or cool. In addition it acts as a wonderful buffer against noise from outside sources, which is great when you live close to, or in town. Similarly, it can also be utilized to dampen noise coming from a loud teenager’s blasting stereo, definitely worth it!
Photo Credits
All photos in this page are courtesy by the following authors:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chimothy27/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/anneh632/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/moosicorn/
