If you are looking at insulation or industrial refrigeration panels in California then you have likely noticed that insulation is rated by R-Value, but what does this mean? To understand what R-Value is you must first understand how insulation works. Once you understand this, you will see how simple R-Value really is.
How it Works
Insulation works, quite simply, by preventing the transfer of energy. An insulator does not have to be for temperature insulation; it can also be electrical. There are many different types of insulators, but they all work on this same basic principal. So, insulation prevents the flow of energy, but how does this work to keep your home warm or cool?
Heat is energy. By blocking the flow of energy, you are blocking heat from transferring. Since heat cannot transfer, it is trapped either outside of your home or inside, depending on how you keep your thermostat set.
What is R-Value?
OK, so now you know how insulation works, you can probably guess what the R-Value is. The R-Value of insulation is how much energy it can block from transferring. Obviously thinner materials are going to have a lower R-Value, so if you bought a 1/2” thick sheet of foam insulation, it is going to insulate much better than a 1/8” sheet will. Likewise, by using thicker fiberglass insulation you will get a higher R-Value, but the best and easiest way to increase your R-Value is simply to buy a higher rated insulation.
This is just a very brief overview of what R-Value is and how insulation works, but it should give you a better idea of what to look for when you are shopping for insulation. In moderate climate areas, you can usually use a lower R-Value insulation which will cost less, but not be as effective. If you live in a more extreme climate, hot or cold, then you will benefit more from having a high R-Value in order to retain or keep out as much heat as possible.