top of page
Search
Thermal King
Apr 29, 20242 min read

Understanding the R-Value of Blown-In Insulation: What You Need to Know

Updated: May 5, 2024

When it comes to insulating your home, understanding the R-value of insulation is crucial. The R-value measures the effectiveness of insulation in resisting heat transfer, with higher values indicating greater insulation efficiency. In this blog post, we'll explore the significance of the R-value specifically in the context of blown-in insulation, helping you make informed decisions to improve your home's energy efficiency and comfort.


What is the R-Value?

The R-value is a numerical rating assigned to insulation materials, representing their thermal resistance. It measures how well the insulation resists the flow of heat, with higher R-values indicating greater resistance and therefore better insulation performance. In simpler terms, the higher the R-value, the better the insulation's ability to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.


Understanding Blown-In Insulation:

Blown-in insulation, also known as loose-fill insulation, consists of small particles of fiberglass, cellulose, or other materials blown into attics, walls, or other cavities using specialized equipment. The R-value of blown-in insulation depends on factors such as the material used, the density of the insulation, and the thickness of the installed layer.


The image depicts a color-coded map of the United States, illustrating different attic insulation levels based on geographic zones. The title "ATTIC INSULATION LEVELS" is written at the top. Below the map is a table that provides insulation recommendations from the Department of Energy, CertainTeed, and the 2012 IECC requirements for each zone. **Zones and Corresponding Colors:** - **Zone 1 (Red):** Southern Florida - **Department of Energy Recommendations:** R-30 to R-49 - **CertainTeed's Recommendations:** R-49 - **2012 IECC Requirement:** R-30 - **Zone 2 (Orange):** Southern regions like Texas, Georgia, and parts of California - **Department of Energy Recommendations:** R-30 to R-60 - **CertainTeed's Recommendations:** R-60 - **2012 IECC Requirement:** R-38 - **Zone 3 (Yellow):** Areas including central Texas, North Carolina, and central California - **Department of Energy Recommendations:** R-30 to R-60 - **CertainTeed's Recommendations:** R-60 - **2012 IECC Requirement:** R-38 - **Zone 4 (Light Green):** Regions covering much of the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Northwest - **Department of Energy Recommendations:** R-38 to R-60 - **CertainTeed's Recommendations:** R-60 - **2012 IECC Requirement:** R-49 - **Zone 5 (Dark Green):** Northern states like Wisconsin, New York, and Washington - **Department of Energy Recommendations:** R-49 to R-60 - **CertainTeed's Recommendations:** R-60 - **2012 IECC Requirement:** R-49 - **Zone 6 (Light Blue):** Northeastern states and mountainous regions like Colorado and Montana - **Department of Energy Recommendations:** R-49 to R-60 - **CertainTeed's Recommendations:** R-60 - **2012 IECC Requirement:** R-49 - **Zone 7 (Purple):** Northernmost parts, including Maine and parts of Minnesota - **Department of Energy Recommendations:** R-49 to R-60 - **CertainTeed's Recommendations:** R-60 - **2012 IECC Requirement:** R-49 **Notes:** - The map is accompanied by a table that specifies the Department of Energy's recommendations, CertainTeed's recommendations, and the 2012 IECC requirements for each zone. - A note at the bottom mentions that the 2012 IECC requirement is the minimum standard required for federal tax credit eligibility.

Factors Affecting R-Value:

  1. Material Type: Different insulation materials have varying R-values per inch of thickness. Fiberglass and cellulose are commonly used materials for blown-in insulation, each with its own R-value per inch.

  2. Density: The density of blown-in insulation affects its R-value. Higher-density insulation typically has a higher R-value because it provides better thermal resistance.

  3. Thickness: The thickness of the insulation layer also influences its R-value. Increasing the thickness of blown-in insulation increases its R-value and improves overall insulation performance.


Benefits of High R-Value Blown-In Insulation:

  1. Enhanced Energy Efficiency: Blown-in insulation with a high R-value effectively reduces heat transfer, helping to maintain consistent indoor temperatures and reduce the workload on heating and cooling systems. This results in lower energy bills and improved energy efficiency.

  2. Increased Comfort: By minimizing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, high R-value blown-in insulation creates a more comfortable indoor environment year-round, free from drafts and temperature fluctuations.

  3. Long-Term Savings: Investing in high R-value blown-in insulation pays off in the long run through reduced energy bills and lower maintenance costs. Its durability and longevity ensure lasting insulation performance for years to come.


The R-value of blown-in insulation plays a crucial role in determining its effectiveness in insulating your home. By understanding the significance of R-value and choosing blown-in insulation with a high R-value, you can improve your home's energy efficiency, comfort, and overall performance. Whether you're upgrading existing insulation or insulating a new construction, prioritize high R-value blown-in insulation for optimal results and long-term savings.

Ready to upgrade your home's insulation with high R-value blown-in insulation? Our expert team specializes in installing top-quality insulation that maximizes energy efficiency and comfort in your home. With our knowledge and experience, we'll ensure your insulation is installed correctly for optimal performance, helping you save on energy bills and enjoy year-round comfort. Contact us today to schedule an installation and start reaping the benefits of improved insulation!

(770) 696-3779

‭(770) 876-9389‬


72 views0 comments

Comments

bottom of page